Showing posts with label plein air painting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plein air painting. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Jim Laurino to Teach Plein Air Painting August 13th

Jim Laurino, guest teacher, pictured with a young student, Annie, and her first plein air painting.
Jim Laurino, guest teacher, pictured with a young student,
 Annie, and her first plein air painting. 

Workshop Cancelled Due to Heat

UPDATE:  Due to the excessive heat warning, the one-on-one teaching portion of the POP paintout tomorrow with Jim Laurino has been cancelled. Painters can still come out and paint in the morning if it is cool enough, and if it is not raining/thundering/lightning!




On August 13th, Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) welcomes landscape painter Jim Laurino, of Burlington, Connecticut for an outdoor painting/sketching event to be held at Three Rivers Park in Woodbury CT from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.    This year, seasoned POP volunteer artists will work one-on-one with beginning artists at each event. Anyone interested in trying “plein air” painting in oil with Jim, the featured volunteer teacher for the event, at no charge, may register by phoning Ellie Boyd (203) 429-4356 or email, pomperaugoutdoorpainters@gmail.com.  The event is also open to experienced painters who just want to spend the day sketching and painting on their own. Three Rivers Park is located at the junction of Route 47 and Jacks Bridge Road, where the Weekeepeemee River and the Nonnewaug River join to form the Pomperaug River. The site features large open fields and a picturesque walk along the river, with plenty of shade and parking.

A Connecticut native, Laurino draws inspiration from nature, the changing seasons, farmland vistas, and the geography of his home state.  Like most landscape painters, he prefers working en plein air, on site, whenever possible.   Laurino creates in a style heavily influenced by American and French Impressionist painters.

As a high school student Laurino studied with Richard Montross, and received instruction from notable marine painters Carl G. Evers, and Christopher Blossom. Jim studied fine art at the college level at the University of Connecticut.  He has received numerous awards for his paintings, including a recent 1st place award from Lyme Art Association (Maritime Exhibit), and a 2nd place finish in the 2015 Finger Lakes Plein air competition (NY State). http://jimlaurino.com/

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and preservation of natural landscapes.  More information about the organization and paintout schedules may be obtained at the group's website: http://pomperaugoutdoorpainters.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Try It! You'll Like It!

Tony D'Amico paints a beautiful scene in Roxbury CT.
Tony D'Amico paints a beautiful scene in Roxbury CT.

Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) will host a free outdoor painting/sketching event in Litchfield at Topsmeade State Forest on Saturday, June 25th9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This will be the group’s fourth season of scouting out prime painting locations in Western Connecticut in State parks, and on private land.    This year, seasoned POP volunteer artists will work one-on-one with beginning artists at each event.  The featured artist at this event is Tony D’Amico (oil painter) of Fairfield.  http://tonydamicofineart.com/   Anyone interested in trying “plein air” painting, at no charge, will need to sign up in advance by phone (203) 429-4356 or email, pomperaugoutdoorpainters@gmail.com.  

The Topsmeade State Forest offers many views and painting opportunities for artists featuring open fields, mature floodplain forest, and an authentic English Cotswolds type architectural masterpiece.  Hiking and picnicking is allowed in the park, and the restored main house is open for tours that day.  Visitors are also welcome to view artwork in progress.  Heavy rain cancels.  Directions from Litchfield Center: take Route 118 east for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto East Litchfield Road. Take the first right onto Buell Road. Topsmeade entrance is the first road on the right.

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and preservation of natural landscapes.  Tony D’Amico joined the group two years ago.  Trained as a commercial artist/illustrator, Tony enjoys capturing scenes of everyday life that are “often overlooked” with his idealized interpretation of the subject.  He has studied with many well known outdoor painters like Don Demers, Matt Smith and Kenn Backhaus, and has garnered many national awards for his work in New England and a number of plein air competitions across the U. S.  He is eager to share his knowledge of identifying an outdoor subject and how to go about getting that three-dimensional subject onto a two-dimensional canvas.

In addition to the Topsmeade paintout, the following additional events are planned for the remainder of the summer/fall season (check POP calendar for updates):

Great Hollow Preserve
New Fairfield, CT
July 9, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Featured volunteer teacher:  Ed Martinez (Oil) and Deborah Chabrian (Watercolor)

Three Rivers Park
Woodbury, CT
August 13, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Featured volunteer teacher:  Jim Laurino

Bent of the River Audubon Center
Southbury, CT
September 10, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Featured volunteer teacher:  Zufar Bikbov (Oil)

Middlebury Land Trust Brookdale Farm Open Day and Fenn's Pond
Middlebury, CT
October 1, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Featured volunteer teacher:  TBA

For the most up to date info on scheduled paintouts, check the group’s website:


For more information on the group or to register to paint in oils with Tony D’Amico, please call or email:  Ellie Boyd, (203) 429-4356,  pomperaugoutdoorpainters@gmail.com


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Flanders Paintout Event --Prizes, Registration

Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury CT is having a plein air event May 21st. Open to the first 50 registrants.  For more information, click Flanders artist registration page.  Or, call the center at 203-263-3711 .  


Paint the Farm Artist Challenge

Saturday, May 21
11 AM at the Van Vleck Santuary
Flanders “Paint the Farm” Artist Challenge is a timed event for artists to create works of art during Farm Day. 

This non-juried event is open to all plein air artists working in all media and includes a “Wet Paint” exhibition/sale from 3 – 4 PM at our hay wagon main stage. Visitors and art buyers can place bids in the silent auction or “buy it now” to take home newly created artwork. Flanders commission is 30% from Wet Paint Sales.

Plein air artists are required to arrive by 11 AM and must finish a painting by 2 PM to participate in the judging and wet paint sale.

The surrounding areas of the Van Vleck farm offer a wide range of subjects, including historic barns, water views, gardens, antique machinery and farm animals. Musicians, period correct costumed Colonial and Native American demonstrations, and a many other colorful outdoor views will inspire paintings.

Monetary prizes will be awarded included a People Popular Choice award where farm day visitors will vote for their favorite art and the Natalie Van Vleck Award for Best of Show.

Location: the Van Vleck Sanctuary located on Flanders Road in Woodbury CT  
To Register: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/FlandersNatureCenter/paintthefarm.html

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

POP 2016 Schedule of Paintouts

Please take out your calendar and make plans to paint, make new friends, have fun at POP's schedule of paintouts for the season from May to October.  Be sure to check Google Calendar before you head out, for the latest details. (See Calendar Tab.)  Eblasts and updates will also be posted on Facebook and here as well.
NEW:  sign up to be a featured volunteer teacher/painter, to share your talent and experience with a beginner one-on-one for the morning or afternoon (you supply easel and materials).  Your name will be featured in pre-publicity.  Newbie painters will need to preregister for the session.  Zufar Bikbov is our first volunteer teacher!

Private Estate, Roxbury CT (Pre-registration)
May 14, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, (Rain Date May 15th)


Topsmeade State Forest
Litchfield, CT
June 25, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM


Great Hollow Preserve
New Fairfield, CT
July 9, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM


Three Rivers Park
Woodbury, CT
scheduled for August 13, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM


Bent of the River Audubon Center
Southbury, CT
September 17, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Featured volunteer:  Zufar Bikbov

Middlebury Land Trust's Brookdale Farm Open Day and Fenn's Pond
Middlebury, CT

October 1, 2016 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

#pleinairpainting #landscapepainting #artists #pomperaugoutdoorpainters

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Country Loft Antiques --August 15th, 2015 8am-2pm (Rain Date 8/16)


Pomperaug Outdoor Painters Event at Country Loft Antiques --August 15th, 2015 8am-2pm (Rain Date 8/16)

Pomperaug Outdoor Painters will host an open plein air painting session at Country Loft Antiques, 557 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798 Saturday, August 15th, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Country Loft Antiques, a popular shopping destination and wedding/special event venue features a restored timberframed barn, adjacent farmhouse B&B built in 1706, a beautiful small pond with a rocky outcropping, and several outbuildings. This painting event is free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction will be provided. Parking adjacent to barn.  Artists should bring an easel and art supplies, and a sack lunch.  Group will break for lunch around noon.  Facilities available.  Rain date:  Sunday, August 16th. For views of the property visit http://countryloftantiques.com/property

Mark your calendars:
CANCELLED:  Saturday, September 19th Paintout--"Paint the Town" 


Monday, June 15, 2015

Flag Barn--Bridgewater CT--Monday, July 6th, 2015


Pomperaug Outdoor Painters Event at Greyledge Farm --July 6th, 2015 8am-2pm

Pomperaug Outdoor Painters will host an open plein air painting session at the Greyledge Farm, at 114 Town Line Road in Bridgewater, CT, Monday, July 6th, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The farm offers sweeping views, an old farmhouse and barn featuring an American flag painting, and neighboring barns/structures. The event is free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction will be provided.  Parking adjacent to old home or next to "flag barn"--artists may also park/paint along Town Line Road.  Artists should bring an easel and art supplies, and a sack lunch.  Group will break for lunch around noon.  No facilities available.   

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and support the preservation of natural and historical spaces.  

For more information on this event or future events, please call:

Ellie Boyd, 203-264-2313

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Next Event in Bridgewater, CT June 13th, 2015, 8am-2pm

Plein air artists to capture beauty of Bridgewater artist's studio SUNDAY, June 14th.
Tina Underwood, noted Bridgewater, CT artist, will host an open plein air painting session for the Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP). The painting/sketching event will be held at her studio, SUNDAY, June 14th, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Date change due to weather.) The studio, located off CT Route 133 at 57 Clapboard Road, offers views of flowering garden plantings, a small pond, and neighboring barns. The event is free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction will be provided. Parking adjacent to home--artists are asked to carpool if possible.  Artists should bring an easel and art supplies, and a sack lunch.  Group will break for lunch around noon.  Facilities available.   Rain date:  Sunday, June 14th. 

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and support the preservation of natural and historical spaces.  


http://pomperaugoutdoorpainters.blogspot.com/

Monday, April 13, 2015

POP Painters Invited to Paint at Flanders May 9th--Woodbury CT



Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) will host a free painting/sketching event in Woodbury on Saturday, May 9th, in cooperation with Flanders Nature Center.  Flanders, originally the studio and farm of Natalie Van Vleck, offers many views and painting opportunities for artists.  Free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction provided.  Rain cancels event. 

Directions to event: from I-84, Exit 15, travel North on Route 6, pass through Woodbury, then turn left on Flanders Road.  Center will be at the intersection of Flanders Road and 5 Church Hill Road. 

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and to help in the preservation of natural and historical spaces in Southbury and the surrounding area.  

For more information on this event or future events, please call or email:

Saturday, September 27, 2014

POP Visits Flanders Nature Center Saturday 10/4

Final Season Event at Flanders Nature Center, Saturday, October 4th, 2014

Flanders offers many views perfect for painting.  



Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) will host a free painting/sketching event in Woodbury at the Flanders Nature Center October 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The nature center is located at 5 Church Hill Road.  Flanders offers preserved pastoral scenes with barns, colonial architecture, ponds and a variety of fields with hiking trails, and the home and former studio of noted artist Natalie Van Vleck – many painting opportunities for artists. The event is free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction provided. Young painters welcome with a parent.  Parking is adjacent to the center.  Participants should bring an easel and art supplies, water, bug spray, a sack lunch.  Group will break for lunch around noon.  Facilities available.  Rain cancels.

Directions to event: from I-84, Exit 15, travel North on Route 6, pass through Woodbury, then turn left on Flanders Road.  Center will be at the intersection of Flanders Road and Church Hill Road. 




Friday, July 18, 2014

POP Paints by Lake Zoar in Southbury July 26th

Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) will host a free painting/sketching event in Southbury on Lake Zoar on Saturday, July 26th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, in cooperation with the Southbury Historical Society.  Free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction provided. PARKING: IN FIELD adjacent to cul de sac.  PLEASE do not park in cul de sac.  Rain cancels.

Lake Zoar offers many water views and painting opportunities for artists. Directions: travel North on Route 172, turn left on West Flat Hill Road at South Britain Country Store, turn right on Purchase Brook Road and then left on West Purchase Road.  Finally, turn left on West Gilbert Road and follow to end.  Location is on Right..  Participants should bring an easel and art supplies, water, bug spray.  Group will break for lunch around noon.  

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and to help in the preservation of natural and historical spaces in Southbury and the surrounding area.  

For more information on this event or future events, please call or email:

Ellie Boyd, 203-264-2313, ellie@ellieboydstudio.com



Monday, June 30, 2014

POP Paint Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield CT Saturday July 12

Entrance to Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield on Buell Road

Saturday, July 12th, POP will venture to Litchfield and take in the grand vision of Miss Edith Morton Chase.

Please attempt to carpool if you can.  Parking may be limited.  Be prepared to WALK to your painting spot, which may be a ways away from the parking lot.  There is plenty of shade, and a zillion views to satisfy every painter:  meadows, mature trees, a genuine English "cottage" in the Cotswold style, beautifully maintained flower plantings/planters.  If you tire of painting, you are welcome to picnic and/or hike around the property.  Families welcome.  Restrooms available.  There is no fee.  Grounds open 8 a.m to sunset.  House will be open to the public for tours 12-4.  Group will break for lunch (bring your own) around noon.  You may want to bring a blanket or stool to sit on.  Definitely bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.  Ellie Boyd

Western facade of "Topsmead", summer home of Edith Morton Chase.

Link to Photo Album

Directions:
From Route 8: take Exit 42. Go west on Route 118 for 2.0 miles. Turn left onto Clark Road to the stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign then the first left onto Buell Road. The first right off Buell is the entrance to Topsmead.
From Litchfield Center: take Route 118 east for 1.5 miles. Take a right onto East Litchfield Road. Take the first right onto Buell Road. Topsmead will be the first road on the right.

Property History, from the DEEP Website:
"Topsmead State Forest is the former summer estate of Miss Chase, daughter of Henry Sabin Chase and Alice Morton Chase. Henry Sabin Chase was the first President of Chase Brass and Copper Company in Waterbury. Chase Brass was one of the leaders in the brass industry when Waterbury was the Brass Capital of the world.
In 1917, Miss Chase received from her father approximately 16 acres on Jefferson Hill in Litchfield. Here she built a rustic cabin, which was replaced with a more substantial summer home in 1923. She hired noted architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr. to help her design and build the English Tudor style house which was completed in 1925. The exterior woodwork is of cypress, the downspouts are lead, the walls of brick and stucco, and the roof is slate. The interior woodwork is oak, as is most of the flooring. The foyer, hallway and dining room floors are of polished terra cotta tile. Most of the interior walls are of the same type of stucco as is found on the exterior. Fine craftsmanship, an eye for detail and understated wealth are evident throughout the house, which is tastefully and simply furnished with 17th and 18th century English country antiques.
Miss Chase loved the outdoors and as much care was given to the landscaping as was given to the design and furnishings of her home. Surrounding her home are plantings of holly, lilac, and juniper. Apple trees line the drive and formal gardens on each end of the house compliment the English Tudor architecture.
Edith Chase shared her summer home with her life-long companions, Mary and Lucy Burrall. The ladies spent the winter months at the Burrall sisters' home on Church Street in Waterbury. Because it was their dream to create a pocket of serenity, the ladies' lifestyle at "Topsmead" was relaxed. Guests were entertained informally.
Miss Chase was a clever businesswoman. She built up her financial inheritance and subsequently her real estate holdings. One of her most significant acquisitions was the 1927 purchase of the Buell Farm which was renamed Topsmead Farm to reflect its location at the "top of the meadow". The farm produced food used on the estate. In addition to vegetable and flower gardens there were beef cattle, poultry, sheep, pigs, and at one time, draft horses.
Upon her death in 1972, Edith Chase left her beloved country estate to the people of Connecticut and to be known as Topsmead State Forest. In her will, Miss Chase requested that Topsmead State Forest "be kept in a state of natural beauty". To ensure that Topsmead would remain undisturbed, Miss Chase left an endowment to be used toward maintaining and operating the buildings and grounds as they were upon her death.
Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, Topsmead State Forest remains a precious piece of an era past."


The DEEP has exceeded expectations in maintaining this property and enhancing passive recreation uses.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Paintout on Mansion House Road, Southbury, June 28, 2014

White Oak Schoolhouse, Southbury CT
White Oak Schoolhouse, Southbury CT

Pomperaug Outdoor Painters (POP) will host a free painting/sketching event in Southbury on Mansion House Road on Saturday, June 28th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, in cooperation with the Southbury Historical Society.  Free and open to artists of all skill levels to come and sketch or paint for the day—no instruction provided.  Children welcome, accompanied by a parent.  Parking in field adjacent to 7 Mansion House Road.  Rain cancels.

POP is a “plein air” (outdoor) painting group formed to promote landscape painting in all media, camaraderie amongst local artists, and to help in the preservation of natural and historical spaces in Southbury and the surrounding area.  

Mansion House Road, and adjacent Crook Horn Road offers many views and painting opportunities for artists featuring open fields, mature floodplain forest, beautiful old adjacent farmhouses and barns, an historic bed and breakfast, and even an old school house. Mansion House Road may be reached by turning left off of Route 6, just north of town.  Participants should bring an easel and art supplies.  No pets allowed.  Non-painting visitors also welcome to view artwork in progress.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Saturday, May 24th, 2014 Southbury Historical Society Paintout

RAIN DELAY--Saturday,
May 24th, 2014

Southbury Historical Society 

Paintout in South Britain


South Britain Old Town Hall
RAIN EXPECTED TO CLEAR BY 10 for a few painting hours.

This season Pomperaug Outdoor Painters will paint at locations with ties to history.  For our next paintout, we'll explore the historical properties of South Britain, located about 2 miles north of I-84, off Exit 14, on Route 172.  Please join us, especially if you like history!
  • Saturday, 5/24,  9-4, Park on the street in front of the Old Town Hall, on adjacent streets, or at the United Church of Christ South Britain up the street, on the right.  (Large paved parking lot.) Rain cancels.  Tarps appreciated. 

Scenes of historical buildings, including residences, old library, old New England church, the Pomperaug River, an old factory.  Facilities available until 2 p.m.  Parking lot must be cleared by 4:30. Painters will have access to the Old Town Hall Museum from 12:00-1:00 for lunch break and to tour the collection on their own.  Open to all painters.  Painters supply own materials and equipment.  No instruction.  Children over 12 welcome with parent.
POP and the Southbury Historical Society(SHS) will team up to offer painters additional painting spots as the season progresses. If you'd like to plan ahead, check the calendar.  

Please forward this to all your painting buddies.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Merry Month of May 2014 Events

POP 2014 Let's get HISTORICAL! 
This season Pomperaug Outdoor Painters will paint at locations with ties to history within the river watershed. Several unique spots are going to be open to POP. 





Here are our first two paintout days:
Friday, 5/2, 9-4,Pomperaug River, Pomperaug Avenue, Woodbury (Registration required) Scenes of the Pomperaug River, a dam area with a spillway and old mill, spectacular multi-colored rock wall with river running below, and a number of interesting historic buildings in the neighborhood. (Please send me an email to register for this location--ellie@ellieboydstudio.com.) Parking will be scarce--please plan to buddy up.

Saturday, 5/3, 9-4, Mill House Antiques,1068 Main St North, Woodbury, CT 06798. This again is a very old, very beautiful site of a former mill gracing the edge of the Pomperaug River. Our host, William Hildreth, invites you to paint the lovely old buildings, the formal gardens, or the peaceful river as it winds its way on to Woodbury. 3.2 miles North of Woodbury on Route 6. Please plan to drop your gear at the main entrance and then move your car to a lot across the street. Bathrooms on site. If you complete a study at either of these sites, you will be eligible to enter it in a juried benefit event sponsored by the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition to be held Saturday evening, 6/7. (See event info below.) Click for artist prospectus

POP and the Southbury Historical Society (SHS) will team up to offer painters additional painting spots as the season progresses.
Here's a sampler: South Britain (Old Town Hall, South Britain Country Store, UCC South Britain, Old LIbrary) Southford Falls Park O & G Quarry Mansion House Road Bullet Hill School A season schedule is being developed. A show has been proposed for Spring of 2015. Thanks to all who made 2013 a great season.  Here's to 2014 and sunshine! Please forward this to all your painting buddies.
Ellie Boyd 


Here's the PRWC Event info:

"SCENE by the river"

Mill House Antiques & Gardens in Woodbury, Saturday June 7, 2014, 4:30 – 7:30 pm, Rain Date: June 8, 2014


Join invited artists Ellie, Zufar Bikbov, Robert Noreika, Diane Debreuil for a delightful evening of music, exquisite food, in a stellar setting by the Pomperaug River, to help the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition further its mission of environmental stewardship.  Faith Middleton, host and executive producer of the popular, long-running Faith Middleton Show on WNPR, is honorary co-chair for the event.   The event features live and silent auctions.   For more info or to purchase tickets ($75) click button.
Info/Purchase Tickets

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Cricket Hill Gardens, Thomaston, CT--Peony Heaven


Thursday, May 16th, 11:30am to 4:00pm
670 Walnut Hill Road, Thomaston, CT 06787

Walk along mulched paths through a sea of herbaceous and Chinese tree peonies and sniff to your heart's content.  The gardens, owned by Kasha and David Furhman, in Thomaston CT, are a gardener's or painter's delight.  PARKING IS LIMITED.  Please carpool.  POP is invited to paint there 11:30 to 4:00 during working hours of the garden shop.  

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Who Are Our Art Collectors? The Oil Man Story

The heating oil delivery truck came zipping up the hill, the oil man jauntily taking the curves as he talked on his cell.   We stood our ground, in a cloud of dust. Humph.  Plein air artists get no respect!

Half an hour later after his load was lightened up the hill, he came back down, and stopped to see what we were painting and chat a bit.  Turns out, he is an annual guest to the local nature center gala auction, and he and his wife, the big collector in the family, enjoy bidding on some of the finer pieces and adding them to their expanding collection.  I only know this second hand because I did not take the time to go over and say hello!  My painting buddy doesn't know a stranger, and sells her art widely and often.  I'm taking notes............it was a beautiful day to learn a lesson in sales up at Maple Bank Farm.  Here is my buddy, Karen Cashman, talking to a new friend

James Gurney's "Gamestoppers"--Plein Air Disasters



On the eve of the Chestertown MD plein air event, I share a link to James Gurney's "Gamestoppers" list and video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zXFiz0sx90&feature=youtu.be


"A lot can go wrong when you paint outdoors, but wind is the biggest enemy. Artists at the second annual Plein Air Painting convention share their stories of "gamestoppers," unexpected events that bring a painting session to a dramatic halt.

A few gamestoppers that have happened to me include:
1. Sudden downpour.
2. Painting falls face down.
3. Subject departs.
4. Forgot brushes.
5. Fog covers view.
6. Tide floods painting spot.
7. Cold air freezes watercolor.
8. Truck parks, blocking view.
9. Biting insects unbearable.
10. Automatic sprinklers turned on.
11. Hordes of annoying tourists.
12. Spat on by people above me.
13. Chair collapses in museum.
14. Drawbridge lifts. I’m on it.
15. Donkey rests head in lap.
16. Easel blown into rapids.
17. Jostled by drunk dancers.
18. Menaced by bull.
19. Kicked out by a guard.
20. Ejected by nun."