A Texas Trio Unveils Artistic Journeys
Discover the vibrant world of plein air painting as Arts for Rural Texas presents Plein Air Perspectives: A Texas Trio, featuring the captivating works of Julie Sanderson, Kathy Hammond, and Lisette McClung. These talented artists, fueled by a love for travel, seek beauty in scenes that forge a connection to places and people.
The process of painting en plein air, a French expression meaning “in the open air,” is a testament to the trio’s dedication. These artists leave the four walls of their studio behind to paint outdoors, battling changing light, wind, bugs, and the occasional snake! Sanderson states, “plein air painting is very challenging, but I enjoy being outdoors and capturing the feel of the day.”
Immersed primarily in oil, these three artists weave their own exclusive styles, whether employing thin, transparent washes or indulging in luscious, thick strokes. Their medium of choice allows them to authentically express the essence of a scene. While the three work in the same plein air process, each of their creative styles and inspirations are unique.
Sanderson describes her style as contemporary impressionism. “I like to play with the transparency and opaque characteristics of oil paint while keeping the painting fresh and not overworked. I am drawn to timeworn churches, barns, slanting roofs, and crooked fences. Painting is good for the soul, and I hope my works depict my love of the craft.”
Hammond experiments with different kinds of subject matter, offering a diverse collection of paintings. She explains, “while trying to represent my subject accurately, I typically try to inject something unexpected into each painting. This could be color, pattern, or an object. I could be painting a wall, the side of a building, or even plein air painting from the middle of a lake on a kayak.”
For McClung, each painting is a learning moment that she can explore and convey into future works. “I look for the interesting negative and positive shapes I see in the subject matter to show the big picture and capture the rhythm of the scene. I use an assortment of tools, including brushes, palette knives, and scrapers, to manipulate the oil paint. This allows me to achieve a variety of surface applications, including thin, thick, and textured paint qualities.”
The exhibition showcases plein air painting inspired by the trio’s adventures across various Texas cities. ARTS and the trio invite you to the artists’ reception and exhibition opening on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at ARTS’ Ross Gallery (114 North Live Oak Street, Fayetteville) to see how the artists captured the unique charm of Fayetteville and other Texas towns.
The trio welcomes the public to join them Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fayetteville’s town square for a community plein air paint-out. Bring your supplies and paint along with the artists or sit back and observe the creative process. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or an aspiring artist, watching artists at work can be a delightful and inspiring experience. The plein air process offers an escape from our modern world and a connection to the rhythm of nature.
Participants are welcome to submit their creations for display during the exhibition; more information can be found by visiting www.artsforruraltexas. org/ross-gallery. For additional inquiries or questions, please contact ARTS’ Gallery Manager, Allyson Hoffmann, at artists@artsforruraltexas. org, or call (979) 378-2113.
Join ARTS in celebrating the spirit of Plein Air Perspectives: A Texas Trio, where art, nature, and community converge in harmonious display.