En Plein Air

Artists take it outside in the High Country

STORY BY JAN TODD

Most people see a color as “brownish orange,” but Kim Abernethy sees it as “transparent earth red.” It is the shade she uses as the first layer — or underpainting — in many of her landscape oil paintings.

“I paint a lot of greens in my landscapes, and the earth red really makes them pop,” Abernethy explained.

Abernethy, an accomplished artist in the area, is a member of High Country Plein Air Painters, a group that meets weekly during early spring through late fall, to paint “en plein air” — or “in the open air.” They gather on Wednesday mornings at area landmarks such as Daniel Boone Gardens, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Bass Lake or other scenic spots.

During summer months, as many as 25-30 painters may show up for the session, toting easels, a selection of paints (oil, acrylic or watercolor), sketchpads and canvases. Skill levels vary from beginners to advanced.

Kay Herndon considers herself a newbie, and enjoys the supportive atmosphere of the Plein Air group. “Everyone is willing to help,” she said.

Herndon begins her plein air sessions by sketching a scene on paper, blocking out the lights and darks. “Some of the more advanced painters in the group can just start directly on their canvases, but I need to get my dimensions and perspective set. I decide what subject to focus on, to keep the eye in the picture. I’m still learning,” she said.

Herndon retired as a certified public accountant and wanted a creative hobby. She used to do Tole painting — decorative folk art painting on objects and furniture — before she had children but gave up art for years until her retirement.

Earl Davis, founder of the High Country group, is a minister, an author and an artist. “I took up glass blowing when I was younger, but every time my wife cleaned the house, a piece of my art would bite the dust,” he quipped. “That’s why I took up oil painting.”

Davis said he never had formal training as a painter, just “tinkered and dabbled.” When he moved to Blowing Rock about seven years ago, he entered his work in the Watauga Arts Council Petal Pushers exhibition and won second place.

Pat Collins, the judge in the contest, encouraged Davis to apply for the Blowing Rock Artist in Residence program at Edgewood Cottage. “I had a ball doing that, and sold a lot of paintings,” Davis said. He said he enjoys sharing his work with others, whether it be the finished product or work in progress. Working outside, he is able to carry on a conversation effortlessly while painting a scene.

Davis started the painting group — managed on a Facebook group called High Country Plein Air Painters — in 2021. “I knew there were a bunch of us artists up here and thought it would be fun to get together on a regular basis,” he said.

“Painting can be such a solitary endeavor,” Abernethy chimed in. “We’re working in our houses, in our studios. I was drawn to the group to be around other people.”

After two hours of working in

Abernethy said she doesn’t expect to paint a “masterpiece” every week during the plein air sessions. “To me, plein air is more about the process. What I do outside makes my studio work better,” she said.

Like Davis, Abernethy did not study art in school. Long time Boone residents, Abernethy and her husband, Tom, once owned a One Hour Photo business, developing photos for their customers.

“I used photography as my creative outlet, just playing around with it,” she said. Abernethy loved visiting art galleries, and said she always held artists “in the highest esteem.”

“Out in nature, I’d look at a scene and wish I could paint it — but then I’d just take a photograph,” Abernethy shared. Then a friend invited her to an art class taught by John Bond at the Art Mart. She hesitated, until her husband encouraged her to give it a try.

“After my first lesson, I knew I’d never put a paintbrush down. I absolutely loved it. John taught me how to mix paint, how to look at composition. Most of the other people in the class had some experience, but John took me from below zero. I enjoyed learning from him, because he could work with people wherever they were in their skills,” she said.

Later, Abernethy enrolled in a plein air workshop held in Asheville and fell in love with the technique. “It has made me stronger as an artist,” she said.

Much of Abernethy’s work is created outdoors and is sold in several galleries in the High Country and elsewhere. She is a juried member of Oil Painters of America and Women Painters of the Southeast and has regularly teaches workshops through Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff.

In late October, the High Country Plein Air group met at The Blowing Rock for their last session of the year. A dense early morning fog had settled in, and the painters wandered around looking for a subject to paint. The majestic valley beneath the landmark rock was completely obscured from view.

“There are no rules in plein air,” Abernethy said. “I suppose we could paint a sunny scene if we wanted to, but I like to be true to what I see. So I guess I’m painting fog today.”

Professional artist Waitsel Smith took a while to settle on his subject. “I like to paint dramatic lighting, and you don’t find that in the fog,” he said.

Smith studied film, music and writing