Hello Llama!

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a Plein Air Workshop in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. It was an interesting experience – made all the more special because of the incredible scenery of this part of the state. Cedarburg is an historic town situated in a picturesque setting along Lake Michigan, and it was a wonderful weekend of blue skies and cool summer weather. In addition to hosting our Plein Air Workshop, it was also happened to be the location of the 2017 Cedarburg Plein Air with 150 nationally recognized and local artists spending over a week painting outside.

Our one-day workshop was facilitated by Artist Spencer Meagher and 11 of us spent the day painting on location at the Family Farm in nearby Grafton, WI. The farm, with 38 acres and several barns and outbuildings, featured wonderful venues for events and a glorious variety of animals. One of my favorite was the resident llama – it reminded me of my former llama, Teddy.

The experience also confirmed for me that plein air is a whole different animal in the world of watercolor painting. First, there are tremendous logistics in moving your art outdoors – everything needs to be portable. This includes setting up an easel, carrying in your own water, and determining ahead of time the specific paints and supplies you’ll need. And second, painting onsite demands a whole new way of looking at things around you. It requires the artist to be “present” – to be in the moment and continually responding to shifting light and movement.

This week, my painting is Hello Llama, 7” x 10” Watercolor, and features a friendly llama in front of a weathered barn. For more artwork, check out Deborah Stull-Kinsley Art page on Facebook.