Notes from my Latest plein air adventure!

 

This week I participated in the inaugural plein air painting event in Pagosa Springs, CO. I haven't painted in one of these in several years. Reason? They are expensive for artists, sometimes stressful, and exhausting.

I love being out in nature painting what inspires me and hoping to bring those observations and emotions into my work. Some of my paintings are worthy to be framed, some are not..but they all bring important information for future studio work. Plus..what could be better than to commune with nature! It refreshes my soul.

"Golden Passage", 11 x14" oil, was painted along the road towards Williams Creek reservoir. I loved the warmth of the whole scene. The golden light of Fall warms our souls as it changes the colors of the grasses and the trees. I wanted to capture the essence of this area. 

Here is my site..I edited out everything that was not needed. Photos give too much information as well as putting everything in focus. I wanted to give emotion and warmth in a simple way.

This painting is available through Two Old Crows Gallery:

970-264-0800.

They graciously hosted the show.

 

I did enjoy this event...with the exception of being hailed on while painting ..notice the umbrella in the first photo and the heavy jacket I grabbed as the weather quickly changed.

Check out the fall paintings now on my new website!

"Colorfest", 10x8" oil

https://www.amyevansart.com/paintings/p/colorfest

                                     

Beauty In These Times

 

"River of Light", oil, 14x11", $1000.

Available at Home Studio

This is a painting that I did after my trip to Maynard Dixon country. It is from a plein air study. This conjured up the feelings  that I felt while painting this landscape , as well as the stories from that morning in Zion National Park.

My friend Tricia Bass and I were privileged to stay in Maynard Dixon's home surrounded by his art and his treasures. We had decided to paint the areas he loved and planned an early morning painting trip to Zion in order to arrive before it became crowded. 

We accomplished that goal and decided on this scene along the river and a little off the trail. The light rapidly began to light up the canyon as I painted. It was as if our Creator was directing my painting and showing me the ever changing beauty of this place . When you are painting a site for over 2 hrs you begin to really notice the changes that occur  sometimes so subtly..other times fast. 

 

In the midst of this encounter with nature a group of people arrived and began to take selfies right behind me as I painted. It was as if I didn't exist. They took their pictures and then left as quickly as they came. 

Two totally different experiences in nature. I wondered if their photos even showed the real beauty we encounter..or was the scene just a backdrop.

I hope that in these times we encourage ourselves and others to spend more time in Nature, where we an find beauty and as a result some peace.

"A Capitol Afternoon", 18x24", $2,500.

Available at Breckenridge Gallery

"Road to Zion", 10x12", oil, $900.

Available at Breckenridge Gallery

Art is Important

 

                                                             "Refreshment", 12x10" oil, $995. 

Creating is a natural part of our souls. Unless we are an artist a lot of us do not consider ourselves as creatives. Have we thought about using our hands to make supper, rearranging our furniture to make a room more inviting, or gardening? All of these activities are a type of creativity..they connect us to something in our hearts.

I have been doing art work since I was very small. I have always loved making something. Creating can exercise our souls in a meditative way. I noticed that in my art classroom once my students began to work on an art assignment the room became quiet as everyone began to concentrate on their creative side.

The same thing happens when I am out on a plein air morning. I begin to concentrate on the beauty in front of me as I paint my feelings towards the subject. I do not notice what is around me, which sometimes is not a safe thing to do. We often call it "being in the zone", which I now feel is more of meditation with in my case nature.

"In It's Glory", 9x12", oil $975.

Available at Breckenridge Gallery

I believe that Art is an important part of our creativity. While we create we can calm our souls and the product of that soaks up our feelings and expresses them to others. It is a connection,

To experience more of my paintings visit my website as well as the two galleries that show my work.

Amy Evans Art website