Plein-air painting, from a French expression meaning “in the open air” describes artists who paint outdoors and incorporate natural light, colour and movement into their work, as opposed to studio painting or painting according to academic rules that might create a predetermined look.
For Otter resident Sandra Meier, a mixed media artist, the Langley Arts Council "Art In The Park" plein-air event, held in Langley City's Portage Park, was an opportunity to get out of her studio and chat with other artists and members of the public.
"It's lovely to have opportunities like this, to see other artists and just have an excuse to be out in a park, making art," Meier told the Langley Advance Times.
"I just love exchanging [tips] and talking to other artists and anyone else."
Meier was one of nine artists to participate in the Saturday, July 6 event, that was free and open to artists of all levels. It was the fifth year of the LAC hosting such events..
Langley Arts Council Art in the Park is underway at Portage Park located at 204 St. and 51 Ave. till 2 30 p.m pic.twitter.com/k400BCPGwf
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) July 6, 2024
LAC program assistant Warren Zeer, on hand to field questions, explained an important part of the plein-air experience for the artists was "painting directly from their subject matter, as it is."
Another participant, Murrayville resident Garima Wilson, described herself as a "hobby artist" who works in acrylic paint on canvas and has returned to her art after taking several years off.
"I felt like I needed to start painting again," Wilson said.
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