" Peonies in the Mountain Garden " by Colorado artist Lisa Sherrodd
early onset dementia and this particular painting would be a way of remembering their special place . “ It was , without a doubt , the most meaningful sale I had ever made ,” says Netherton , who is based in St . Simons Island , Georgia .
One thing to keep in mind is that an artist may be deeply immersed in their subject and not always aware of what is happening behind them . Jennifer Broadus , a landscape oil painter also based on St . Simons , explains : “ It requires a good degree of stamina and patience . The artist needs to work very quickly as the light is ever-changing .”
Some artists may be willing to let the painting leave with the purchaser — a true “ off the easel ” experience — while others may prefer the painting have time to dry , be varnished or perhaps framed for protection . It ’ s best to take the artist ’ s advice , as they know how their work is best handled .
EVENTS AND GALLERIES Other opportunities to seek out plein air painters include plein air events and competitions , which are held regularly in all areas of the country and abroad . Events such as Georgia Color and the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational , are held annually at various locations across the state . This year ' s invitational takes place April 15 - 23 in Atlanta . An exciting aspect to many plein air events is the “ quick draw ,” in which artists are given a limited time-frame in which to complete a painting and may be required to paint at a specific location or a particular subject . The paintings , once finished , are usually judged and auctioned to the public . Seeing dozens of painters at work and immersed in the creative process can be an exhilarating experience . Local galleries and plein air associations are also an excellent source for information regarding upcoming events and can likely steer a collector in the direction of local artists and hot-spots for plein air painters .
The addition of a piece of plein air art to a collection brings along that essence , as well as the memories of how the piece was acquired ; whether the conversation , the thrill of discovery , or the reminder of a treasured time spent with family and friends . “ A sense of place ” exists not only within the painting , but also synchronously within the heart of the artist and the collector .
A WEDDING TO REMEMBER
Imagine your wedding memorialized as a one-of-a-kind painting , a treasured heirloom that comes to life before your eyes and the eyes of your guests .
Sea Island Associate Director of Weddings and Social Events Katrina Emanuel notes that a wedding plein air painting is a timeless way to preserve this memorable occasion : " Having this extra special touch , you can never go wrong . Guests love to see it unfold and watch the magic happen throughout the evening . The bride and groom get to keep this one-of-a-kind painting forever .”
Plein air painters are commissioned at several Sea Island weddings a year , often as a gift to the bride and groom from a friend or family member . The couple can choose whether the painting captures the ceremony or reception .
“ During one memorable wedding , the couple chose to have their ceremony painted , which was wonderful because all of the guests could see it happening in live time as they arrived for the ceremony ,” Emanuel recalls . “ The painter then moved over to the cocktail hour and reception area to finish the painting . Guests always appreciate stopping by and seeing the painting ’ s progress . Then it ’ s kept on display throughout the evening for guests and the bride and groom to enjoy .”
Wedding painters vary in style and approach . Couples or gift givers should take the time to search out an artist that fits their vision . Most will offer an online portfolio for perusal .
Along with artistic style , wedding artists also vary in how they approach their painting setup . Some will work quietly in a corner , allowing tranquil entertainment for guests who may yearn for a break from the dance floor ; others are exuberant and extroverted , becoming part of the entertainment itself . Many offer the opportunity for guests to add a brushstroke or two to the painting in progress , making the finished work a truly inclusive keepsake .
The bride and groom may choose to have their reception or ceremony painted by a plein air artist .
LEFT : SWEDISHCOWGIRL . COM ; BOTTOM : KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
68 SEA ISLAND LIFE | SPRING / SUMMER 2023