As you read this, I’m packing up and preparing to meet several hundred artists in Santa Fe on Monday, when the 7th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) will begin, and I am so excited about it, for several reasons.
For one, I’ve never been out West (unless you count Hawaii or Alaska), and have always wanted to visit the Santa Fe area. I see visions of turquoise and desert, and Western art and history. I associate the area with spirituality, perhaps because of the vastness of nature, and I think I know why — it’s easy for many of us to quiet our thoughts when surrounded by little but land and sky.
Aside from making a list of PACE-related things to do while there,* I’m also planning on what to pack (#1 is comfortable shoes), and reviewing the main website for tips and FAQs. While there, I found an interesting article called “5 Things I Learned at PACE,” where attendees have shared their advice and experiences. Here’s a snippet of the types of things you can learn if you come next week!
“Don’t paint the first thing you see, take a deep breath and evaluate!” ~Maren Smith Phillips
“Symphony is bigger than solo. Individually capable, collectively unbelievable. It’s good to surround ourselves with other artists and those that challenge me to be better than I ever thought I could.” ~Steve Puttrich
“The convention in general was to some degree humbling (in a good way). To see great artists at work and do things that challenge you is a learning opportunity, no matter where you are in your journey.” ~Hans Groeneveld
As I write this, I’m getting more and more pumped! We’ll have the chance to meet some of the highest-caliber plein air artists in person, learn from dozens of demonstrations, and network with others from all over the country. I’ve heard it said that nothing is as contagious as enthusiasm, and so I hope you’ll be able to join us next week in the largest gathering of plein air artists in the world!
*If it’s your first time attending, come see me at the Newcomer’s Orientation, where I have some fun things in store for you! If you’ve been before, feel free to share your advice for first-timers in the comments below!
See you soon!
Cherie
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