Lake Como
| arts & culture |
Masters of Light by EMILY PETER-COREY
Plein air painting encourages artists to step into nature and utilize the beauty they observe amongst the landscape’s ever-changing light. The technique has been around for centuries but was made famous by French impressionists and the invention of transportable paint tubes and box easels. Those innovations, along with the desire to paint changing light, allowed people to paint en plein air, the French expression for “in the open air.” Here, we introduce you to four of our region’s finest plein air painters.
Victoria Brooks
Mendocino Cove
Loomis, vbrooks.com
What attracts you to plein air painting? It’s a way to connect directly with nature. When I’m inspired to paint a scene, I try to capture the emotional aspects I’m feeling and share those with the viewer. The challenge of “chasing the light” is exhilarating; you usually only have about two hours before your light has changed. How did you develop your artistic skills? Growing up in Portland, Oregon, there were many rainy days. My parents bought art supplies to keep [my siblings and me] busy, and I always loved to draw and paint. I went to college in Portland, received my degree in graphic design, and then had a 14-year career as a graphic designer and art director in television. I went back to school at the California Art Institute in Los Angeles and studied painting for an additional four years and have been painting full-time ever since. What is your most notable achievement? In 2005, I won first place in a show called “Plein Air Painting in Sherwood Forest” in Chico. I’ve also achieved signature status in the American Impressionist Society (AIS) and the National Oil and Acrylic Painter of America (NOAPS).
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stylemg.com
| MARCH 2021 |
Faynette Island
Alpenglow
What advice do you have for someone just starting out? Draw and paint as much as possible and take workshops from artists you admire. I learned discipline as a graphic designer, which I apply now. I never ask myself if I’m “in the mood to paint”; it’s my job, so I just do it. Where is your favorite spot to paint? Auburn at the confluence, all of Gold Country, Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley, wine country, and the Monterey Peninsula. Where can your art be found? By appointment at my Loomis studio; the Patris Studio and Art Gallery in Sacramento; Fairweather House & Gallery in Seaside, Oregon; and Wild Moon Gallery in Tillamook, Oregon.
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Barbara Noble
Roseville, banoble.com
Barno
What attracts you to plein air painting? I was attracted to plein air painting while living in Irvine and taking a community college course with artist Jeff Horn. Also Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain had become my favorite book and I wanted to practice the medium as much as possible. I developed a sketchbook habit and then was introduced to Urban Sketchers. Plein air drawing and painting really clears and focuses your mind and makes you more sensitive to your surroundings. How did you develop your artistic skills? For many years I painted outdoors in oil, but the equipment became too heavy for me. Now I go out with a light sketchbook, micron pen, watercolor set, camera, and folding chair. I relax and enjoy the scene and complete oil paintings in my studio from my sketches and photos. What is your most notable achievement? Nine months of the year, I sketch once a month with the Yolo Art & Ag Project, which schedules artist visits at private ranches in Yolo County. At their annual Harvest Festival, I won the Farmers Pick Award as well as numerous top 10 recognitions. What advice do you have for someone just starting out? Develop a sketchbook habit and watch your skills grow! Where is your favorite spot to paint? I love to sketch the Napa Valley and while on European vacations. Where can your art be found? Online at dailypaintworks.com
Artist photos by Dante Fontana © stylemediagroup. Artwork photo s courtesy of the respective artist.
4 Plein Air Painters
Changing Colors
