In conjunction with the City of Jacksonville’s celebration of 450 years of French history on the First Coast, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is proclaiming Saturday, May 5, as Plein Air Painting Day. Since the mid-19th century and the advent of portable painting supplies, artists have been painting “en plein air,” a French term that means “in the open air.”
The plein air movement was popularized by the French Impressionists and is enjoying a huge resurgence today. Help us celebrate the French and this movement by engaging the artist within! Anyone who enjoys a creative challenge may come out to draw or paint in the Arboretum’s beautiful settings. There will be no food vendors or other support, so plan to bring what you need, including all your art equipment and materials, water, lunch, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant. When selecting a place to paint, remember to observe the Arboretum rules and stay on the trail or designated rest or viewing areas.
And if you like the idea, but need a little help, the following plein air workshops are being offered that day:
Class Title: Acrylic Landscape Painting
Instructor: Keith Doles
Description: This workshop will explore perspective, composition, color theory and techniques using lively brush work. Paint a finished landscape or just a study. Demos and individualized instruction will help both beginner and experienced painters.
About the instructor: Keith Doles is a local graphic designer and certified Grumbacher art instructor for Michaels Stores with over 10 years of professional experience. His paintings have been displayed in many galleries and museums. For more information and to sign up for class, contact Keith Doles at
info@keithdoles.com or
www.keithdoles.com.
Class Title: Oil Pastel Plein Air Workshop
Instructor: Linda Holmes
Description: Learn to paint with this fun and exciting medium. You may do a complete painting, a small study or just play with the many ways to use them. The workshop includes instruction, demos and general skills to make this a part of your artistic “tool” box. We'll be under the spell of this beautiful space so be prepared to surprise yourself as you work! A supply list will be provided upon request. You may need extra time to order on line, so don't wait to sign up! To sign up for the class, email Linda at
lindah244@gmail.com.
Class Title: Pastel in the Great Outdoors: Composing a Plein Air Painting in Pastel
Instructor: Lyn Asselta
Description: Pastel is a wonderful medium for painting outdoors. Easy to set up and not requiring much in the way of equipment, it is ideal for plein air painting. Do you get overwhelmed when trying to decide what to paint outdoors? Learn ways to "see" your composition, how to make choices by using thumbnail sketches, and how to work with your pastels to create effective, interesting and colorful plein air paintings. To sign up for the class, email Lyn at
lynasselta@comcast.net.
All classes run from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Class fees are $45 and includes a $5 donation to the Arboretum.
Class sizes are limited, so sign up early!
Students are responsible for bringing all needed equipment and materials.