Art of Nature
Artists
return for third annual
‘Great River Paint Out’ in Hanover
Hanover
College hosts artists
for outdoor painting event
Lela
Jane Bradshaw
Contributing Writer
(September 2011) – For some artists, the best
classroom can be found not inside a studio, but alongside a river. Many
painters find that working en plein air – painting outside,
in the open air – allows them the inspiration of nature and
technical challenge of of racing against shifting light and unpredictable
weather.
A popular facet of this artistic movement includes paint outs, or gatherings
of artists who meet to paint outside in a particular location. Creating
art becomes a social and education event as artists come together to
compare works and exchange ideas.
National award-winning artist Mary Ann Davis of Indianapolis credits
this sort of gathering as one of the ways she developed her own talents.
By observing other painters in action, she was able to learn skills
to apply to her own work. She encourages aspiring artists to attend
a paint out and “Just set up next to someone who paints all the
time – pick their brain.” The opportunity to meet with
a variety of artists at a variety of stages in their careers can give
painters the chance to serve as both mentor and student in the same
day.
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Photo
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This year the Hanover College campus will transform yet
again into an outdoor art studio and classroom with the third Great
River Paint out, hosted by the Rivers Institute at Hanover College.
It takes place the weekend of Sept. 17-18. Also on Sunday, a special
display and sale of works created during the paint out will be presented
from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to come out and view works
created on-site during the weekend and also take home a favorite piece.
Many of the participating artists will be on hand to discuss their work
and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available.
The campus setting has proven popular with artists and the event draws
painters from as far away as Tennessee and Virginia. Davis will be returning
for her third Great River Paint Out, and she says there is “plenty
to paint” on the college grounds. Hanover professor and artist
Rick Bennett cites “views of the river that are famous” and
a variety in landscape that inspired him to help initiate the first
Great River Paint Out.
“It's convenient to have all these different subjects within walking
distance,” he explains.
Marissa Austin, director of external relations for the Rivers Institute,
agrees that the 650-acre campus offers a wonderful variety of inspiration
to artists. “Our architecture is wonderful. It’s very peaceful
up here. It’s a nice place to paint and enjoy a natural setting.”
Austin encourages members of the community to take advantage of the
fall colors with a walk on the Hanover campus, whether or not they are
artists themselves. “We would love for people to come watch people
paint and just enjoy the campus,” she says.
In addition to meeting other artists, paint outs put painters in contact
with art lovers and collectors, as well as people just out for a casual
stroll. As painters seek out striking views, hikers and nature lovers
may be at the same spot, enjoying the vista. Visitors are welcome to
observe the painters at work, and it is important to be respectful of
the artists.
Bennett says, “You do feel a little bit exposed” when painting
in public. “I think most artists appreciate a compliment”
and he encourages casual spectators to pass on a quick work of praise
if they have spent time watching an artist work. He believes that many
of the artists who take part in such events do welcome comments but
does encourage people to be sensitive to the fact that the painters
are focused and not to interrupt someone who is clearly deeply engrossed
in their work.
Davis agrees and notes that people observing an artist should allow
the artist to take the lead in any conversation.
While many celebrated regional painters have taken part in the event
in the past, artists of all ages and levels of experience are encouraged
to take part. “We set out to do something that casts a wide net,”
says Bennett. He believes that the welcoming environment has been a
success. “We’ve had good turnouts and almost all positive
experiences.”
• Advance registration is encouraged but not required for artists wishing to take part in the Great River Paint Out. Visit http://rivers.hanover.edu.