Friday, April 15, 2011

the joy of plein air

6x8 pastel on somerset
I couldn't sleep so my visit to the river was super early and I was delighted! Late April and early May are the times for the fog. The water is cold and the air is warm...beauty results when this happens. The allure of the Spring colors was strong. I had to make clear decisions and to what was the dominant hue and the supporting cast. Moving other colors towards those hues is important. The hardest thing about plein air is so much information.
On a separate note, I have  story that I just have to share with you. As you know I teach part time. Yesterday I was with a group of five year olds. I must admit I LOVE this age! We are studying landscape painting and went out to do some plein air sketching. The children know to find their focus, talk about it then begin their sketching. One little boy chose a place on the hill, far from the others. When I visited him he began sharing, "Oh , I love plein air! I can feel the air on my cheeks and hear the birds and then here I am drawing. I am so lucky!" Now think how wise that little boy is already. Embrace the moment..feel each morsel. He went on to create a very detailed drawing of the stream and bridge!   Two other 5 year old girls later went and sat next to the boy. They were giggling and talking. He turned around and let them know they could stay there if they could be quiet. He needed his concentration. 
WOW! Doesn't that have a familiar ring plein air painters? So now plein air painters, go out and celebrate. It's Spring!!!!

13 comments:

Deborah Paris said...

wonderful story Loriann!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Out of the mouths of babes. This story is so cute. We should all feel nature's glory with such childlike abandon. Thanks for sharing, Loriann!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lorrian,
Yesterday and todays painting-beautiful color. Yesterday-crisp-crisp cold blue of the trees and that cold red on the right side juxtaposed against the yellow-green foreground. Today-cold palette-yellow -green tree on the right side, red-orange ochre in the foreground, the blues of the water. Loriann you have an incredible gift for color. Todays painting- I liked that you caught the morning fog. I smiled as I read of that young plein air painter- attitude is everything. Hopefully he will continue. Perhaps he is the re-incarnation of one of the Impressionists or Corot?

NJ ART 73

loriann signori said...

Hi Deborah...I knew others would enjoy that story. I will share another story tomorrow that happened today.

Hi Janelle, Glad that you liked the story. I feel that when young artists are honored like artists they are free to think like artists. It's quite wonderful!

Hi NJ!
The little boy is a joy to be around. Perhaps he is a reincarnation of one of the greats... or just the sensitive makings of a new artist.
Thanks about my paintings! Hope you are enjoying Spring!

Casey Klahn said...

I bow to the boy's knowledge and sensibility.

These last few spring works are joyous - glad you are getting some good weather.

Brenda Boylan said...

This child has incredible sensitivity! Wow, what a rewarding experience that you were able to observie this little nugget. I teach kids too, and it's funny how incredibly unique each one is in their talent search. I may have to borrow this PA idea for my kids for something different (ages 9~11)...will see.

Anyway, a beautifully sensitive painting this one is. I'm so happy you are out painting your passion. Live on girl!

Celeste Bergin said...

beautiful painting---you were rewarded by going out early...love the fog!
I adore your young student! One of my earliest memories is when our teacher let us go down the street from our school and draw in the neighborhood! I remember I felt like I was in Heaven! I never forgot that teacher...and I know your young fella won't ever forget you!

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

I love the colours you use in your fog paintings, I can feel the stillness. Wise words from your student - you will be the teacher that he remembers forever, I'm sure. Have a great day.

Leah said...

Celebrate spring and plein air painting!
I know from personal experience what a great teacher you are. You have that wonderful talent of sparking interest, then giving just enough technical information to let the child find his own creativity and talent. Your students are the lucky ones!

loriann signori said...

Hi Casey,
Yes, that boy has a lot to teach us..that we often take for granted.
Enjoy the Spring painting time. Today it is pouring rain with a tornado watch! Tumultuous Spring!

loriann signori said...

Hi Brenda, Teaching children is eye opening. They so easily remind us of what is important.
Thanks about the painting!

Hi Celeste,
Wonderful little tidbit you just shared about your childhood memories. There really is no place like outside! Thanks about the foggy painting!

Hi Lisa,
I think it is I who will remember him. Lucky me I will teach him for two more years! Yay! Thanks for your observation about the stillness in the painting!

loriann signori said...

Hi Leah, my long time best friend,
Thanks so much for saying such kind things. You and I know each other so well and I do treasure those days we taught together! You are simply amazing. Lucky Nova Scotia that got you back! The children there are very happy.
Today is a crazy day like the ones you will remember from Washington Springs. Rain, wind and tornadoes. We will probably lose our power.Time to read a good book by flashlight!

Jala Pfaff said...

The kid sounds great.

This is sooooooo beautiful.