Plein Aire Painting on the Island

A beautiful morning at Iverson Spit Preserve. “Morning at Iverson Spit” 12”x9” oil on panel by Melissa Jander

It was so nice to get pack to painting. We’ve recently relocated to a sunnier spot with water, wildlife and beauty all around. The first annual Art By The Bay Plein Aire competition was held Friday and Saturday August 17 - 18 and ended with voting and awards on Saturday afternoon. The organizer of the event was Jed Dorsey who has a new studio upstairs at Camano Commons. Stop by his new gallery and studio space if you are around.

After our our own move it was difficult to get back into painting. So I signed up for this event awhile ago, thinking I’d be well into a new routine by now and this would be a great way to meet some local artists and to wake up my plein aire “brain.” It was really good for the social aspect, but really challenging breaking through the resistance to painting again. Seriously, why does it surprise me that this is a constant cycle? The discomfort and restlessness of not painting eventually conquers the resistance and it’s a great feeling to be creating again. And the more studies I finished these past few days, the more ideas I had, and the less precious each piece was. That’s when I’m on the way to doing better work. Less preciousness and just getting more panels covered is my best work mode. Even though the competition is over, I’m headed out again today. By the way, a cautionary note to female painters. Always paint with a buddy. Join local plein aire events to meet a new buddy! If you are alone, paint from your car or right beside it and be ready to hop in, leaving your gear outside if anyone suspicious shows up or if you are uncomfortable for any reason. Stay safe and have fun! God bless you and thanks for visiting!