Let's Go Outdoors! Plein Air Painting Class

My friend Martha has an absolutely heavenly spot to paint "plein air."  I could not let spring pass without holding a class on the banks of the Tippecanoe River in front of her home.

We have a busy summer, traveling, so this will be the only class I'll teach until the fall.

Noticing Spring

I can't help it, I just have to paint the beauty of the current season!  Spring has been lovely this year - a bit late, but it was worth the waiting.  The cool weather also extended the time to enjoy the display that God sends our way year after year.

I just finished painting the irises that bloom at the entrance to our home.  I was waiting and waiting for them to blossom and when they did, they were spectacular.  They are established and happy after being transplanted 2 - 3 years ago.  

The redbuds in the Indiana woodlands almost exchanged their rosy blossoms for their green leaves before I got up early one morning to find a spot to paint them plein air.  I found a perfect location, off the beaten path, set up my easel and painted for an hour.  It was kind of a secluded area, and after a bit, I decided to take photos, pack up and finish the painting in studio.   I'm so glad I took the time to catch those blossoms because the next day the trees were changing to a beautiful spring green.

Painting Spring

Spring has been very slow in coming, but our spring watercolor class celebrated anyway by painting the flowers of spring - tulips and daffodils.  

Pastel Inspiration

Three years ago on an art trip visiting Monet's garden, I was struck by the last dahlia blooming behind the flourishing irises.  The vibrant color of the blossom contrasted by the dark green leafy background called out to be painted.  I've had the photo in my studio and finally decided it was time to try to paint it!

It seemed pastels would be an easier medium to catch the vibrancy, so that is what I used.  I loved the finished painting!

I may still try my hand at painting it in watercolor as well!

Garden of Gethsemane

A call to art was sent out by the Tippecanoe Arts Federation on behalf of Trinity Methodist Church, Lafayette, Indiana, to create art work representing the 8 protestant stations of the cross.  I submitted a plan to paint the Garden of Gethsemane and it was chosen.

It will be on exhibit during Lent 2018. 

The Garden of Gethsemane was part of a pilgrimage to Israel I had the privilege to experience in 2009. The trees in the ancient olive grove seen today are offspring of trees that were growing in Jesus day. Some of the large old trees are 900 years old.

Using photos from my trip, I sketched one of the old gnarled trees with younger trees in the distance. Jesus prayed in agony at night so I wanted to create an atmosphere of darkness and heaviness, but at the same time give a glimpse of hope. The same Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus at His baptism was his Comforter and ours as we experience the peace with God that Jesus sacrifice made possible.

Paintings of Clay Pots

During the student exhibit at the Henriott Group we had the privilege to use the corner conference room overlooking the Lafayette County Courthouse from the 6th floor, for a watercolor class.

15 students diligently painted for 2 hours, experimenting with three colors, a red, a blue and a yellow, to paint their version of a clay pot!

This is a lesson I've done before, and each time it is a playful experience for me!

Here are the  results.

Demo Pieces

Student Pieces - Some very nice work!

Artzart Student Art Exhibit

It's been a while in coming, but January and February the public will have the opportunity to see the creative works of my students from the past five years of classes.

The exhibit is being held at the Henriott Group, 250 Main Street, Lafayette, Indiana, 6th floor.  The Artists Reception is Monday, January 15th from 4:30 - 6:30, MLK Day.

It is exciting to see the 57 paintings hanging that represent class lessons from color theory to landscapes to florals and roses to zentangles. 

Several of the students helped to hang the exhibit as well.  Several have never exhibited their work before. This is all part of the art learning experience!

"Baby it's cold outside" - but come and enjoy the warmth of this art exhibit!