Monday, August 15, 2011

Sharing the Plein Air Spirit!










































































































I was asked by the ladies of Meta4 Gallery in Port Perry to conduct a workshop on Saturday for a small group who wished to be introduced to plein air painting back in late June. I agreed and was notified on Thursday that I was indeed to have the workshop with three participants.


Living about two hours distant from this bustling community... I was unable to really scout around beforehand... as is my usual practice... to prepare for a setting that would be suitable and would therefore optimize success. Summer painting has its hazards... as most plein air painters recognize and prepare themselves for.


I struck off at 6:00am to arrive in Port Perry to make my scouting foray. Glad that I did! All of the usual haunts along Lake Scugog were either overgrown with bull rushes and slimed over because of unusually low water levels... or overrun with people doing a variety of activities from hiking trails... sculling... or launching small craft. Neither conditions suited my comfort zone... so I patrolled the back streets until I found a place with a paintable subject... quiet... shade... washrooms nearby and parking.


I arrived back at the Gallery and awaited my fellow painters and by 10:15 we were off to the chosen land. In arriving... I was a bit unsettled to learn that all three were raw beginners... even to painting really and that their equipment and lack of it reflected that fact. However... being "out there" has taught "Me" to be flexible... and to be over prepared. We shared paints and I even surrendered my easel when one of the easels gave up the ghost... even before being put to the test.


I had them follow me on a "walk about" to determine possibilities... but suggested that we all focus on the same subject from the same viewpoint... given their mutual inexperience. I felt a sense of relief come over the group... which I shared. I set up quickly and within 15-20 minutes quickly moved my interpretation of the view through the lay in process... then helped each of them establish the basic form and elements to begin their own lay ins. The lay ins proceeded slowly at first... but once colour mixing problems and brushwork suggestions were in place ... the pace and their individual confidence picked up, so that we were able to break at 12:20 pm for the planned lunchtime visit to the restaurant for a meal at a local bistro nearby... arranged through Meta4.


After a sumptuous lunch and sharing of backgrounds we headed back to our site and the threesome immediately and enthusiastically jumped back into action. It was refreshing to "Me" to watch over the shoulder of each of the individuals pushing forward with their newly-acquired skills and self-confidence... and seeing the implementation in their own terms and through their own artistic eyes.


The day was very warm... and the sun shifted westward... leaving us in direct sunlight. No one seemed to even notice...or complain.What was even more surprising to me still... was that all reached the final destination within minutes of the others. At 3:45 pm... we packed up our gear... said our goodbyes... and headed off in our separate directions... back to our own worlds.


Each of the pairs of jpegs gives the lay in to near finished pieces for comparison. The growth for each of the participants is very obvious... and I would say... a remarkable accomplishment for first time painters... suddenly dipped head first into the plein air hot pot.


But one thing is certain in my mind. Four individuals who have been brought together through a plein air experience... now have an appreciation and a healthier new respect for their own creative abilities. As well... we learned valuable lessons about our own lives... and that we are not so very different in how we live them as we often fear. "We"... all share a very common path... with its myriads of joy... disappointment... successes... failures and opportunities... if we take the courage to reach out and risk!


I returned joyfully to my own life with Deb enriched by the spirit of three new acquaintances... who I KNOW... I will meet again! "We" are bonded by an experience where everyone was a winner and an equal in the midst of others!


My humblest thanks to the Meta4 ladies for their continued belief and support of my artisitic journey! If you are ever in the area or have a few moments drop in to the gallery for a REAL art fix! Their tastes are immpecably displayed in every corner of their gorgeous and friendly shop!Their web site can be reached at www.meta4gallery.ca/


Paint on Carol...Neil and Christine! You really shone...each of you!

Happy Painting to All!















16 comments:

  1. Congratulations to all three of your workshop participants! I know how intimidating it can feel to start something totally new, something you have no experience with. They all did an amazing job I think! You are obviously an inspiring teacher, Bruce:-) I checked out the Meta Gallery also - what a nice place! Looks very inviting and an excellent selection of high quality art.

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  2. Hi Bruce, this is amazing work from three beginners. You are obviously an inspiring teacher!

    They could so easily have been put off by discouraging results, but instead, I am sure they will have gone away full of inspiration.

    Well done!
    All the best,
    Keith

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  3. Hi Bruce,

    Each of your beginners look like they had a very successful outing. I am sure you were very pleased and enthusiastic to pass along your knowledge. Each of the paintings are all different and amazing for people the first time out doing plein air.

    Hats off to an inspiring teacher!

    All the best,

    Cousin Sue

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  4. What nice spot, Bruce! And how proud of those new painters I am!

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  5. Hi there Karen!... Thanks for the visit and your supportive and positive comments!

    Plein air painting... in all of Nature's glory is indeed overwhelming to the beginning painter. So much to take in and to simplify... in a short period of time. It takes commitment and a lot of practice.

    Meta4 Gallery is indeed a special place... run by three highly creative women artists... all of whom contribute to make it an art mecca in their lovely community! I am proud to be asked on occasion to join in!

    It was a positive day for all of us... a new beginning perhaps for these people!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Hi Keith!... I never come away from a painting experience with new "inductees... into the Plein Air Hall of Fame"...HA HA! without feeling inspired by their willingness and excitement for their new discovery.

    That was true as well in my classrooms throughout my teaching career. It is a privilege to be afforded the opportunity to lead... watch and empower learners to reach out and grow. That is inspiring... and launches excitement and change into my own work and thinking as well. Win-win!

    Thanks for dropping by and for your very generous comments Keith!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Hi there Sue!...Thanks for visiting and commenting!

    It is indeed marvelous to watch three separate individuals working at the same site... each presenting a uniquely different but valid and equally beautiful expression of what they are "seeing".

    Everyone came away enriched and encouraged I think! Hope that they use it as a springboard for future experimentation and enjoyment.

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  8. Hi there Sherry!...It did indeed turn out to be the perfect place for a quiet introduction to plei air painting... and everyone came away the richer for the experience!

    Good sketching!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. bruce, what a lovely post! such a wonderful story, it makes one feel more open to meeting and enjoying strangers. you are a wonderful instructor, caring and supportive. this made me happy today!

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  10. Hi Suzanne!... Thank "You" for all of the encouraging remarks!

    The journey I have been blessed to share with so many strangers along its breadth... has been greatly enriched by those strangers... and now life long friends.

    Reaching out using your art to others offers "possibility" and unlimited opportunities to create self-growth and development... joy and rewards that one cannot ever predict.

    To know that your work encourages others to dream and risk themselves is priceless!

    Your own journey stands as an exemplar to validate these words Suzanne! Thank "You"... for sharing so generously!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. Looks like you were able to provide some people with a great experience!!.... and maybe start some of them off on a great journey!

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  12. Really enjoyed reading this and appreciate your effort and achievement. I've been thinking about doing similar, but it is daunting because of the difficult nature of Plein Air - and great to see how you improvised the day and it came together OK. Well done to you, and all participants.

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  13. Hi there Marian!... Thanks for dropping in!

    I really do feel that they all picked up the necessary details for pursuing painting further... and to encourage their reaching out further to grow what they have learned... that was the intent of the class.

    AS with all things in life... it really comes down to passion and choices... and readiness.

    Time will tell for these folks... but we indeed had a wonderfully uplifting and profitable day of painting outdoors together!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  14. Hi there Andrew!... So nice to hear from you again... and to visit and see your recent paintings! Salisbury Plains... with your process described is outstanding!

    The key to introducing new students to painting outdoors can be as intimidating and daunting as painting with cows.

    Preparation ... planning and forethought are the facets of a successful session. Keep the subject obvious. Keep the format small.

    Begin with a demo to the layin stage to introduce the process you wish them to employ. Set them to work... giving tips and encouragement. Stop the work as they approach the lay in stage.

    Demo the finish and detail part of your work... then set them back to work.

    I think that you'll be pleased ... and even surprised at their success with the painting foray... and "You"... with your "new wings" earned as a plein air "pilot". Fair winds and...

    Happy Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. Hi Bruce,

    What a wonderful introduction to painting and plein air you have given these budding artist.

    Their first attempt was amazing and you must be so proud of them. You sharing the necessary steps to capture the scene at hand in invaluable.

    Well done Bruce, and all the best to you,
    Joan

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  16. Thanks Joan for the visit... and as always... encouraging comments!

    Sharing ideas that will encourage painters to give painting outdoors a trial is somethinng I never tire of.

    In a small way... I am "paying forward" the gifts I received from early mentors like Poul Thrane... Don Fraser... Grant Tigner.. Carl Hozelton... frank A Edwards... just to name a few!

    Good Painting and Happy Summer Joan. Glad to see you and your hubby on location together!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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