Plein Air Painting or Making Art Outdoors

 In the middle of winter when I think the snow and cold will never end I check the Lakeside calendar for the dates of the Plein Air Painting Festival.  I mark those dates on my calendar, and I look forward to that one little weekend for months.

I remember the first time I took some paint and canvases out to the side of Lake Erie.  I completely felt like I did not belong.  If you are familiar with the more traditional approach to plein air there is a very specific style, and my art does not fit the bill!  Fast forward about 7 summers and so much about my life has changed.  This year I still felt a bit fraudulent, but I approached the experience so much more on my terms.  (I suppose that's how I could approach all of life, but. . .)

I didn't participate on Friday as I had planned, but I did paint in my studio.  I stepped out of my comfortable turquoise heavy color palette, and this was the result:

Reflection at sunset
12 x 16 acrylic on canvas
$95

On Saturday morning it was raining, so instead of getting on the road super early we took our time, and accepted what the day brought us.  The wind and waves were in full swing, and I set up a little painting station on the Hotel Lakeside porch.  I love to do this, even though I feel so self conscious!  Eventually the day cleared.  I felt like the day was a mixed bag, but these were the results:

Kelly's Island
12 x 6, acrylic on canvas
$54

Rock Stacks
12 x 12, acrylic on canvas
$75

Simply sailing
16 x 12, acrylic on canvas
$95

Summer Yarrow
6 x 6, acrylic on canvas
$25

I also did another little piece that sold, and I never photographed.

On Sunday the day was glorious!  The weather was amazing.  There were wooden boats galore.  There was live music.  And I was inspired!  I painted for hours on Sunday morning, and this was the result:

Lakescape from the Garden
12 x 18 acrylic on canvas
SOLD

I then got to set up a little booth at the wet paint sale, and I sold a few pieces!  The best part was seeing so many friends!

Thanks to Diane Hartenburg for this shot

Here was my set up that ended up in the shade!

I'm grateful to have some annual markers that allow me to observe my own progress as a human and an artist.  I look forward to many more plein air festivals!  If you saw something you would like, email me:  BraveTeacherMim@gmail.com