I am still keeping busy. I gave a presentation to our local Kent Art Group this week, and continue to tap into my love of drawing, attending life and portrait drawing sessions as often as I can..these really are a lifeline for Artists who are serious about their continued development..which never , ever ends .
This winter has been a long one, but thankfully we have a lovely cosy house and studio which we can retreat to, and hone in on our practice.
Spring is just around the corner ,and I'm looking forward to painting more en plein air. I have a Plein Air Event coming up At Maryhill Museum of Art : https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/discover/directions-parking
Hoping I can keep healthy enough to enjoy participating in that in April. Last year, I was the juror of awards and gave a one day workshop. We were impressed with how the show was run, the quality of the work that the artists did and the uniqueness and beauty of the landscape. I will keep you posted on how that goes!
My schedule is stripped back quite a bit from the years when I followed the plein Air shows right across the country. The plein air scene really spoke to my competitive spirit, and the joy of painting a variety of landscapes, and a love of being around like minded people and fun people... I was part of the very beginning of the Plein air resurgence, as a member and taking part in painting out with the "Northwest Rendezvous Show" and as a member of the Plein Air Painters of America". Becoming friends with the other members, painting together and having wonderful discussions of all things related to being an Artist. The quality of all of the Artists was a great education and an inspiration to everyone to try and do our very best work.
The Quick Draws in most of the shows now are a big draw for Art Collectors and enthusiasts. The Northwest Rendezvous Group was where the 'Quick Draw" started and a good friend of mine as many others, was a fine gentleman and artist by the name of Bob Morgan. He had the brilliant idea to have a "camp and paint out" the week before the show.We slept in tents and had our meals catered..It was held always, in a great area of Montana, like Yellowstone and Glacier Park and at first in the the Madison Valley where they had a camp with Indian Tipis, Indians, Mountain Men and Cowboys and horses, all in costume to pose for the Artists for four or five days. At the end, collectors and friends were invited to see the work done and watch a "Quick Draw"..literally a quick drawing of only 30 minutes to show off the Artists skill and then were auctioned off so that the Artists had enough money to get home! Being in camp all week with our families, we all got to know each other better and it created a camaraderie that was noticed by the collectors during the show and with a less sense of jealousy or animosity amongst the Artists and a great sense of comfort and fun! It was really great to be part of such a great group of Artists and friends for life.
It was the same feeling with the Plein Air Artists of America with our show out on Catalina Island every year... we would get together the week before the show, and go out at night for dinner and a few drinks and just a heck of a lot of fun and great memories. I feel very fortunate to get to be friends and paint with some of my "hero"s..a wonderful education and inspiration.
All this reminiscing comes about for the time of year, looking towards Spring and Summer, when Plein Air is in full flow. I'll be directing my Wednesday Morning Online session a little towards Plein Air Painting for the new series which begins March 26th. I have a couple of spots available as of today. : Ned Mueller Workshops
