North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival Guide 2023

Plein Air Art Festival

New Bern • May 14-21

North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival in Historic New Bern

By Robert B. Butler

The 3rd Annual North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival in historic New Bern begins Sunday, May 14, and continues through Sunday, May 21. The eight-day Festival showcases 35 nationally and globally acclaimed plein air artists, including 15 newly juried painters, joining 20 award winners and top performers from 2022’s Festival.

“The term ‘plein air’ is French and means ‘open air’,” said Kippy Hammond, Festival organizer. “Plein air painting can be traced back to Impressionist artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas – painting outdoors and capturing fleeting moments of light, color, atmosphere, and the mood of a scene, rather than detailed representations.”

Painting venues include historic New Bern, the first capital of North Carolina; Beaufort, the home of the North Carolina Maritime Museum; and Oriental, the sailing capital of North Carolina. In addition, artists will choose more sites and landscapes in Craven, Carteret, and Pamlico Counties.

According to Hammond, artists will create approximately 400 paintings featuring local scenes, subjects, and vistas, in a friendly competition to win the Best of Show Koffenberger Award, plus other prominent awards and recognition.

Festival attendees will have numerous opportunities to meet and talk with the artists, including using a realtime cell phone app showing the locations of featured painters each day. In addition, youth and adult amateur artists can meet with the pros and compete for ribbons and cash awards in the annual Quick Paint competition.

Festival headquarters, including demonstrations, workshops, art displays, and sales, will be based in historic New Bern’s Farmers Market, less than two blocks from Tryon Palace. In addition, popup exhibits and art sales will happen in Beaufort and Oriental, with location details, dates, and times on the NC Plein Air website. All activities are free except the workshops, Saturday’s awards celebration, and a modest fee for artists to enter the Quick Paint competition (no charge for spectators).

Workshops include award-winning plein air artists Suzie Baker of Texas, past president of the Oil Painters of America, and James Richards of Georgia, regarded as one of the top oil painters in the nation. Both are renowned American Impressionist painters and indemand instructors conducting workshops across the United States and Europe.

“Plein air is a popular form of art and recreational activity influenced by the rise in global tourism,” said Hammond. “Artists are interested in capturing the essence of a particular place and time and celebrating the world’s beauty. Plein air painters typically work in oils, watercolors, or pastels.”

Plein Air Art Festival

North Carolina New Bern • May 14-21

MONDAY - MAY 15

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - CRAVEN, PAMLICO & CARTERET COUNTIES

Artist Demonstrations:

• Jeff Steiner - 8:30am - 10:30am

New Bern

• John Eiseman - 10:30am - 12:30pm

New Bern Battlefield Park • 300 Battlefield Trail

• Deliese Blanchard - 1pm - 3pm

Pollock St. & Bern St. • New Bern

• Thomas Bucci - 5pm - 7pm

New Bern

TUESDAY - MAY 16

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - ORIENTAL

POP-UP EASEL SALE & RECEPTION4pm - 6pm

Village Gallery • 300 Hodges St. • Oriental

Artist Demonstrations:

• Antwan Ramar - 8:30am - 10:30am

Oriental Water Front

• Jim Laurino - 10:30am - 12:30pm Oriental

• Craig Reynolds - 2pm - 4pm Oriental

WEDNESDAY - MAY 17

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - CRAVEN, PAMLICO & CARTERET COUNTIES

Artist Demonstrations:

• Jim Rehak - 8:30am - 10:30am

Duck Creek Marine Service • 699 Galloway Rd

• Martin Geiger - 10:30am - 12:30pm

Middle St. & Pollock St. • New Bern

• Dee Beard Dean - 5pm - 7pm

Union Point Park • 210 E Front St.

• Vlad Duchev - 8:30pm - 10:30pm

Middle St. • New Bern

THURSDAY - MAY 18

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - BEAUFORT

POP-UP EASEL SALE & RECEPTION

4pm - 6pm

Beaufort Historic Site • 130 Turner St. • Beaufort

Artist Demonstrations:

• Katie Dobson-Cundiff - 8:30am - 10:30am

Beaufort Docks • 500 Front St.

• Ralph James - 10:30am - 12:30pm

Beaufort Docks • 500 Front St.

• Amanda Lovett - 2pm - 4pm

Beaufort

FRIDAY - MAY 19

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - NEW BERN

EXHIBITION OF 2024 CALENDAR

SECTION

4pm - 6pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

Artist Demonstrations:

• Rose Kennedy - 8:30am - 10:30am

E. Front St. • New Bern

• Karen Crenshaw - 10:45am - 12:45pm

Lawson Park waterfront

• Lyudmila Tomova - 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Middle St. • New Bern

• Natalia Andreeva - 6pm - 8pm

Tryon Palace • 529 S Front St.

SATURDAY - MAY 20

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 2pm

Opens back up to public at 7pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - NEW BERN

YOUTH PLEIN AIR ADVENTURE

9:15am - 11:30am

Harrison Center • 311 Middle St. • New Bern

Pre-registration, emergency contacts and waiver required.

ARTISTS TO ARTISTS FORUM #1

2pm - 3pm

Harrison Center • 311 Middle St. • New Bern

ARTISTS TO ARTISTS FORUM #2

3:30pm - 4:30pm

Harrison Center • 311 Middle St. • New Bern

COLLECTORS PREVIEW & AWARDS RECEPTION

5pm - 7pm

Limited tickets sold online

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

COMPETITION EXHIBIT & AWARD WINNERS

7pm - 8:30pm

Open to public

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

Artist Demonstrations:

• Durre Waseem - 8:30am - 10:30am

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

• Russell Jewel - 10:30am - 12:30pm

New Bern Grand Marina • 101 Craven St.

SUNDAY - MAY 21

QUICK PAINT

8am - 11am

Pre-registration recommended - ncpleinair.org.

• Open and Youth Categories Start at 8am

• Featured Artists Start at 9am

• Quick Paint End of Painting - 11am

• Quick Paint Paintings on Easel for Judging - 11:30am

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

• Quick Paint Winners Announced Sale Begins - 12pm - 1pm New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

For more information, ncpleinair.org

Exhibition & Sales Gallery

Festival headquarters, and the NC Plein Air Art Festival Exhibition and Sales Gallery will be based at Historic New Bern’s Farmers Market, less than two blocks from Tryon Palace.

Beginning Monday morning May 15, the Exhibition And Sales Gallery will open daily at 9am. A full exhibition of artwork by our featured artists will be on display and for sale, framed and ready to hang. The artists will arrive in New Bern with a collection of their current artwork, both plein air and studio paintings. These paintings will be replaced with wet canvases as the artists create a new body of work highlighting New Bern, Oriental, and Beaufort.

You will want to visit often as the collection changes daily as artwork is sold and replaced with new wet canvases. Our gallery greeters and sales team will be ready to help you find the perfect painting for your home or business. Complete resumes and biographies are available at the main gallery. Special commissions can be discussed with our sales team.

The Exhibition Gallery will be closed for judging May 21, 2pm -5pm and will reopen for a Collector’s Preview and Awards Reception (Limited tickets available for purchase online at ncpleinair.org.)

The Competition Exhibition with Award Winners will be open to the public (free) at 7pm Saturday, May 20 and again May 21, 8:30am – 1pm.

HOW AND WHERE TO PURCHASE PAINTINGS

All Paintings are Framed and ready to hang.

Wet from the Easel

Main Exhibition Gallery OPEN DAILY 9pm 421 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC

May 16 Pop-up Gallery – Oriental

Village Gallery – 4-6pm

May 18 Pop-up Gallery – Beaufort Historic Site

100 Block Turner Street 4-6pm

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

Quick Draw & Paint Out May 21, 2023

The Quick Paint competition is a 3 hour “en plein air” (open air) painting competition in the downtown historic district and waterfront of New Bern, NC.... RAIN OR SHINE. The works will be displayed, judged and for sale at the New Bern Farmers Market parking lot 421 S. Front Street — between 11:30am-1pm

AGENDA:

7:30am

Walk-up registration/check-in & stamping 421 S Front St., New Bern

8:00am

Open and youth participants start

9:00am Featured artists start

11:00am

Painting ends, proceed to Farmers Market for display & judging

11:30am

Deadline for placing easel for display at Farmers Market parking lot

12:00pm

Awards announced, sales begin

12:00 - 1:00pm

Paintings displayed on easels for public viewing and sales

1:30pm

All unsold artwork to be removed from the display space by 4:30pm

Prizes for the Open and Youth categories: Cash and Ribbon Awards

The winner of the open category of the Quick Draw & Paint Out 2023 wins an invitation to participate as a featured artist in Plein Air New Bern 2024.

$15 Open Adult (18+)

FREE Youth Category (ages 10-17)

2023 WORKSHOPS

Suzie Baker AIS OPA

May 15-17, 2023

3 Day Workshop - $525

New Bern, NC

Suzie Baker is an award-winning artist whose paintings are regularly on display in magazines, prestigious national shows and plein air invitationals. She became president of Oil Painters of America in 2020 and holds signature status in that distinguished organization as well as the American Impressionist Society, American Women Artists, and others. In addition to being a still life and portrait artist, Suzie has been painting en plein air since she was a teenager. A sought-after instructor, for her humorous and informative style, Suzie teaches through her instructional video, Color Magic, and in workshops around the United States, Europe and close to her home in the Houston, Texas area.

What do you get when you take a workshop with Suzie?

You will experience a fun-filled, guided, hands-on learning experience. Students receive instruction on principles of painting ranging from drawing, color, value, composition, color theory, and SO MUCH MORE. Every day, you will apply what is being taught by getting outside to paint. You will see field demos and receive one-on-one instruction at your easel throughout the workshop.

www.suziebaker.com

To register visit: https://ncpleinair.org/workshops-2023/

COLLECTORS’ PREVIEW & AWARDS RECEPTION

Join in the excitement of being the first to see and purchase the competition paintings. Each artist is allowed to enter three paintings of their choice for the consideration of being awarded ribbons and cash awards totally more than $13,000. Suzie Baker, our asteemed Award Judge will also give comments on her selection of award winners.

The evening will be catered by Scarborough Fair with music entertainment by jazz musician Clay Steinwinter.

$50.00 ncpleinair.org Exhibition reopens to the public at 7pm https://ncpleinair.org/product/collectors-preview-awards-reception-tickets/

James Richards AISM

May 18-20, 2023

3 Day Workshop - $525

New Bern, NC USA

This is a unique opportunity to attend a three day oil painting workshop in beautiful New Bern, NC, with American Impressionist Artist, James Richards (AISM). James is a multiple winner in the American Impressionist Society’s Annual Exhibition, being awarded Best of Show in 2015 and Master status in 2019. His work is best known for its expressive and often experimental brushwork, spontaneity, sensitive color and mystery. Day 1 will be spent with James sharing his concepts, ideas and techniques for creating loose impressionistic paintings. This is mainly a teaching and demonstration day, with some student painting as well. Concepts covered will include planning and organizing your painting to allow for looseness and spontaneity. You will discuss how to turn the chaotic visual elements of reality into a visual language on canvas. In addition, you’ll also be working on creating color harmony while using a limited palette.

Day 2 & 3 will be spent working En Plein Air while applying and sharpening the concepts and techniques from the previous day’s study. You will be encouraged to paint multiple pieces, with a focus on smaller studies.

www.artistjamesrichards.com

To register visit: https://ncpleinair.org/workshops-2023/

PLEIN AIR NEW BERN YOUTH ACTIVITY

Saturday May 20

9:30 am - 11:30 am

Harrison Center 311 Middle St. New Bern

Ages 5 - 14

Kindergarten-8th Grade are welcome

Enrollment Required: https://ncpleinair.org/youth-plein-air-adventure/

Jeff

demonstrates watercolor of Historic Architecture

May 15 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am New Bern, NC www.steinerwatercolors.com

DEMONSTRATION

John

demonstrates at New Bern Battlefield Park

May 15 • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern www.johnteiseman.com

Deliese Blanchard demonstrates

May 15 • 1:00 Pollock Street New www.delieceblanchard.com

demonstrates historic architecture in Oriental

May 16 • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Oriental www.jimlaurino.com

Craig

demonstrates Marina –Oriental

May 16 • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Oriental www.craigreynoldsstudio.com

Jim

demonstrates at Duck

May 17 • 8:30 699 Galloway New www.jimrehak.com

Steiner

Reynolds

Rehak

Eiseman

Jim Laurino

DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE

Blanchard demonstrates Pollock St. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm & Bern Street, Bern www.delieceblanchard.com

Thomas Bucci demontrates watercolor of historic architecture

Antwan Ramar demonstrates at Oriental water front

May 15 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

New Bern

thomasbucci.com

the landscape

May 17 • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Middle St. & Pollock St., New Bern

www.martingeigerart.com

Dee Beard Dean paints the sunset – Union Point

May 17 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Union Point Park, 210 E Front St, New Bern

DeeBeardDean.com

May 16 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am Oriental www.antwanramar.com demonstrates Duck Creek am - 10:30 am Galloway Rd., Bern www.jimrehak.com

Martin Geiger demonstrates painting figures in

Vlad Duchev demonstrates a nocturnal

May 17 • 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Middle Street, New Bern vladduchevart.com

DEMONSTRATION

Karen Crenshaw demonstrates Lawson Park waterfront

May 19 • 10:45 am - 12:45 pm

1309 Country Club Rd, New Bern www.karenleecrenshaw.com

Katie Dobson-Cundiff demonstrates Beaufort waterfront

May 18 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am

500 Front St, Beaufort www.dobsonart.com

Ralph demonstrates docks” Beaufort

May 18 • 10:30

500 Front St, www.ralphgradyjames.com

Lyudmila Tomova demonstrates painting the costumed model

May 19 • 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Middle St, New Bern www.tomovafineart.com

Natalia Andreeva demonstrates costumed

May 19 • 6:00

Tryon Palace, 529 S www.andreeva.com

DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE

James demonstrates “life on the Beaufort

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

St, Beaufort www.ralphgradyjames.com

demonstrates painting historic architecture

May 18 • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Beaufort Historic Site

www.amandalovett.com

demonstrates painting Historic Architecture

May 19 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am

East Front St, New Bern

www.lilarosekennedy.com

Andreeva demonstrates painting costumed model

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

S Front St, New Bern www.andreeva.com

Durre Waseem demonstrates painting the crowds

May 20 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am

New Bern Farmer’s Market

421 S Front St, New Bern

www.durrewaseem.com

Russell Jewel demonstrates watercolor

– New Bern Grand Marina

May 20 • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

101 Craven St, New Bern

Russelljewell.com

Amanda Lovett

Rose Kennedy

2023 ARTISTS

AMANDA LOVETT

Gainesville, GA

Painting for me is a never-ending journey of discovery and exploration. I have a fascination with light and movement and love finding new ways to convey the message I am after. My goal is to leave an image in someone’s mind long after they have walked away from the painting. Whether I paint a landscape, animals or a still life, it is always an intriguing journey in which I hope to include the viewer.

ANTWAN RAMAR

Orlando, FL

While painting I am always exploring new ways to interpret the scene. I feel like a finished Plein Air painting that does nothing more for the viewer than tell them what you painted, is a personal failure. I feel painting becomes an ART, and not just a SKILL, when you are able to convey to your viewer a finished piece that is greater than the sum of its parts. Transcending the realm of the literal and the job of the camera, that’s where I believe the magic of a painting captivates and inspires.

AUDREY CUSHMAN

Trent Woods, NC

I am new to plein air painting, and I am excited to participate in my first plein air event! My first career was in school counseling, but I developed a stronger passion for the arts when I became a mother in 2010. My goal as a painter is to shed light on the beauty in the world around us. Often what catches my eye is as simple as the fleeting light on an object. I am inspired by the marshes, sailboats, pine trees, beaches, tobacco barns, and farmlands that surround me in eastern NC.

CHARLES CASHWELL Sautee Nacoochee, GA

My paintings are about a fleeting moment. I try to capture that moment by first establishing a light and dark pattern. Then with the push and pull of values, color and design, take my viewer to the same place and hopefully show them that thing that first inspired me. I may use oil or acrylics, my palette consists of a warm and a cool of the primaries and I use the largest brush I can find for the job. I work very quickly to establish my large shapes once that is done I can take some time to put in as much or as little detail as I find necessary.

CRAIG REYNOLDS Gadsden, AL

As a young man Craig learned a deep appreciation for the outdoors, old farms and barnacle laden harbors with history told by the well-worn scars. Traversing the countryside with his artist father instilled in him to use his talents to record these precious memories within his paintings. Craig’s method of painting from life brings a sense of atmosphere, capturing the essence of the scene to depict a more dynamic painting. Craig believes painting on location helps to capture the DNA of the scene.

CRISTA PISANO Nyack, NY

Crista is known for her small scale format landscape paintings and is a member of numerous art organizations, and is represented by Sylvan Gallery in Wiscasset, Maine and Box Heart gallery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trippe Gallery in Easton Maryland.

2023 ARTISTS

DAN BECK

Leland, NC

“This artist life is surely an adventure. To constantly strive to get better at my craft as well as remain open to what I see and feel and think is an ongoing way of life. I am aware that no two people see the apple the same way, no two people see the stream the same way, no two people see the model the same way and no two people see the painting the same way.”

Dan Beck is a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast.

DEE BEARD DEAN

Johns Island, SC

Dee Beard Dean, nationally-known artist and instructor, has been painting all of her life. Her greatest inspirations have come from painting on location where all the senses are elevated. She is the founder of Plein Air Painters of the Southeast, a professional organization of plein air artists. She is also well known for her portraits, her figurative and landscape paintings, and has done many noteworthy commissions. She has received many awards throughout her art career and has been published in many regional and national journals.

DELIECE BLANCHARD

Winston-Salem, NC

A cellist, as well as a painter, Deliece has degrees in biology and music from the University of Virginia and shares a studio with four artists above a bakery. Her painting, “Blanket of Light,” won third prize in the December Plein Air Salon and will appear in the May 2023 issue of PleinAir Magazine.

“Whether I am painting in the wilderness or mixing color swatches in my studio, painting brings me joy. I paint en plein air because I love being in nature, and I experience a sense of timelessness and peace when I’m outside.”

DURRE WASEEM

Corona, CA

Growing up in a joint-family that loved to draw and paint, art became a part of my everyday life. So far I have seen three stages of my progress in art. Firstly, when right after my graduation I started teaching at the same university and learnt more from painting with my students than under my professor’s instructions; secondly, when I started painting a more manicured scenes of California than bustling chaos of historical Lahore. And thirdly, when I started participating in national and international shows and pleinair events since 2019.

ELIZABETH RHOADES

Belle Haven, VA

I have been painting in plein air since my teenage years, over 50 years. I started out painting in watercolor, then moved to dry pastel, and now paint in oils. I am typically drawn to water views, particularly marsh scenes. I prefer painting nature to urban settings. In my work I strive to make the viewer feel the deep space of a place, it’s time of day, weather, and light. I am fascinated by the way light bounces off objects and forms, and how surfaces pick up color from their surroundings.

HAI-OU HOU

Stevensville, MD

Hai-Ou Hou was born in Beijing where she received her B.F.A from Central Institute of Fine Art and Design. She earned her M.F.A. from Towson State University. She taught at the Hubei Fine Art Institute, China. She is currently owner and director of the Chesapeake Fine Art Studio.

2023 ARTISTS

JEFF STEINER

Minneapolis, MN

“How long does it take you to do a painting?” said the passerby. “About an hour” I say. If you really want to know, I started in 1966 sculpting with sticks and wire along Lake Zumbra, Victoria, MN. Jump ahead to 1976, University of Minnesota, paired with a semester at Tian Jin University in 1981 ending in a BA in Architecture. Thirty-nine years of designing public buildings, dropped me at an easel with the thrill of water, paint and textured paper. It has taken me 56 years to do one painting at a time.

JEFFREY MICHAELL MARKOWSKY

Savannah , GA

In 2022 Markowsky, “The Plein Air Nomad” stepped away from full time academia and is currently traveling across North America painting, living a nomadic life. He also Illustrates and serves as an Ambassador for the outdoor recreational clothing company American Backcountry. Markowsky was honored to win the Museum Purchase Award at 2022 Plein Air Texas in San Angelo Texas. In the same year he was awarded Best of Show, 2nd Place and Artist’s Choice at Central City Plein Air in Colorado.

JILL GLASSMAN

Berlin, MD

I’m attracted by color and the contrast of light and shadow, and I love to paint it as simply as I can. Like many artists, I started out with a “xerox” mentality thinking that I must duplicate exactly what I see. In 2017 I began to paint plein air and it dramatically changed the way I see and paint. You must be quick to capture the light effects and it really loosened up my painting style. First Place winner of Plein Air Easton Quick Draw.

JIM LAURINO Litchfield, CT

Oil Painting is something I’ve done since I was in my early teens. I enjoy the impressionists foremost, and over decades of painting, my style and chosen subject matter reflects that. Framing has always been a passion for me as well. Although framing is a more mechanical endeavor, I employ reclaimed material which requires a less precise, more creative approach to construction. My heavy brushwork and thick paint application requires a less delicate frame, and after years of altering building methods and materials, I think the pairing works.

JIM REHAK Seaford, DE

Over time I’ve viewed my plein air painting excursions as an opportunity to work on my self. What better situation to practice moment to moment awareness? We are continually shaped by the experiences that move through us. Painting allows us to share those experiences. An artist’s response to nature, light and everything around us can be expressed in paint...and each artist’s response is unique. Plein air painting in particular allows for an intuitive and personal interpretation and has been a good fit for me.

JJ JIANG Cary, NC

JJ’s childhood was spent in China during the Cultural Revolution. During that era of madness, drawing, writing and poetry kept him sane, shielding him from the chaos outside. Drawing and painting have become inseparable parts of JJ’s life. They came to him naturally, helping shape his view of the world and himself. JJ’s paintings have been juried into four different national and international shows - OPA, NWS, AWS and AIS. He loves teaching at his studio in Cary, NC and throughout the region.

2023 ARTISTS

JOHN THOMAS EISEMAN

Hebron, MD

I had a long successful career in sales and marketing for the Paint and Coatings industry – I sold paint for a living. It paid for houses, cars, kid’s college and family times. I have always been frugal. Also, I have always painted on the weekends and evenings… sometimes to the chagrin of my wife and my kid’s little league schedule. Four years ago – in an empty nest –my wife said…”go – retire early and get out and paint…we are fine…” I did. Now I participate in about 10 – 12 plein air events a year.

KAREN LEE CRENSHAW

Jacksonville, NC

A sense of place. That is the goal of my landscape paintings, for the viewer to “see” what I am seeing and to feel that is a place they have been or would like to visit. Plein air painting inspires me to capture the quality of the light that sets off that connection. Many of my paintings depict the pinkish-blue tones of early morning light or the amber tones of late afternoon. I also enjoy painting nocturnes, and I was happily awarded “Best Waterfront” last year at Suffolk Plein Air.

KATIE DOBSON-CUNDIFF

Sarasota, FL

Inspired by Spanish painter, Jouquin Sorolla and Russian painter, Sergei Bongart, my passion is drawing and painting from life. I enjoy being outdoors painting places and subjects revealing the essence of everyday life. I was fortunate to have a father who was a successful illustrator teach me the basics of how to draw and paint, sharing his knowledge and love of the fine arts with me. I find it important and fulfilling to also share this knowledge and everything I have learned throughout my artistic journey, as well as my art, with others.

LARRY SMITH

Peachtree Corners, GA

My “Briar Patch” is a stimulating location, paint brushes, canvases, palette knives, bug spray and a sturdy easel. I introduce them to tubes of colors longing to be set free. This is my “Happy Place” where I can explore beyond what is there. I baptize the entire canvas with a warm color. Then begin to bring it to life with large brushes, and darker paint, to yield simple shapes and values. Soon thick strokes of color begin to overtake the canvas, and I am tempted to give my palette knives and fingers permission to join in on the fun.

LYUDMILA TOMOVA

Cary, NC

I jokingly call my approach “create-destroycreate” for this is exactly how I paint – an ever-continuing rhythm of gestures. My love of painting figures also translates in my plein air work where I almost always add figures in their natural environment. Some of my recent awards include Best in Show for the 2022 Suffolk VA Plein Air, an International Artist magazine feature with a 6-page article and many others. I started painting en plein air at age 13 as a student in the Special School of Fine Arts in Bulgaria where I’m from originally.

MARTIN GEIGER

Staunton, VA

Martin Geiger is a figurative painter and draftsman. He attended art school in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Words that describe his work might include light, geometry, space and activity. He is constantly chasing implied grandeur and action, compelling him to explore constantly to find the most invigorating subjects in his immediate area. While he tends to return to oil painting, his curiosity often lures him into other mediums like graphite, charcoal and watercolors.

2023 ARTISTS

MAT BARBER KENNEDY Chicago, IL

I’ve spent my painting career celebrating the quirky and the overlooked, the everyday and the banal. As an architect I watched buildings go up. And as a painter Im more interested in celebrating them as they crumble. In 2008, I was awarded the prestigious Turner Medal in London...and I still haven’t gotten over the thrill.

MILLIE GOSCH College Park, GA

Painting outdoors from life is a praise and a worship. To me it’s like breathing. I am drawn to simple spaces like open fields and the low country; sunshine and late afternoons.I love painting competitions because they keep me measured up and in tune with my fellow artists. Every little success, whether a good painting, an inspiring art group, or an award is always a blessing. However, my favorite accomplishment is achieving signature status in the American Impressionist Society and becoming a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast.

NATALIA ANDREEVA Tallahassee, FL

From my early childhood I was intrigued and fascinated by the enigma of art, this magical process that turns “nothing” into the harmonic tune of chaos.Learning art techniques did not diminish my interest and surprise, on the contrary, it has deepened my passion for art. Each work is a continuation of the quest and each new step develops my feelings and intensifies my exploration. I love color. I believe it is power, it burns, it cools, it speaks, and I think, it is part of the spell.

PEARL HORNG

Midlothian, VA

A practicing emergency physician, I began my career in art 10 years ago during my medical training. I have known since I was a child that art was my true calling and that I would always return to it again. What I love most is the process of finding my painting – in the relationships between shapes and within the character of the light. The possibilities are infinite and exciting. Last year, I was awarded the first prize Gino Award at Paint It! Ellicott City.

RALPH JAMES

Woodlawn, VA

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are home to white sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and ocean breezes that sweep over the unspoiled coastal terrain. These and other Atlantic coastal areas are often the inspiration for my landscape and wildlife scenes. They are the places that have my passion, my heart, and my concern. I try to portray light and atmosphere accurately. These attributes turn an otherwise ordinary painting into a dramatic scene of great beauty.

RHONDA FORD

Easton, MD

I thoroughly enjoy painting en plein air. Having moved to Easton Md five years ago it is hard to avoid getting bit by the plein air bug. I set a goal for myself a few years ago to sign up for some local non juried events to test myself and I was happy to find out that I enjoyed the process and found some success as well. I was fortunate to be awarded First Place in 2021 and 2022 at the Paint Worcester County (MD) plein air event which is held every year in September.

ROKHAYA WARING Clyde, NC

Rokhaya compares her painting process to cooking or gardening- where colors, flavors and textures combine intuitively and where passion and the passage of time are fundamental. Her childhood memories of homeschooling- where activities included raising goats, baking bread, playing the piano and the violin, and camping across America- have informed her creative vision. Travel, close observation of nature and daily sketching from life are the foundation of her technique.

ROSE S. KENNEDY Hope Mills, NC

Plein air painting is a joy for me, and makes my soul sing! I feel a spiritual connection with the landscape when out in nature capturing a scene. The challenge of getting the essence of a painting down quickly with shifting light patterns, weather changes and intrusive “no see ums” is a fulfilling experience that drives my desire to create. Most recently my work has received honorable mention awards in the American Impressionist Society Online Members’ Exhibition and at the Suffolk Plein Air Festival.

RUSSELL JEWELL Easley, SC

A simple black square is a window to everything in the world… in the dark. Therefore, regardless of the subject or medium, all that matters is light. In other words, without light there is no form, only the dark square. Visually, only light allows for observation. Exponentially, only enlightenment pushes aside shadows within ourselves. Is it then not true the world we observe and the world we imagine both demand light for observation, thus creating enlightened worlds to be shared with others?

THOMAS BUCCI Camden, Maine

I’ve chosen watercolor its ability to quickly suggest form with loose washes and conjure the illusion of detail with crisp brushwork. This approach to watercolor requires me to work quickly. I’m willing to take the risks associated with that to realize its potential. Sometimes a landscape serves up a ready painting idea and I use it directly. More often ideas come from something less complete; a glimpse of atmospheric effects or sunlight landing on a surface. I paint at every opportunity, putting these ideas down on paper.

VLAD DUCHEV Baltimore, MD

My process of painting is very simple - I will only start painting if I can see a complete painting in my mind with all the steps from start to finish. Paint it in your mind first - then transfer it to the canvas.

Plein Air Art Festival North Carolina New Bern • May 14-21

Thank You to Our 2023 Donors!

Sorolla

Ed and Mary Ann Koffenberger

Plein Air Magazine

Monet

Carolina Creations

Cindy & James Polo

Anonymous Fund, a component fund of the NC Community Foundation.

Van Gogh

Pine Cone Nursery

The Michael Hammond Family

Renoir

Heron Hospitality

Betty and Lou Cannon

Judith and Tom Cutler

Studio M

Community Artists Gallery & Studios

Twin Rivers Art Association (TRAA)

Drip IV Wellness and MedSpa

Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsors!

TRAA

Twin Rivers Artists Association