Artists took their passion to the lake when the location became the city’s first “en plein air” art event encouraging painters and other creatives to try their handiwork outside.
More than 20 artists attended SHOCASE’s first Plein Air event, held Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Foster Lake.
“The turnout was a lot better than I expected for our first-time event,” organizer Satina Tolman said.
Creating art “en plein air” is a French term simply meaning one is doing art outdoors, but it’s a concept that rose in popularity in the early to mid-1800s when painting supplies became portable. Artists particularly liked being able to observe the changing nature of light as they painted.
Seated on lush grass and overlooking the lake’s water glistening under a descending sun, painters dabbed their medium on paper and canvas to capture the scene before them. Other artists opted to use colored pencils, sketch abstract designs, roll strips of paper into beads, collage with papers torn from books, or face paint.
A handful of children also participated. SHOCASE Board Member Rose Peda provided art supplies for anyone who needed the basics, and refreshments were provided by Into The Brew.
Angela P. said she took a photo of the lake scene a day prior so she could get a head start on her painting.
“It’s just nice to find a way to hang out and meet other people who like this kind of thing,” she said about the event.
Madison Ward would agree, saying the best part was “painting with friends and a view.”
Watercolor artist Lee Roscoe-Bragg took a solitary seat closer to the lake, getting up often to see what others were creating.
Painting en plein air is not new to Roscoe-Bragg, who’s participated in the practice by herself and in classes. She explained that working on a painting can be a day-long process due to the amount of time it takes for the medium to set before another layer can be added. As such, she takes multiple breaks, which also gives her time to re-perceive the image she’s working on and to see others’ creations and how they perceive the scene.
“It’s a great experience. It’s a perfect time to share with your artist friends, your compatriots,” Roscoe-Bragg said. “You share a magical place that you really enjoy, and everybody paints something different even though you’re all in the same place.”
Tolman always thought Sweet Home would offer a great setting for a plein air event and has wanted to host one for years, she said.
“Sweet Home has so many talented artists and artisans that came out,” Tolman said. “I think we plan to do this again because I think it will just grow.”
