Plein Air Perspective

My first plein air event was an incredible experience! We traveled to Grand Marais, MN, on Friday, September 8 and arrived at the Art Colony in early afternoon. After registering, we headed out to the first location. All three of my painting days were perfect – blue skies, light breezes, warm temperatures, and the rolling surf of Lake Superior. Over the course of the weekend, husband Paul and Maddie (our much-loved cocker spaniel who doesn’t realize she’s a dog!) were terrific at helping me schlepp all my supplies. And I'm pretty sure if you ask Paul, he would be more than willing to share his tips for paring down my stuff for next time! 😊 We were totally worn out after our drive home on Monday afternoon.

Even though I wasn't able to stay for the full nine days of this event, I learned so much and was able to complete three paintings! We selected the best one, framed it on Monday morning, and I submitted it for the judging to be held at the Johnson Heritage Center in Grand Marais on Friday, September 15.

Skills gained:

·         When faced with a fantastic panoramic view, I now feel more confident of the process for “cropping down” and what it takes to create a well-balanced artwork;

·         I learned how quickly the light on your subject can change and worked to adjust my technique to embrace the reality of shifting light; and

·         I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful variety of people who stopped to visit and incredibly talented fellow artists!

 

As you may guess, it’s on my list to return to Grand Marais for next year’s event!

This week’s painting, East of Kadunce, 8” x 10” on 300 lb. Watercolor paper, was my entry in the Open Class of the 2017 Plein Air event. It reflects the big lake on a sunshine-y, late afternoon day when the water took on shades of deep blue.