The Plein Air Movement

"Mercy by the Sea, The Mercy Center, Madison, CT - 11 x 14" oil, 

One of my favorite magazines is Plein Air Magazine and the publisher states that plein air painting is one of the largest movements in Art History. A movement that has become a lifestyle ... "it's the new golf." .... "whether amateurs, hobbyists or professionals, thousands of artists are living the lifestyle of outdoor painting."

I have to agree... plein air or outdoor painting is truly a lifestyle for me. I enjoy meeting up with my fellow artists, looking for new places to paint and just spending a few hours in the fresh air.... and it truly lets you forget everything else for a while. 

​This painting " Mercy by the Sea" was painted in two sessions approximately 3 weeks apart from each other.  The first session I walked around the beautiful grounds, drew a few sketches and settled in a spot under a big oak tree.  I was able to draw in the basic shapes and block in with color during the first session. On return, I set up in the same spot, filled my palette with plenty of colors and enjoyed every moment of seeing this painting come to fruition through brushwork and color play.

Background  info from Website: www.mercybythesea.org/campus/grounds-and-gardens/Mercy by the Sea is located on 33 acres on the shores of Long Island Sound in Madison CT.  It has a small yet diverse ecology, ranging from wetlands and woodlands to landscaped grounds and gardens. Mercy by the Sea is a retreat and conference center. Daytime guests are welcome to visit as long as they check in at the front desk. There is a   superb gallery space that showcase both local and long distance  artists. They offer programs for spiritual and self-discovery along with overnight accommodations.

This is truly one of my favorite places to paint along the Connecticut Coast.

I will be entering this piece into the Madison Art Society's 43rd Annual Member Exhibition and Sale.

Date of Show: Feb 4 - March 2, 2018
Reception: Sunday February 11, 2018 1:30-3:30pm

Location: E. C. Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT