Looking forward to fall? Mark your calendars for the start of the season to try your hand at painting en plein air under the tutelage of a local artist and a Historic Deerfield curator!
En plein air, a French expression meaning “in the open air,” gives experienced artists and novices alike an opportunity to paint outdoors and immerse themselves in the landscape.
During the first part of this workshop, Historic Deerfield curator, Lea Stephenson, will give a private group tour of the exhibition, In Pursuit of the Picturesque: The Art of James Wells Champney, located at the Flynt Center. Champney, a 19th century artist, partook in painting en plein air right in our backyard of Deerfield, MA and was a Deerfield resident.
Inspired by Champney’s paintings, the second part of this workshop will have a local artist from the Old Deerfield Painting Group bring you outside to teach you the art of painting en plein air in some of the same locations that Champney once used for his paintings!
Champney with two of his students, taken in the Deerfield meadow by his house. Historic Deerfield Library.
Advance registration required; $45 per person, $40 for members. Fee includes tour, instruction, and all materials. Recommended for ages 16 and up. Workshop is limited to 10 participants. (rain date Sept. 29)
