Our Day at the World Wide Paint OUt

This is the 7th year of the World Wide Paint Out - a weekend during which painters 'round the world set up their easels out of doors to complete thousands of plein air paintings, under the umbrella of International Plein Air Painters .

This is the 2nd year the event was held locally at Salt Springs State Park. Despite the postponement of one day on account of rain and a decidedly gray & misty start to this one, ten painters appeared out of their cozy down comforters and Saturday morning chores & errands.

The real early birds started the day cooking pancakes over an open fire...they were hardly gourmet, but with real Pennsylvania maple syrup, charred butter & authentic smoke, they never tasted better. A carafe of decaf and some crisp local ginger gold apples completed our fuel. We were ready to paint and paint we did! I thought I was doing fine to complete a 12 x 12 pastel by lunchtime. Most of the watercolorists had done two paintings by that time ( I did hear a few dream requests for hairdryers to dry their soggy but beautifully saturated paintings...it was a very humid day.)

There were no scary wildlife sightings by the time I left the park around 2:30, but there were about a dozen watercolors, two oils, one acrylic, two wash & sharpie drawings and my one pastel. That's almost 20 new paintings!Trees & water featured big (Silver Creek & Fall Brook run right through the Park) , lovely Park architecture, some early turning autumn trees, pastures full of fall wildflowers, resident llamas, and more trees....(this is Pennsylvania, you know and the park is home to some huge first growth hemlocks, as well as sycamore, black cherry, maple, ash & more).

From top down (I hope) Joanne Benson, Jan Henning, Chris Lathrop & Barbara Kapalski show their UNFINISHED paintings and, in the center, the early birds, (Pam Summa, Joanne Benson, Rip Howard, Chris Lathrop & Rodrica Tilley) stuffed with pancakes, ready to seize the day.

7th Annual World Wide Paint Out

International Plein Air Painters have sponsored this event for 7 years and this is the second year PEPS members have participated at Salt Springs State Park in Susquehanna County. Last year (scroll down to September 2008) it was a great day that started with a pancake breakfast cook out at 8am and ended with many tired painters taking home some good work and good memories.

We're going to try to repeat that again on September 11. Everyone is welcome, members & guests alike. It's free. If you can contribute something to the breakfast or have questions contact event organizer & signature member, Rodrica Tilley at rtilley@rodricatilley.com or 570-278-2479. Rain dates are September 12 & 13 and if you cannot join the fun on Friday, know that painters aroudn the globe will be painting out each of the three days; September 11, 12 & 13, 2009

Members' Show - HURRY!

I finally found the Schulman Gallery at Luzerne County Community College, 1333 South Prospect Road in Nanticoke, PA. And I found it to be a very nice space with a beautifully hung show of members' paintings. I adored Woody's pastel of the Piggies, and I had a few other favorites, too. Love those river paintings, pond reflections, huge palette knife oils and mountains. There's only one more week to see this collection all in one well-lit spot.

FYI the gallery is on the second floor of the Campus Center under the bookstore, which is hidden behind the Nursing bldg. Park in the first lot, cross street and walk towards Campus Security, then walk a little to the right. It's in the round bldg. So sorry I had to miss the opening. I love the gallery talks.

My pastel ofVan Fleet Climbers was the ony image I had handy.

Photo from the Spring PEPS Show in Glenburn

Hello all, I am posting a photo of the artists taken at the opening of the PEPS Spring Art Show and Sale. Besides all the great looking artists you can catch a glimpse of some of the wonderful artwork on the wall behind! Seated are Peggy Davidson, Sue Hand, Ryan Frania, Charles "Woody" Woodworth, and Jane Butkosky. Standing are Laura Adams, Rodrica Tilley, Maryann Williams, Ann Searfoss, Joanne Benson and Phyllis Rennie.

Factoryville Farm on Route 6 & 11

A few weeks ago Maryann, Phyllis and I went out to paint at this lovely location and after about an hour were rained out. Phyllis and I returned the next week to a lovely sunny day....same time of day but light conditions significantly changed....we adapted... LOL This is soft pastel and I'm pleased with the colors. I like the way the light was hitting the structures. As usual we had a lovely time painting.

Spring Art Exhibit

Come to see the plein air work of members in the Glenburn Township Building, Sunday April 5, 2:30 -4:30. Stories from the artists at 3pm. Refreshments all afternoon. Fun!

On exhibit will be paintings by over 20 artists in all media from past & present PEPS themes:
Susquehanna River, Haybales Galore, Plein Air Food and Whistle Stops & Depots.

Show continues through June 25, 9am to noon, Monday-Thursday. Call 570-563-1177.

Apple Snack, a watercolor by Chris Lathrop is one of many.

Painting the Beautiful at the Sordoni Gallery

American Impressionist Paintings from the Michener Art Museum Collection is a definite MUST SEE! I'm going back. Walking into that gallery took my breath away. It was enlightening to see how these masters resolved the very same issues I am dealing with in my own landscape work. A humbling and inspiring experience, I'll be returning to see the 25 canvases again.

Many of the artists worked en plein air; Fern Coppedge and Edward Redfield tied their rather large canvases to a tree, even in bad weather.

No excuses...it's open every day from 12 to 4:30 through March 15 and it's practically in our backyard! (on River Street at Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, PA)

Day in June is an oil painting by Daniel Garber. 28 x 30. I think his incorporation of figures into the landscape is perfect...they really belong and contribute to the beauty of this canvas.

I found it impossible to choose a favorite, but it might be Day in June...or it might be Road to Lumberville by Fern I. Coppedge. I'd love to hear your choices.

Ending and a new beginning

In 2008 we had to have our dog, Cody, put to sleep due to old age and it's effects. He went plein airing with me many times over the last few years and enjoyed it immensely. Even when he was no longer able to go, he got super excited whenever he saw me bring my french easel downstairs. Found this photo to share with you from one of our outings. I miss him dearly but we have a new puppy now and I plan to take him out with me as often as possible. If you join me, you'll get to meet him in person but for now, a photo will have to do. Introducing Shadow (who followes me everywhere).

Two Recent Paintouts

I was out to paint twice recently. The first time I met Maryann at the South Abington Park nature trail; and, the second time I met Maryann and Joanne at the cemetery on Miller Rd. The first day was warm and beautiful--the second was COLD and beautiful! Hopefully they will also upload photos of their work to the blog as I didn't take my camera along with me.

Friday in Alford

Five of us who were unable to paint out in Alford on Election Day went on Friday to paint. The paintings above are mine--oil, two by Jan Henning--watercolor, one by Helmut Kunst--watercolor, and one from Maryann Williams--oil. Angelique Prevost wiped out her painting as she was not satisfied with it. We had a great time together even though the sun only came out for a couple of minutes while we were setting up and then dissapeared for the afternoon. Was wonderful to be out painting!

Election Day in Alford

Three of us painted at the Alford Train Station. It was gray and chillier than any of us realized until we had spent four hours standing on the tracks. Thankfully, Joanne brought M&M's.

We had to search for color and I think we found it. These are our three paintings as they left the location. I think we may all make minor changes after the fact...I sure didn't mean for those two trees to be quite so black.

Since, I do not seem to be able to control where the images end up on blogger, the pastel of the train station (top, I hope) is by Chris Lathrop...she rarely works in pastel. Joanne Benson was working in oils...not her usual pastels or watercolor...and she painted a slightly different view of the station & tracks (bottom, last time I looked). And my painting of the *Switch Tower (center?) is my usual combination of soft pastels this time on Blue Haze Art Spectrum Colourfix paper.

As always, we enjoyed each other's company and a day out painting. And we missed you.

*By the way, I found out that the Switch Tower, built in 1915, was used to switch the multiple tracks in use at the time. It was all done mechanically with steel rods and levers and muscle power. We thought the building would make a great studio with it's glass balcony & windows and tree top view.

Autumn Weekend

Maryann, Joanne, & I met at a nice location along Rt. 11 to paint on Sunday. I had limited time and a fairly large panel (12 x 16") so blocked in a painting and ran home to cook for our Bible study group. We meet nearly every Sunday evening for dinner and then our discussion time. When I looked at my painting the next day I felt that it was too dark and the background came forward too much so I decided to go back and rework it. Joanne met me there to paint some more too.

The end result is disastrous. My painting became too chalky and then I realized that I had several bubbles between the linen and the masonite. So not only is the painting poor quality but so are the materials. I do like the composition however so I am thinking that I may use it as a field study for a studio piece sometime this fall or winter when the weather is not conducive to plein air painting.

Afterward I did a small, quick painting (5 x 7") which saved the day! I am much happier with this one. Much more my usual type of colors. (The first picture above is my second painting.)

We Got Chased!

First time that ever happened to me!

Maryann & I had stopped and started setting up to paint across the road from the State Hospital when the security guard came and asked us why we were there. He told us that we could not paint there because it was hospital property and they had patients and there might be "confidentiality issues". We couldn't imagine what confidentiality issues two artists painting mountains and trees might create but we quickly said "ok" and left.

We found another spot further along and since it was private property, asked if we could set up and paint. The woman not only gave us permission but also suggested another beautiful spot for us to go another time. No issues--confidentiality or otherwise!

I'm uploading the image from the first spot too--guess the security guard didn't know that I had taken pictures or he'd have probably confiscated my camera!

The first photo is across from the state hospital. Two & three are from our painting location. The fourth is Maryann's painting and the final is mine. It was a beautiful day and we had fun!

Splitting Wood

We needed to spend time cutting and splitting wood since winter is coming, but I am unable to help with that task as I am still recovering from surgery. But I went along and while my husband, daughter, and son-in-law were cutting, splitting, and loading wood, I sat in a chair and did two watercolors.

I'm not too skilled in watercolor (think maybe I should take some lessons) but it was a beautiful day and I was delighted to be out. So I did one painting of the hay field across the street from our property and another of the large wetland on the neighboring land. We didn't see it this time but we have seen an eagle flying over this wetland in the past.

6th Annual IPAP World wide Paint Out

Eleven hungry painters gathered at Salt Springs State Park for pancakes cooked over an open fire. All fueled up we then got out our easels and painted watercolors, oils, acrylics and pastels.

What a perfect day to practice our art along with painters in Italy, Canada, Alaska, Brazil and many places in between.

Look for our paintings on exhibit in the future near you.

World Wide Paint Out

PEPS joins 6th Annual World Wide Paint Out! (follow the live link in the title to see who else is painting out that day around the planet). I have signed us up to paint at Salt Springs State Park on September 5th, Friday, but you can paint anywhere, anyday. If you want to join us at the creekside campsite for a pancake cook-out show up early or get in touch with me...570-278-2479...pancakes fuel a day of painting! Someone needs to bring coffee.

This event is sponsored by International Plein Air Painters. There is a sample Press release here.
If you can get some publicity, great, but the main thing is to just join us.

Getting ready for shows

Quick report on the LCCC show--we had 20+ participating artists with over 75 paintings. The gallery was well filled and beautifully hung. Although the opening was not well attended, we did have a few guests along with the attending artists. I was nursing a back injury so wasn't in top form but still enjoyed myself.

Next we will be having the Whistle Stops & Depots show at the Moscow freight house and the Plein Air Food--A Tribute to the American Farmer at the Berwick Hospital Gallery.

The painting I am inserting here is my second "food" painting--Strawberries U Pick--done at Pallman Farms a few weeks ago during the strawberry season. It's oil, 11 x 14". The Pallmans were very gracious in allowing me to paint on their property and inviting me to come back at any time. I even rode the wagons up to the field and back down to the parking lot which was great since I have all of that heavy stuff and little strength these days.

Moscow Paintout Report

We met in Moscow at the train station to try to get a few paintings done for our upcoming show at the freight house. Five people were there: Ryan Frania, Mary Ann Williams, Laura Adams, Sue Hand, and myself. Here are pictures of them at work--I finally remembered my camera!

Ryan is our youngest member--entering 7th grade in the fall. Don't let his size fool you--he's a powerful artist. He recently had his first solo show with 28 oils, watercolors, and ink drawings. I saw the photos and the work was impressive. Due to the changeable weather he didn't have a finished painting when it was time to leave but he had two great starts--one done when the sun was shining and the other done under the building overhang during the rainy time.

Also added a photo of the freight house where we will be showing our work.

Waverly General Store

Connected with Mary Ann and Joanne yesterday afternoon to paint in Waverly. Mary Ann said that she was glad I keep forgetting my camera. Anyway--she and I painted the General Store and Joanne painted a nearby house. A couple of people stopped by to visit a bit and I came home tired but mentally refreshed.

Dalton Farmlands

This is the third of my "catch up" posts. Again painted with Mary Ann and again without taking along my camera. We met and drove around a few minutes before settling on this spot where we both did two paintings. She's getting used to the water soluable oils and making good progress with them. Anyway, here are mine............the tree study is very small (about 5x7).

Moscow Train Station

Again I forgot my camera! Mary Ann and I got together to paint and view the space for our upcoming Moscow exhibit. These are my efforts for the day. I think I need to go back--not convinced that my architecture is correct.

Painting With Mary Ann

Met Mary Ann Williams at the Waverly Exit of Rt 81 to paint. We had a great time but I forgot my camera. I'll post my painting and we have to hope that she learns to upload hers to show us. This still needs a little bit of work--we were out in bright sunlight and I used colors that were too dark. Adjusted a bit the next day but not quite finished with it.

PEPS North Paints Little Elk Lake

Chris Lathrop making a watercolor of her cabin near Dimock on Thursday. It was a lovely day of painting. Where were you all? Note the "Plein air Painter's dream" in upper right. Even the outhouse is picturesque.

Many were invited, few came. PEPS North is an informal email group of northerly members who do not wish to travel too far to paint...most locations are in Susquehanna County...anyone can organize an outing for anytime and notify the others. If you are not on the "PEPS North" list and wish to be, let me know. rtilley@rodricatilley.com

Moscow Paintout

I'm going into my last week before the next chemotherapy so am expecting to feel fairly strong this upcoming week. Mary Ann and I are planning a paintout in Moscow to prepare for our show there at the end of August. It is to be our first showing of "Whistle Stops and Depots" along with "Scenes from Moscow". Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. We haven't set a date and time yet but if you are interested, let me know and I will keep you informed. Phyllis

Whistle Stops and Food Projects

Hi All, Decided to post my pastel plein air paintings from the last few weeks. They are all done 100% plein air and I am reserving the right to tweak them! Shown are the Olyphant Station, Porch Pair and Susquehanna Farm Lamb! Had fun doing the farm scene with Rodrica and Maryann. I was thinking I had a sale of the Olyphant Station when an onlooker kept asking me questions and hanging around. But, alas, when I gave her an absolutely fabulous deal to take it as is, she declined...... So it goes.....

Whistle Stops & Depots

PEPS is involved in a multi-year project to paint all of the train stations and other railroad structures that are still standing in NEPA. Joanne and I were able to paint the Queen City Station in Olyphant this past Thursday and had a great day out. Here are a couple of shots from the site and my painting--Joanne had a great start on hers but I forgot to photo it so maybe she will upload it for you to see. As you can see from the photo of Joanne, it was quite windy!!!

Finally--something to show!

Finally managed to get outside to paint and started on my PEPS plein air food project. Had to sit in a chair to paint due to the fatigue and lack of strength so was a bit hampered by the lack of freedom to back up and squint, etc. But I'm reasonably satisfied with the painting and glad to have my project started. It's oil, 8 x 10". Hope to get out a couple of more times in the near future.

Counting Sheep

Wednesday afternoon proved to be an irresistible day for painting out in Susquehanna County. Three of us decided to try to fill some spots in the themed exhibit of "FOOD". Lamb sounded good, but the sheep were reluctant to be put on our palette or even to come within reasonable sight of our table (and easels). Mary Ann Williams did manage to jump the fence and get a nice painting. We always said she is out standing in her field. She was really getting into the water soluble "oils".

Joanne Benson said she wasn't that happy with her pastel painting, but we know she was happy with being out painting on such a lovely day...because she was singing softly while she worked all afternoon. Plenty of oohing and ahhing over the sweet little lambs, too.

I gave up on the sheep early on...they were so uncooperative. I turned my back on them to paint a huge old tree and green house.

PEPS North will be having frequent paint-outs...if you want to be on the email notification list, let me know. Anyone can suggest a place and day to paint and email the rest of the Siberian contingent. Think "Train Stations" or "Food" (hint; picnic) . I can see one of my beloved streamside-pancakes-over-the-campfire-breakfasts in our future.

Air Light and Color

Come see the exhibit; Air, Light and Color.
Many paintings from many artists of the Pennsylvania Plein Air Society. Watercolors, oils, acrylic, pastel and pencil. All done outdoors. The exhibit is inside and nicely heated at the Wyoming County Courthouse Gallery in Tunkhannock PA, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Just walk in and see it, don't wait to be arrested and marched quickly by the paintings. It's there until March 27, 2008 when we should be having some real paint-out weather.

Revisiting a Site

Over the years I've noticed that certain specific locations are fertile ground for my paintings. This particular place has given me more than a few good paintings. It is a comfortable place to paint on a bridge. It is rare to have low traffic while enjoying an elevated vantage point. Many years ago I realized the benefits to be gained from returning to "the scene". At that time I was persisting, stubbornly, in trying to paint a certain small waterfall with disastrous results time and again. On my self-declared final try I got a painting I liked. I think it was then that the light bulb went off! I need more than one painting session to learn enough about a location to make a decent painting. These days I have fewer failures and more successes the first time out, but it is still a pleasure to paint a familiar spot on an unfamiliar day and see what kind of "new" painting emerges. In fact, it is very rewarding and comfortable.