West Plains, MO. – West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host an exhibition of works by seven plein air artists in the Gallery at the Center, West Plains Civic Center from May 7 through June 18, 2022. The Gallery, on the mezzanine, is open to the public during regular Civic Center hours.
Participating artists and their thoughts on plein air painting:
Kathe Altazan
“I am an oil painter who paints contemporary landscapes in a realistic, impressionistic style. A former graphic designer with a fine arts education, I am a plein air enthusiast combining my love of nature with painting outdoors. In painting from life, one learns to appreciate the effects of light and depth of shadows in a scene and paint them convincingly.”
Lee Copen
“I have always been drawn to the diversity and beauty that landscape has to offer. Painting is absolutely my most favorite thing to do,” says Copen. “I have been painting all my life and painting is simply how I like to spend my time. For me painting is capturing a fleeting moment of beauty and sharing what I see with others.”
Janey Hale
Hale says, “Creating art is a means by which I record both emotional and visual experiences. The interaction of color, light, and textures in combination with mark making appeals to my own aesthetic, which I hope gives something to the viewer.”
Michael McClure
“The beauty of the natural world is a constant source of inspiration for me. Painting plein air, directly from life, lets me use all my senses to interpret what I see and feel,” says McClure. “My way of expressing my spiritual nature is through my art. Whatever is inside of me, you will see it out there in every brushstroke. I hope that my work will bring you joy when you look at it, just as it has brought me joy in creating it.”
Rhonda Richter
“I prefer Plein Air painting, as opposed to studio work,” says Richter. “It is challenging and thrilling to navigate the ever-changing effects of light. Plein Air organizations throughout Arkansas and Missouri have been a source of camaraderie and inspiration. Most organized Plein Air events take place in river towns: places like Louisiana, Steelville, Augusta and Portland, Missouri. Insider tips lead to great spots which otherwise would be very difficult to know about. And, from what I have recently experienced, with a little help from my friends, I am convinced I will never run out of satisfying vistas right here in Missouri!”
Joyce Stewart
Painting outdoors, en plein air, is becoming more and more important for Stewart in her quest to improve. “A photograph cannot replace the experience of sitting on the bank of a creek observing firsthand the effect of the sun on the water and the trees and grasses, seeing how the shadows fall.” Stewart says, “When painting outdoors your senses are involved in the hearing, seeing, smelling, and feel of the time and place. Back in the studio the small study done on location can help bring all that back into focus and is sometimes the catalyst to a larger painting done from the study, the photos taken and the memories. Plein air painting is becoming more and more important and precious to me as I feel it is the door to a better understanding of nature and the path to personal growth as an artist.”
Cindy Temple
Temple says, “I love to pack up my gouache paints when I’m in Mexico and paint the ocean, sandy beaches, flowers, and surroundings. Something about being on vacation gives me the courage to venture out and paint every day. However, the truth is, Plein Air painting is very difficult for me here at home. I struggle to focus and simplify my subject. Fact is, if it wasn’t for my dear artist friends, I’d likely not venture out at all, and I would most likely be content to paint from the security and comfort of my studio. I’m thankful for my friends who invite me and encourage me to come along on their excursions!
WPCA will host a Meet the Artists event on Saturday, May 14, from 2-4 p.m., in the Gallery at the Center. All are invited to attend, meet the artists, and discuss the pieces. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the West Plains Civic Center and West Plains Council on the Arts, with partial funding provided by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
Photo Credit – “House near Owensville, Missouri” by Rhonda Richter
