En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air," and is
particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Several local
artists have been active creating en plein air for a few months in such
towns as Mokelumne Hill and Mountain Ranch. The results of their efforts
outdoors will be the focus of an August exhibit in Gallery Calaveras,
located in the space that is home to the Calaveras Arts Council at 22 Main
Street in San Andreas. A reception, open to the public, is planned for
Friday August 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Afterwards, guests may take advantage
of a 10% coupon for dinner across the street at the Black Bart Inn.
How an artist chooses to portray a particular scene is entirely personal.
Some paint shape and form, some paint movement, and some paint using a lot
of color and energy. Being outside and feeling the air, the sun and the
mosquitoes and the breeze are all a part of the artist's experience. Claude
Monet, Vincent Van Gough, and many other artists of the 19th and 20th
century were advocates of plein air. The popularity has definitely extended
into the 21st century with more and more artists capturing the moment,
recording the experience of being out in the landscape. Artists have to
paint quicker and be more spontaneous, mixing colors in their heads, and the
results invite the viewer to look deeper.
The Gallery Group meets the last Wednesday of every month in the Calaveras
Arts Council to plan exhibits, network, and encourage each other. They're
open to have new artists drop in. Among those participating in this next
show, Plein Air Calaveras, will be Jane Brown, Pat Miltimore, Judith Morgan,
Ruth Morrow, Lori Kelly, Ken Winebrenner, Peter Kelly, Arvid Morrow, Marilyn
Hinsdale, and Margaret Roberts. One of the interesting aspects will be to
see how different artists depict the same scene, like the Joses Ranch in
Mountain Ranch. The main focus is seeing and developing your own personal
vision. For the art-loving public that means wonderful works of subjects
they might see every day, but through interpreted through the eyes and
feelings of an artist.
The exhibit runs through August 29. Gallery Calaveras is open weekdays, 9:00
am to 4:00 pm and on Saturdays, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. For info call
209-754-1774.
EVENT DATE: Exhibit: August 1 - 29, 2009
Reception: August 7 - 4:00 -6:00 pm
LOCATION: Gallery Calaveras, 22 Main Street, San Andreas (Mother Lode)
Mary Jane Genochio
Penny West
Executive Director(s)
Calaveras County Arts Council
PO Box 250 / 22 N. Main St.
San Andreas, CA 95249
209.754.1774
