Painting in Italy...well, sort of...

Yesterday, in Maureen's class, we did an interesting exercise. Maureen set up a scene of an Italian hillside/seaside village on an overhead projector and we attempted to paint the scene quickly, as if we were actually painting in plein air. We listened to Italian music and had fun pretending we were actually in Italy. Of course we didn't have to deal with the many challenges of actual plein air painting, such as ever changing light, wind, or other undesirable weather conditions.

(The reference photo to the left is the courtesy of one of Maureen's students from another of her classes.)

I have only recently purchased a lightweight travel easel, and have yet to attempt actual plein air painting. I have to get organized with the rest of my plein air supplies, and, to be honest, I am just spoiled with having everything already set up and ready to go in my studio. But, I do hope to try it sometime this spring or summer. Although, my ideal scenario is expanding my studio and adding French doors to it, so that I can paint inside while feeling like I am outside. We are talking to an architect soon, so I "have my fingers crossed." In the meantime, if you have any tips for plein air painting, please leave a comment and share your tips.

Whenever we paint the same subject as a class, it is always so interesting to see how differently everyone interprets the reference and how varied are the paintings. Next time, I will have to remember to take photos of several different artists' paintings. I especially like the composition of Maureen's painting. She zoomed in on the buildings, so that they dominated the painting. And, she planned to have sky above the buildings, rather than more hills. I also loved how Lorra's painting was looking - somewhat abstract, and a beautiful palette. Despite our challenge to work quickly, I believe Jane is the only one who finished. She is by far the fastest painter in the class, and can usually sign her painting each week before she leaves. I have to say, I am very jealous:-)

Please check out my paintings at http://JenniferFerrisArt.com/