Artwork by Phyllis Rennie
Artwork by Joanne Benson
Artwork by Maryann Williams
Picitured are artists Charlotte Dickinson, front, and in back from left Maryann Williams, Phyllis Rennie, Joanne Benson and Terry Proctor.
CLARKS SUMMIT — A local group of artists who work together as the Plein Air group will exhibit their work at The Gathering Place from Dec. 9 until mid-January.
The public can enjoy the artwork at the gallery, either by attending a reception or at the gallery on Dec. 9 or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, during the gallery’s normal hours.
The group of artists has experience in painting “en plein air,” a French term for painting in the open air. It is a challenging way to paint, as the sun and shadows change throughout the day and therefore the scene changes as one is working.
Painters must deal with weather, wind, blazing sun, bugs and changing skies.
It is a genre that has become extremely popular around the world, and there are many groups and festivals throughout the country that meet to paint together to capture the scene in the moment, recording the current light and weather conditions.
If a painting cannot be completed within the allotted time (about two hours), the painter will usually return another day when the weather conditions are similar. Minor studio work to finish is permitted, but the bulk of the painting must be done outside to truly qualify as a plein air painting.
The artists met first to paint together about 15 months ago, then decided to spend this year painting at several different locations. Part of the fun is that each painting develops differently even though the artists are all in the same location.
The locations to be shared in this exhibit are titled as a group. They are “Backyard Still Life” painted at Bridge St. Tunkhannock; “On Campus” painted at Clarks Summit University; “Floral Expressions” painted at Constantino’s; “Path to Debi’s Creek” painted at the Cumen’s Property in Springville; “Enjoying Hillside Park” painted at Hillside Park; “Lots of Lavender” painted at Mountain Springs Farm and “Bridges and Blossoms” painted at South Abington Park.
Each painting within the group reflects the uniqueness of the artist’s vision and talent so, even though they are painted at the same place, the works of art are very different.
The Plein Air group plans to continue painting together and will welcome other plein air artists. It is an informal group with each artist making arrangements for the locations.
The group does not have regular meetings as the genre is weather sensitive, which makes flexibility critical.
