Living Legends Panel at Plein Air Live

By

-

March 13, 2023

Plein Air Live - Kelly Kane with Skip Whitcomb, Matt Smith, and Bill Anton — Kelly Kane with Skip Whitcomb, Matt Smith, and Bill Anton

In an exclusive panel discussion during the 4th Annual Plein Air Live, Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of PleinAir Magazine, interviewed living legends Skip Whitcomb, Matt Smith, and Bill Anton on their experiences as plein air painters, including their “a-ha moments.”

“One of the biggest challenges of outdoor painting is not having control over your environment: light, wind, temperature, etc.,” said Matt in the Plein Air Live chat. “Once you learn to embrace that the focus moves back to the process.”

In addition to this exclusive and fascinating discussion, attendees were able to participate in a faculty art auction, including works by Anna Rose Bain, Mark Shasha, and more.

Here are some more favorite moments from this year’s Plein Air Live:

Pastel painter Jacob Aguiar led an outdoor demonstration on working through the challenges of quickly changing light when painting on location.

Christine Lashley showed us tips and techniques to create a dynamic night painting. “There are different ways to do this,” she said, “with sketches on location or even just working from photos and taking it back to your studio.”

From Christine Lashley’s Plein Air Live demo — From Christine Lashley’s demo

“Critiquing is one of the most important things I do as an instructor,” said Kathleen Dunphy during her special plein air critique session. She added that it’s important to remember, however, that an art critique is just an (educated) opinion. She said to take a critique seriously, to listen to it, and then decide what aspects you want to apply to your painting.

Kathryn Stats also led us through a critique session that included a variety of painting levels. She said she uses her hand to cover different parts of a painting to help determine what composition elements work.

The next Plein Air Live takes place in one year, but you don’t have to wait that long to join many of your fellow painters, including today’s best teachers. Join us in person at the Plein Air Convention & Expo in Denver, Colorado, May 21-25, 2023. Celebrity guest Jane Seymour will be there, and Lori Putnam is leading the pre-convention workshop. There are 4 stages and over 80 instructors. Will you be there?

American Plains Artists – 2023 Representational Art Sale

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 13, 2023

0

Representational western art - "The Essentials" by TW Vanya — "The Essentials" by TW Vanya

The American Plains Artists (APA) Signature Show of representational art will be hosted by the Petrified Wood & Art Gallery in Ogallala, Nebraska, March 17-April 29, 2023.

The public is invited to attend this celebration of “Art of the Plains” featuring realistic and representational art in traditional media that depicts the American Great Plains region – its landscape, wildlife, people, and way of life in historical or modern times.

Artworks in the show will be rendered by nationally recognized award-winning artists who hail from across the U.S.A. The approximately 45 artworks exhibited and for sale at this event will be created by the APA Signature members who earned the right to Signature status and were elected to that status due in part to the continual high quality of their artwork.

For more information about the APA and the Petrified Wood & Art Gallery please go to www.americanplainsartists.com or www.petrifiedwoodgallery.com.

Related Announcement for Representational Art Lovers:

The APA’s 38th Annual Juried Exhibit & Sale will be hosted by The Pearce Museum at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, October 19, 2023 through January 4, 2024.

The public is invited to attend this celebration of “Art of the Plains” featuring approximately 115 two- and three-dimensional realistic and representational artworks in traditional media that depict the American Great Plains region. For more information about the Pearce Museum at Navarro College please go to www.pearcemuseum.com.

***

Browse our weekly Virtual Gallery Walk here at FineArtConnoisseur.com.

Fine Art Connoisseur serves art collectors and enthusiasts with innovative articles about representational paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints — both historical and contemporary, American and European.

Learning from the Past, Painting in the Present

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 10, 2023

0

landscape paintings — (left) Cornelis Botke (1887-1954), “Ojai,” 18x24, oil (right) Rick J. Delanty (b. 1951), “Ojai,” 16x20, oil

“Inspired by History” is a curated exhibition that features approximately 22 larger and smaller-scale framed artworks created by historical masters of the late 19th and early 20th century from the extensive Boseker Family Art Collection and 22 contemporary works by Rick J. Delanty, inspired by the same locales or motifs modeled in the historical paintings. Masters selected for this exhibit include Armin Hansen, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Hill, William Ritschel, William Wendt, and others.

Each historical/contemporary pairing is connected by a variety of elements that could include subject matter, geographical location, similar composition, color, and/or theme. Paintings were created both in the studio and en plein air.

Exhibition Details:
“Inspired by History: Rick J. Delanty & California Impressionists”
Through June 4, 2023
Casa Romantica Cultural Center Galleries in San Clemente, CA
Lecture presentation by Jean Stern March 23
casaromantica.org

Virtual Gallery Walk for March 10th, 2023

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 10, 2023

1

As part of our effort to continue to help artists and art galleries thrive, we’re proud to bring you this week’s “Virtual Gallery Walk.” Browse the artwork below and click the image itself to learn more about it, including how to contact the gallery.

Psycho Circus, Erica Calardo, oil on linen, 39 x 59 in; 33 Contemporary

Unwind, Priscilla Nelson, oil on panel, 24 x 36 in; Celebration of Fine Art

Ballet Dancer, Pokey Park, Bronze with laser cut stainless steel wings, 13 x 13 x 9 in; Pokey Park

Want to see your gallery featured in an upcoming Virtual Gallery Walk? Contact us at [email protected] to advertise today. Don’t delay, as spaces are first come, first served, and availability is limited.

Art World Mourns John Stobart

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 8, 2023

0

Maritime artist John Stobart (1929-2023)

Today we are saddened to report on the death of renowned artist John Stobart (1929-2023), who pursued his dream despite being once told, “You’re never going to put bread on the table with that kind of work.”

John was a plein air artist and an icon, known for his incredible maritime paintings.

Marine art oil paintings of boats - John Stobart — John Stobart, “Fellow Emeritus Uploading in Hong Kong, the Dashing Wave,” Oil on linen,18 x 24 in.

“John was a giant, a legend, one of the most important artists of our times,” said Publisher Eric Rhoads. “He was a leader, an encourager of younger artists, and a brilliant businessman. He was known worldwide because of his PBS show WorldScape. He was a dear friend and I’ll miss him.”

Stobart became known for his meticulous attention to detail and incredible ability to capture the atmosphere and mood of historic ports. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in his field and was soon exhibiting his paintings in galleries throughout North America and Europe.

“John Stobart was a master painter, a fact that is evident as soon as you see his superbly crafted, extraordinarily evocative scenes,” said Peter Trippi of Fine Art Connoisseur. “What those who did not have the privilege to meet him may not know is that John was also a charming, down-to-earth man who always enjoyed meeting new people and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasms. Everyone at Fine Art Connoisseur mourns his passing, and he will be missed greatly by his many admirers worldwide.”

Over the course of his career, John received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the art world and in addition to his artistic achievements, he was a generous philanthropist.

In Plein Air Podcast Episode 149 with Eric Rhoads, John shared what he learned from a lifetime of living as an artist.

Read the full tribute for John Stobart at OutdoorPainter.com.

Donations in Stobart’s memory may be made to The Stobart Foundation.

Virtual Gallery Walk for March 3rd, 2023

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 3, 2023

0

As part of our effort to continue to help artists and art galleries thrive, we’re proud to bring you this week’s “Virtual Gallery Walk.” Browse the artwork below and click the image itself to learn more about it, including how to contact the gallery.

The Dust of Everyday Life, Saluja Manu, oil, 36 x 28 in; 33 Contemporary

Patient Fisher, Trevor Swanson, oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in; Celebration of Fine Art

A Splash of Colour – Gypsy Vanner, LAARA CASSELLS, Acrylic on Baltic birch board, 24 x 36 in; Laara Cassells

Alpine Mountain, Gary Ernest Smith, oil, 12 x 16 in; ArtzLine

Want to see your gallery featured in an upcoming Virtual Gallery Walk? Contact us at [email protected] to advertise today. Don’t delay, as spaces are first come, first served, and availability is limited.

All Eyes on Montana for its 54th Western Art Week

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 3, 2023

0

Western Art Week - Jessica Bryant (b. 1977), "Lower Salmon River," 2022, watercolor on paper, 16 1/2 x 29 1/2 in., estimate $5,000–$7,000 at March in Montana — Jessica Bryant (b. 1977), "Lower Salmon River," 2022, watercolor on paper, 16 1/2 x 29 1/2 in., estimate $5,000–$7,000 at March in Montana

All eyes are on Great Falls, Montana, the town of 60,000 that will come alive during its 54th Western Art Week. It was on March 19, 1864 that the Western master Charles M. Russell was born in St. Louis, and it was in Great Falls that he spent the second half of his life; he died there in 1926.

A key highlight will be the 36th Annual March in Montana Auction & Dealer Show, presented by Coeur d’Alene Galleries and Coeur d’Alene Art Auction (March 16–18). On offer there will be Western and sporting art, cowboy and Indian collectibles, and arms, with particular strength in Native American weavings, the art of William Standing, and woodcarvings by Montana’s John L. Clarke.

Illustrated above is a scene of the Salmon River painted by Jessica Bryant. She writes, “Known as the River of No Return, the Salmon is the longest undammed river in the contiguous U.S., dropping over 7,000 feet and flowing 425 miles, all within Idaho. I camped here last April, as the spring runoff swelled the creeks into a raging confluence with the Salmon. My campsite was on a large rock outcrop, just above this view. The force of the creek below transferred a con-stant, low vibration through the rock. It was simply magnificent to spend a few days experiencing this spot.”

Lots of other activities will be making Great Falls hop this March. The C.M. Russell Museum will present Charlie’s March Roundup (March 17–18), which features a preview party and two nights of sales offering art and collectibles, along with educational activities.

Overlapping it is the Out West Art Show & Sale (March 16–18) encompassing more than 70 artists and multiple galleries. Produced by the Out West Art Foundation, which mentors Montana’s high school-age artists, its offerings include two auctions plus Quick Draw and Quick Finish events.

Running concurrently nearby:

Legends West Art Show
Great Western Show
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Annual Art Exhibit & Sale
Western Heritage Artists—Footprints on the Trail
Studio 706 Spring Show
Wild Bunch Art Show
Celebration of Native Plains Artists Show

As if that were not enough, the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art will be open as usual, presenting its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

Browse more western art and events here.

January’s PleinAir Salon Winners Announced, Judged by CW Mundy

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 3, 2023

0

Charles Newman, “Corner of Riggs Street,” oil, 18 x 24 in.

We’d like to congratulate Charles Newman for winning Overall First Place in the January 2023 PleinAir Salon, judged by CW Mundy.

Charles Newman received his Master’s Degree in Fine Art from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2008, focusing on plein air painting; he earned a BFA in Painting from Rowan University in 2002. In 2001, Charles studied painting and photography at the Scuola Lorenzo de’Medici in Florence, Italy.

Charles continues to paint en plein air. He is an accomplished craftsman and currently works at Provenance in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in architectural salvage materials and antiques. He is known for his hand-crafted frames made with salvaged wood and custom home restorations.

Charles has received numerous awards at Plein Air Festivals along the East coast, including First Place at Cape Ann Plein Air 2022, Second Place at Plein Air Easton 2019, and was featured in the Aug/Sept 2018 issue of PleinAir Magazine. He was awarded Best in Show at the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s 150th Annual Small Oil Painting Exhibition.

Connect with the artist at www.charlesnewmanarts.com.
See the rest of this month’s winners at PleinAirSalon.com.
Browse more artist profiles here at FineArtConnoisseur.com.

About the PleinAir Salon:

In the spirit of the French Salon created by the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this annual online art competition, with 11 monthly cycles, leading to the annual Salon Grand Prize winners, is designed to stimulate artistic growth through competition. The competition rewards artists with over $33,000 in cash prizes and exposure of their work, with the winning painting featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine.

Winners in each monthly competition may receive recognition and exposure through PleinAir Magazine’s print magazine, e-newsletters, websites, and social media. Winners of each competition will also be entered into the annual competition. The 12th Annual Awards will be presented live at the Plein Air Convention & Expo in May 2023.

The next round of the PleinAir Salon has begun so hurry, as this competition ends on the last day of the month. Enter your best art in the PleinAir Salon here.

.

33rd Celebration of Fine Art

By

Fine Art Today

-

March 3, 2023

0

Now entering its 33rd year, Celebration of Fine Art is Arizona’s longest-running art show. It brings together 100 artists from across America, all invited to spend 10 weeks creating pieces in front of visitors. Their works range widely in both aesthetics and media.

Celebration of Fine Art - Robin Damore (b.1955) "It's All about Maxine," 2022, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in. — Robin Damore (b.1955) “It’s All about Maxine,” 2022, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in.

Guests are invited to ask questions as the artists work, and these encounters are complemented by weekly demonstrations of woodturning, welding, kiln firing, and glass blowing, as well as exhibitors’ talks every Friday. Everyone is welcome to explore the one-acre sculpture garden, which features nearly 100 pieces, and to enjoy meals and wine in the cafe on site.

In 1991, inspired by California’s Laguna Beach Festival of Arts, Tom and Ann Morrow collaborated with Scottsdale officials and the community to open CFA’s “big white tents” for the first time. Now encompassing 40,000 square feet of covered space, the event is carried on by Tom’s daughter Susan Morrow Potje and her husband, Jake. Susan Potje notes, “There’s no place where art comes to life like the Celebration of Fine Art.”

For those who cannot make it to Scottsdale before March 26, 2023, visit the website to browse and buy CFA artists’ newest creations.

Browse more articles here at FineArtConnoisseur.com. Fine Art Connoisseur serves art collectors and enthusiasts with innovative articles about representational paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints — both historical and contemporary, American and European.

Featured Artwork: Jennifer Riefenberg

By

Related Announcement for Representational Art Lovers:

About the PleinAir Salon:

WEEKLY NEWS FROM THE ART WORLD