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| Spruce 6x8 oil by Michael Chesley Johnson Available - $100 unframed |
"How long have you been painting en plein air?" is a question students sometimes ask me at workshops. Short answer: The summer of 1999. I took a one-day pastel workshop, which entailed a session of painting from life outdoors. (Coincidentally, that was also my first exposure to pastel.) I was immediately hooked. I didn't want to be in the studio anymore. From that point forward, I painted almost exclusively outdoors for many years.
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| "Spruce" - in process in the field Art Cocoon in use! www.myartcocoon.com |
But that wasn't my first exposure to painting outside. I started in college, at the University of Georgia in Athens. A friend across the hall at my dorm was an amateur painter, and one day he invited me to take my paintbox out. We drove to and then hiked into the university's vast botanical gardens. We set up along the shadowed banks of the muddy Oconee River. I don't know what happened to that first plein air painting, but I remember I liked the experience very much.
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| Behind the Barrier Beach, Fog 9x12 pastel by Michael Chesley Johnson Available - $150 unframed |
How many of you remember your first plein air painting outing? I'd love for you to share your memories in the comments.
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| Eastern Head 9x12 oil by Michael Chesley Johnson Available - $150 unframed |
On another note, I just finished up another workshop this week. I had students from Florida, New York City and Maine. Despite the fog, we had a great time and did some good painting. I've sprinkled some photos of mine throughout this post.
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| Spring Tide 6x8 oil by Michael Chesley Johnson Available - $150 unframed |
By the way, I am eager to get more students for my first two workshop weeks in Sedona. I have openings for the October 27-30 and November 3-6 sessions. For details or to sign up, please visit www.PaintSedona.com
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| Bold Coast Cliff 9x12 pastel by Michael Chesley Johnson SOLD |
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| Not a painting! But a pretty picture nevertheless. |
