Art Outdoors held its very first ‘en plein air’ outdoor art session at South Trigg Beach on Saturday 6 June.
The spectacle of the ‘en plein air’ artists and their easels nestled in amongst the dunes created a great amount of interest among the Trigg recreational community.
As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and people seek activities which rejuvenate the mind and soul, Art Outdoors aims to inspire!
Co-founder Jean Byrne said “we have spent the last few months seeking out some amazing locations around Perth to hold our events whilst being mindful of COVID-19 guidelines”.
“The practical measures that are required for COVID-19 businesses are easily incorporated into the Art Outdoors model. All our locations have been chosen not only for their natural features but that can adapt well to current COVID-19 restrictions readily lending themselves to physical distancing and hygiene precautions.”
Art Outdoors artist and co-founder, Louise Collier, began teaching art in the Kimberley and was inspired not only by the spectacular scenery of Lake Argyle, but also by the way all the senses are engaged and the totally different experience painting in the open air brings.
She teamed up with Jean Byrne, earlier this year with the idea of setting up a business here in Perth.
“The emotional and psychological health benefits of both painting and being in the outdoors are well documented, so to combine the two seemed a natural path to follow.”
Louise Collier
“We wanted to give people a different experience from the regular group art classes, giving people the opportunity to create something unique.”
Over the course of three to four hours participants are guided step by step by an experienced artist including composition, colour mixing and painting techniques.
Participants are provided with the use of all materials including portable ‘en plein air’ easel, canvas, paints, brushes and morning or afternoon tea.
The class sizes are small, between 8-12 people, which allows individual attention. The sessions are ideal for the complete beginner to the more advanced artist who want to hone their skills.
Art Outdoors takes its inspiration from the French Impressionists who made the practice of painting outdoors into an art form.
‘En plein air’ the French expression for ‘in the open air ‘was made popular in the 1800s when artists such as Monet escaped the confines of the studio to capture natural light, shade and colour.
Art Outdoors elevates group painting classes to the next level. Rather than reproducing the same image from a photograph it allows participants the freedom to paint exactly what they see and create a unique piece of art.
Art Outdoors have put together a varied calendar of events for the upcoming months. Upcoming locations included Herdsman Wildlife Centre, Yanchep Lagoon, South Ledge (Mundaring), Matilda Bay, Point Peron, Marmion Beach and Nanga Mill.
These can be found on the website https://www.artoutdoorswa.com.au/events.
