The fourth annual Plein Air Unleashed painting event will return this week to Allure Art Center, 419 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone.
This annual four-day event invites professional fine artists from across Virginia and Southern Maryland, including local artists, to spend the week painting Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula scenery “en plein air,” said gallery owner Jeff Cherry.
This “en plein air” method is most often associated with impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir, although it was started before the impressionists and practiced in many other art movements, said Cherry. These artists who took their easels out into the countryside realized that they could more accurately represent the colors and the light by painting in nature.
Although painting outdoors took considerably more effort and created new challenges, the results were worth the trouble, as they found paintings done on location came alive, he said.
The public may see invited fine artists working in a variety of mediums, out in natural settings, striving to catch the light in their interpretations of the scenery, said Cherry. Artists will be painting at over 23 locations through Saturday, April 27.
“We have eight new artists to the event this year and we encourage the public to come out and see the art in action,” he said.
A preview wet painting reception will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Allure Art Center. The artists will discuss their works and there is no cost to attend but advance registration is required, email [email protected] or call 323-3169.
On Saturday, April 27, exhibiting artists will be at Allure Art Center to work, offer demonstrations, conduct workshops and greet patrons.
Local artists are urged to come out Saturday to paint on the grounds with the exhibiting artists, said Cherry. Last year there were over 60 works created during the four-day event.
Maria Reardon will conduct a soft pastel workshop on Saturday open to all levels. This is an all-day workshop and the fee is $95 per person. Advance registration is required.
An exhibit that showcases many of the works created by the exhibiting artists will continue through May.
