It is my pleasure to be the August 2018 Feature Artist of the Month with the exceptional organization International Plein Air Painters. IPAP is celebrating 15 years of advancing the execution and enjoyment of plein air paintings without restrictions and limitations of borders and regions.
During the last 20 years there has been a resurgence of interest in plein air painting worldwide with artists and collectors alike. While painting en plein air has become more of a familiar concept today, it brought a sweeping change as the classic Impressionist painters in the late 19th century such as Van Gogh, Renoir, Pissaro, Monet and Cezanne took their studios outdoors. The challenge of capturing the effects of shifting light in nature is an unsurpassed experience which affects and improves indoor studio painting as well.
Locations around the world now hold major plein air events hosting workshops and presentations covering everything from the basics on painting outdoors, how to make brushes, critiques, exceptional art displays and demonstrations. Formal art displays and fun-packed painting races have brought art into the public eye in a dynamic way. Streets are filled with exciting events like The Grand Prix Painting Races in Western Canada held in Steveston BC and Qualicum Beach BC. The recent hugely popular and well attended international Art Battle is a live competitive painting event attracting hundreds of people to watch emerging and professional artists work fast and furious producing remarkable pieces of art.
Watching an artist paint outside gives spectators a unique and special glimpse into the artist’s world where normally it is developed in the privacy of their studios. Artists enjoy the fellowship of their comrades, sharing ideas and skills which can more often be isolated.