Viola! That’s a “Paint Out!”

What is Plein Air Painting?

From July 26-31 2010, Alamedans will see a sight so charming it could be 19th century Paris. Under colorful hats and visors, 40 contemporary plein air painters will set up their easels and paint Alameda en plein air, a French idiom meaning outside or out of doors. Like Monet and the other French Impressionists of 130 years ago, they work outside, against time. With quick loose brush strokes, they capture the light on their canvases as it changes throughout the day. These paintings give an impression of the view without detail, hence the term Impressionism.

Before cameras were portable, artists were sent ahead to paint the vast unexplored landscape of the American West. The beauty of their paintings enticed the settlers to come west and build a new life. As towns sprang up, livestock grazed the grasslands, and business and commerce flourished, it was the painters who recorded this social evolution which points to another role of the plein air painter — that of visual historian. From these paintings we learn about the daily life of the times . . . what people wore, what they did, how they lived and what they liked.

Think of the changes in Alameda during the last 130 years. The original dirt roads have been replaced with asphalt. The horse drawn carriages are gone, replaced by cars. Bare streets are now tree-lined. Stately and humble Victorians have been joined by the Craftsman Bungalows, Art Deco, 60’s ranch style and modern architecture. Neptune Beach is gone, and Crab Cove spreads out where vacationers once played. Bay Farm Island farmland has been replaced by willow trees reflected in lagoons and new homes.

The paintings left to us by Monet and his contemporaries tell us about life in 19th century Paris just as the paintings produced in Alameda this July will tell future generations about Alameda’s beauty and life style in the early 21st century that enticed new residents and businesses to call Alameda home.

Why not generate your own family heirloom by inviting the artists to paint a portrait of your home, garden, boat, business or favorite view. Contact Debra Owen at 523-6957 to get on the list.

For artist reference:
2010 Prospectus - 2010 Application

Custom Search