Capturing Connecticut's Beauty - Plein Air Art Show 2020 - with Eight Artists from the Madison Art Society - Sept - October 2020

Breezy Day at Griswold Point, Old Lyme, 36 x 48, acrylic on canvas

Art Show Details:
Title: Madison Art Society presents: Capturing Connecticut's Beauty - En Plein Air Show 2020
Location: Friends and Company Restaurant, 11 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT
Dates: September 9, 2020 to October 19, 2020
Reception/Paint Out: Sunday September 13, 2020 3-6pm 
rain date: Sunday September 20 2020, 3-6pm

Within Madison Art Society’s 250 member art organization, a small group of painters gather each week from the months of May to October to paint together out on location. The group will paint at various locations from private farms to rocky beaches, town greens, land trust properties, marinas and gardens, expressing their love for the great outdoors through the creation of art. 

This type of painting is known as   “En Plein Air” which is the french term for  “out in the open”. Although there is no definite date when plein air painting began, it was the French Impressionist who redefined plein air painting as a finished work of art. It was also the invention of the portable paint tube that made it possible for artists to venture outside the studio and transport their materials anywhere they choose.

Me painting en plein air in Guilford, CT, May 2020

Today, the Plein Air Movement has resurged and over the past 10 years has grown significantly to offer numerous national and international events, conferences and invitationals.  Due to the challenges of 2020’s health crisis, many of the large events were either canceled or offered virtual alternatives with plans to resume in 2021.


As for the MAS plein air painters, this faithful group of artists never questioned whether they would stop meeting.  Linda Marino, the paint out coordinator, was asked to posted the painting schedule in late April. This year the necessary safety guidelines were set in place and locations were carefully chosen to offer painters access to beautiful vistas without compromising anyone’s safety.

Beverly Schirmeier, Patricia Seekamp, Liz Egan and Jeanne Obrien painting en plein at Bauer Farm, Guilford, CT with Madison Art Society Plein Air Painters, August 2020

The benefits of painting en plein air and with a group of painters is numerous. Experiencing nature and all of it’s beauty, heightens the senses and sharpens artistic skills. The group offers friendships, breaks the isolation cycle and painting companions for safety. With over 40 different locations the group chooses to paint at, one can experience the magnificent natural beauty of the Connecticut shore and land in a way no other experience can compare. 

The history of American Impressionism was founded right here in Connecticut and a favorite place for the MAS plein air painters enjoy painting is the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT. Quite possibly the MAS painters could be walking in the footsteps of the American Impressionist Masters from the early decades of the twentieth century. Masters such as Childe Hassam, John Henry Twachtman, Willard Metcalf and Matilda Browne.

Paul Loescher painting en plein air in watercolors at Bauer Farm in Guilford, CT, August, 2020 with Madison Art Society Plein Air Painters

At times the group swells up to about 15 artists and other times it may be just 2 or 3 painters. Painters range from beginners to  professional artists. The group is always welcoming new painters to join the Madison Art Society and paint along with group each Wednesday morning.

The show features paintings by MAS Artists,  Eileen Eder of Guilford, Betsy Evarts of Guilford, Hillary Griffin of Madison, Paul Loescher of Clinton, Linda Marino of Branford, Jeanne Obrien of Deep River, Beverly Schirmeier of Westbrook and Patricia Seekamp of Guilford.

Capturing Connecticut’s Beauty - En Plein Air Show 2020 will be held at Friend’s and Company Restaurant, 11 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. The show dates are from Wednesday, September 9 to Monday, October 19, 2020. Friend’s and Company owners Gregory Benson and Brian Gondek are strong supporters of the arts. Since 2003, they have offered their restaurant as a gallery space for local artists. 


The Show Reception, Sunday Sept 13 from 3-6pm ( rain date: Sun. Sept. 20) will be held outside on the grounds of the establishment along the East River bank where all 8 painters will set up their easels and paint during the hours of 3-6pm. Guests are welcome to visit with the artists, watch how a painting is created, then head inside to view the art show and enjoy a meal, inside or outside on the deck. Dining reservations are required. Call 203-245-0462 for reservations. Known for it’s Contemporary American Cuisine, Friends and Company offers freshly prepared and health conscious meals incorporation local ingredients for their daily baked breads, homemade soups, colorful specials and freshly baked deserts.

Hope you can join us for an afternoon of art, painting, friends and fine dining!
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Below are a few of the paintings that will be featured in Capturing Connecticut's Beauty En Plein Air Art Show 2020

Bauer Farm Reflections, Jeanne O'Brien, oil, 12 x 16"

Lily Pond, Betsey Evarts, oil, 7 x 7 in.

Founder's Park, Beverly Schirmeier, 9 x 12, pastels

Taylor House 1770, Eileen Eder, oil, 16 x 20

Bauer Farm, Hilary Griffin, watercolor, 14 x 18in

Essex Landing, Paul Loescher, watercolor

Across to Faulkner's, Patricia Seekamp, 14 x 23.5 pastels