Plein Air Painting

I had never taken part in a Plain Air Painting Contest.  This was my first year to try it out and  what an experience!

Of course I have painted outside before but nothing like this.  Five Days of painting out in the wonderful area around Chester County PA and  Winterthur DE with a wonderful group of people.  I’m hooked!

I was part of the Plein Air Brandywine Valley group and we went out each day photographing and painting.  Each day a different location and a new painting..  You painted and framed your pieces and handed them in each day.  Photographers were allowed extra time to have their photos printed up.

Tuesday evening 6:30 -9:30 was the Nocturnal event in West Chester – wonderful art produced here.  I tried it but it was not for me.  I just wasn’t prepared logistically, lights, colors etc but I will be ready for next year.

Wednesday early evening 4p – 6p was the Quick Draw event – two hours to complete and frame a piece.  I loved this, I seem to do better art when I don’t have time to think about it.  A little different with people walking around looking at your work as you paint, once you block them out you get into the zone.  The Quick Draw was held at The Marshallton Inn & The Four Dogs Tavern  afterwards the work was on view for the public to purchase .
At the end of the week all the art created during the week was hung by the volunteers at The Children’s Beach House at Winterthur (a DuPont Estate in Delaware)  Friday evening was an open reception for the work Oils, Watercolor & Photography  The show was on view to the public on Sat and Sun.

I had a fantastic week…nerve wrecking at first but then I got into the flow.  The other artists were wonderful and so so helpful.  I made some new friends and I hope I get to paint with them again Plain Air.

I cannot say enough about the organizers of this event.  Patrick McCoy is the Chairperson and with his team of volunteers from “The Children’s Beach House” in Wilmington they put together a wonderful organized week of painting and events.  Everything ran smoothly, I was very impressed with everything.  I came away form this week with new experiences, new ideas and a new found love – Plain Air .