Plein Air in the Mountains

Even if you are not an artist, you may have heard the term "plein air". It is a French expression which means "in the open air" and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.

On my recent trip to Dahlonega, Georgia, we went to find Loganberry Heritage Farms. As we drove up,  we saw that the fence was closed, but we could see some people from afar. I was able to walk in on the side and decided to find out if there was another entrance to this farm.  As I got closer, I was able to see that these people were artists, with their easels set up and painting outdoors. Needless to say, my family waited outside the gate while I started talking to these artists and snapping photos; forgetting their wait. To my surprise, Anita Elder, a local artist I had met on a previous visit,  was part of the group. I learned that had I known, I could have signed up for this 3 day paint out.  I have done "plein air" in the past, but not as often as I would like. This definitely inspired me to go out and do it. A goal for the upcoming months!

Please take a look at what I saw and get inspired! (click photo to enlarge)

Northeast Georgia Arts Tour 2011

Last week we went to Georgia. The trip had been planned in advance, but I was disappointed that I would not be able to attend the Miami Watercolor Society 2011 Fall Exhibition opening reception and receive my award. To my surprise, I was just in time for the Northeast Georgia 2011 Arts Tour.  What a treat! Four counties open their doors and make it possible for you to meet over 100 local artists--painters, potters, jewelry makers, fiber, glass, metal artists and more demonstrating art in the making. Our first stop was above the Dahlonega Welcome Center. As promised, there was not only art, but artists creating. At this location, I ran into Oscar Rayneri  demonstrating watercolors. 

Oscar Rayneri - Watercolor Artist

We left the historic downtown center and traveled a few miles through the beautiful Georgia mountains to our next location, The Funky Chicken. We were greeted there by Christina White. She gave us a tour and demonstrated her wood carving. After some hot cider and homemade cake, we went to our next location, Moonrush Jewels. This working studio houses a husband and wife team, Paul and Florence, creating beautiful jewelry with stones. I had to buy a necklace.

The Funky Chicken - Dahlonega, Georgia

 As if this was not enough, we continued the tour and ended up at The Art Loft. At this location, artist Anita Elder and Dorothy Abercrombie  had an art activity for all visitors. My husband and I were given a piece of a large photograph, canvas and paint. We painted and all visitor's art will be compiled to create the entire painting. All participants will be emailed a photo of the finished piece.

Anita Elder & Dorothy Abercrombie - The Art Loft

 

Anita putting out the paint for me.

I met so many talented artists in Dahlonega and my 84 year old mother enjoyed picking up my award in Miami. It was a week full of color from the trees and the local artists.

Chestatee Artists - http://www.chestateeartists.com/artist-index.php