Nature’s Beauty in Plein Sight

A Brief History of Plein Air Painting

In the mid 1800’s, institutions like the Hudson River School (New York) and the Barbizon School (France) enabled artists to hone their craft of capturing outdoor scenes. Leaving the studio behind, artists from France, Italy, and America began painting en plein air (outdoors). Scenes depicting various weather conditions, moments from morning to night, and the daily routines of urban life were captured by artists like Claude Monet, Thomas Renoir, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassat. Before the advent of photography, it was plein air that allowed many individuals to envisage the corners of the world far from their own.

Plein air painting is an outdoor activity that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and natural light. When Thomas Cole took to the mountains with oil pigments and brushes, he was intent on capturing a world that was beginning to fade. His paintings depict a landscape that was soon to be overtaken by urban development and timber companies. Claude Monet abandoned the studio because he felt that to best obtain the closeness and likeness of the outdoors, one needed to be outdoors. Painting en plein air became even more popular with the invention of the Pochade box, also known as the field easel.

At present day, plein air paint outs are held from coast to coast and many artists continue to celebrate the discipline. For some, plein air painting simply means painting outdoors. Other plein air enthusiasts are much more diligent in adhering to the plein air discipline, completing pieces in one sitting. The challenge of plein air painting is the capture of fugitive light and weather changes of the outdoors. A skilled plein air artist can produce spontaneous pieces that are breathtaking and multi dimensional. But behind the spontaneity there is an organized palette, well-stocked travel easel, and an understanding of composition.

Plein Air Fairhope: Finding Inspiration on the Eastern Shore

Each day, the Eastern Shore Art Center welcomes tourists and newcomers reveling in the beauty of this “artsy, little Alabama town”. Locals appreciate the art in Fairhope’s eateries as much as the menus! From public sculptures to the city’s murals to the numerous galleries, one doesn’t have to look too hard to find color, texture, and creativity. But where are the artists…

In early March, the Eastern Shore Art Center staff began working with local artist and instructor, Cat Pope, to implement ESAC’s first plein air paint out. “Our goal was to encourage local and visiting artists to explore our fair city, seeking out idyllic locales and inspirational nooks and crannies,” says Academy Director Reanna Watson. The paint out began Nov 7th and ended on Nov 9th, giving locals and visitors a chance to see artists “in action en plein air”! Forty artists were set up from sunrise to sunset. The work produced throughout the event is currently displayed in the Courtyard Gallery at ESAC throughout December 21, 2019. Watson further comments, “Just as the plein air paintings of the mid 19th century allowed someone to experience a foggy morning in the Adirondack mountains, the Plein Air Fairhope Exhibit was full of art that will allowed individuals to experience the natural light of our city.”

Written by: Adrienne Clow, Marketing Director, Eastern Shore Arts Center

For more info, visit www.esartcenter.org, Facebook, or Twitter for daily updates.

JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL EXHIBIT FEATURING ART CREATED BY MEMBERS OF PLEIN AIR SOUTH WHILE PAINTING OUTDOORS IN THE ISLAND'S WONDERFUL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT!

Thanks to the following Plein Air South members for sharing their art and making the exhibit possible: Gail Bramer • Joanne Brandt Carolyn Greene • Tamara Lindsay Melissa Root • Emily Sommers

The plein air art will be on display and available for purchase during November and December at Dauphin Island Gallery 918 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island (the "Lighthouse Building"). Gallery Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Sunday 12:30 - 4:30 pm Closed Christmas Day

Presented by Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council (DIHAC), a federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable organization, in cooperation with PleinAirSouth. Your donations to DIHAC, memberships and purchases at Dauphin Island Gallery help support free arts programs in local schools and other DIHAC projects in our community.Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council, P. O. Box 114, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

EASTERN SHORE ART CENTER 401 Oak Avenue, Fairhope

Free to the public and offers guided tours through five galleries. Artists from all over the country display at the Art Center in the annual Outdoor Art Show and changing exhibits. Activities include quarterly classes for adults and children, and monthly Art Walks. Open Tues-Saturday from 10am-4pm esartcenter.org