French for open air, plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. Yet for many, there’s a mystery surrounding this art form, leaving more questions than answers.
Lisa Schorr, Director of Arts Education at Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, says her goal is to introduce the challenges and benefits that come with this unique format to those who may not be familiar with it, but have seen artists honing their craft at local parks and other outdoor areas.
“I want people who enjoy painting and drawing to experience the positive effects that plein air painting provides to advance your artwork to the next level,” she said.
On selected dates through September, Schorr will lead free plein air sessions at either Rising Park or the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.
“Selecting Rising Park and the Fairfield County Fairgrounds just made sense,” she said. “There is nature, architecture, people with animals and most everyone is familiar with both areas. Ample parking and nearby restrooms are always a plus.”
Everyone is invited to paint, sketch or just observe. While this is not a class, Schorr says it’s an opportunity to experience plein air painting with other artists. No registration is required, and in the event of rain, no session will be held.
“When you are painting outdoors, the light changes quickly, colors look different, shadows and shapes are affected by the change in the light,” she said. “Therefore an artist must work purposefully and efficiently, and time is of the essence. This makes for a fresh work of art with less chance of overworking it.”
At first, creating art outside the comfort of a person’s safe place at home can feel intimidating, she says.
“It can seem daunting with so much visual information in front of you,” she said. “Be brave. Be patient with yourself. The very first thing you need to do is start. Find an art buddy to go with, or come and paint or draw with me.”
The next plein air sessions will take place July 10 and 17 at Fairfield County Fairgrounds, August 14 at Rising Park, and September 11 at Fairfield County Fairgrounds. For more information on the plein air sessions, contact Schorr at schorr@decartsohio.org.
Lisa Schorr, Director of Arts Education at Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, says her goal is to introduce the challenges and benefits that come with this unique format to those who may not be familiar with it, but have seen artists honing their craft at local parks and other outdoor areas.
“I want people who enjoy painting and drawing to experience the positive effects that plein air painting provides to advance your artwork to the next level,” she said.
On selected dates through September, Schorr will lead free plein air sessions at either Rising Park or the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.
“Selecting Rising Park and the Fairfield County Fairgrounds just made sense,” she said. “There is nature, architecture, people with animals and most everyone is familiar with both areas. Ample parking and nearby restrooms are always a plus.”
Everyone is invited to paint, sketch or just observe. While this is not a class, Schorr says it’s an opportunity to experience plein air painting with other artists. No registration is required, and in the event of rain, no session will be held.
“When you are painting outdoors, the light changes quickly, colors look different, shadows and shapes are affected by the change in the light,” she said. “Therefore an artist must work purposefully and efficiently, and time is of the essence. This makes for a fresh work of art with less chance of overworking it.”
At first, creating art outside the comfort of a person’s safe place at home can feel intimidating, she says.
“It can seem daunting with so much visual information in front of you,” she said. “Be brave. Be patient with yourself. The very first thing you need to do is start. Find an art buddy to go with, or come and paint or draw with me.”
The next plein air sessions will take place July 10 and 17 at Fairfield County Fairgrounds, August 14 at Rising Park, and September 11 at Fairfield County Fairgrounds. For more information on the plein air sessions, contact Schorr at schorr@decartsohio.org.
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