Plein Air painting refers to painting in the “open air” or outdoors. No dues, no officers, no meetings, come when you can…..these are the ideas that have kept members exploring scenic spots in Northwest Indiana and Southwestern Michigan for over 10 years.
Art Barn School of Art provides a sanctuary for this dedicated group of artists, where they can continue their work in the comfort of our indoor spaces during harsh winter months. An exhibit featuring their more recent works is being hosted by the Art Barn October 3rd through November 2, 2020. Gallery hours are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Art Barn is located at 695 N. 400 E., Valparaiso IN 46383. Visit artbarnschool.org or call 219-462-9009 for more information. Covid-19 safety expectations of social distance and wearing a mask are part of the paint outs and exhibition. Learn more about precautions and safety measures at www.artbarnschool.org/covid-19-update.
Artists experience their subjects in changing light, atmospheric and seasonal color change, and also by absorbing the sights and sounds around them. Laurie Schirmer Carpenter, one of the founding members shared, “In the early days there might be only one or two people showing up for weekly paint outs and our mailing list totaled only about 10 painters. Today our mailing list reaches over 60 artists with 10 to 15 people meeting weekly to paint from life.”
Pat Herman, another member since day one states that "Making art is one of the great joys of my life and being able to do it in the field, surrounded by the beauty of nature is inspiring, joyful and challenging. To be able to share the experience with my Plein Air pals makes it really special."
Laurie continues “The group is open to anyone who wishes to paint outdoors. Beginners and professionals come together to share in the joys and trials of painting in the heat, cold, rain, or wind and always hoping for ideal weather. For some members, one of the best parts of painting together is at the end of each session, we have an informal critique of the works created that day. This has become a welcome finale to a Paint Out session. Artists bonding together, enjoying the vistas and the challenge of working in their media whether it be oil, watercolor, pastel, pencil or ink in the outdoors--then sharing with each other their creative resolve, offering encouragement and helpful advice. The creative camaraderie shared by this group is enthusiastically summed up by member Jean Bargeron -- “Paint ON!”
For more information on joining the group, visit their facebook at Duneland Plein Air Painters. It is fun, free and fabulous to be with other painters who love nature, small towns, farms and lakes around us.
ABOUT ART BARN SCHOOL OF ART
Art Barn School of Art is dedicated to fostering a love of art in its unique 69-acre environment in Porter County, IN. The Art Barn offers a full range of art education classes for children and adults and is a venue for performing arts and weddings. In the Spring, the Art Barn walls fill floor to ceiling for the annual juried art exhibition (with a 27-year history). In September Art Barn hosts it's annual Art Blitz which engages all ages in art-making and demonstrations.