Artist Enjoys Plein Air Painting
Thu, Aug 27, 2020
The Monticello News
By JEANNE TRAMMELL
People often ask me about sketching and painting outside.
“En plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view.
Plein air artists attempt to capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their works.
Today’s artists carry on the traditions of past masters by seeing the subject outdoors in its natural form.
About 20 years ago, there was resurgence of interest in Plein air painting. Groups of Plein air painters gather together at a single location or within certain geographical boundaries. These “Paint Outs” are now very popular and give artists a chance to get together to paint and learn from each other.
I have been a “Plein air” painter for 12 or so years. I find it very satisfying to travel and paint on location.
When asked what her favorite place in other counties to paint, she replies, “I can’t choose because areas are all so different and unique. It is like comparing apples to oranges.”
When I go “Plein air” painting it is usually two weeks and/or as long as a month in one country. We meet as an organized group and usually stay in one or two places, such as an old converted monastery or convent, or quaint old hotels.
We gather our stuff and head out every day to a small village, do a walk about and then settle down to a view we want to sketch and paint. The time of day is very important for this. It is important to catch the shadows of the landscape or building.
I usually take a picture with my phone in the position I want to sketch it because when the shadows move, I can refer to the picture later. Sometimes with watercolor I lay the shadows in first and then paint the picture.
I have developed friendships with artists all over the world with Plein Air.
Some of the most interesting places I have Plein Air painted are in Italy, France, Ireland, Scotland, Croatia, Greece, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. Needless to say, it has been an adventure and privilege to paint and travel.
With all the Covid-19 stuff going on I have not traveled and painted this year but as soon as I can I will be back at it. I still have some places on my bucket list!
I, along with two other Plein air artists, was featured in the Oconee Lake magazine in March demonstrating techniques on Plein Air painting.
I work in mediums other than watercolor, as well, such as palette knife oil, pastels and acrylics.
I recently illustrated a children’s book with author David Hunt. The book, Willie Takes the High Road” is the first of a series of books focusing on children’s difficulties growing up. Willie Takes the High Road is about bullying. The second book due out in November is “Willie the Worrier.”
My philosophy is art is not something apart from our lives; it is about love, adventure, therapy, humor, and most of all, a celebration of life.
My art work is on display in Monticello at the Vanilla Bean, City Grocery, Venture Medical Associates, The Art Box, and the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce.
Norma Jeanne Trammell Art 