Rod Hubble
In 2001, a group of artists met for the purpose of painting with like-minded spirits who were passionate about creating art in the out-of-doors. Painting in nature allows for direct observation in capturing light, shadow and color on an intimate level. When painting one on one with nature, its gifts often include gusty winds, insects and challenges not found in the studio. The group has grown to 40 members representing New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona. Bimonthly paint out excursions have led the members to various National Parks including Mesa Verde, Arches, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco, Dead Horse Point and lesser known scenic spots in the Four Corners region.
Members are represented in private galleries across the nation as well as exhibiting in numerous national and regional juried shows. Annual group exhibits have taken place in locations such as San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, The Farmington Museum, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Big Horn Gallery at Dead Horse Point State Park.
About the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners
What is Plein air Painting?
Plein air is a French term used by painters since the 19th century to describe painting done outside on location instead of in the studio. The Impressionists believed in the merits of painting in plein air and its popularity quickly spread to the rest of Europe, America and Russia. Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keefe, Edward Hopper and Wolf Kahn are a few examples of 20th century painters whose work continued to be influenced by plein air practice and tradition.
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE FOUR CORNERS
Mission Statement
The mission of our group is to foster a congenial and helpful atmosphere among plein air painters which will improve and hone our painting skills, help each member realize his/her true potential as an artist, and thereby heighten the enjoyment of our craft, and to depict and promote the beauty of the Four Corners region.
We paint for:
1. The pleasure of depicting.
2. Positive recognition from competent critics.
3. Pecuniary gain (soft pedal).
4. The opportunity to test our artistic sensibilities (Edgar A. Payne)
We paint en plein air for:
1. The love of beauty in nature and in creative work.
2. The desire to translate and idealize a facet of nature which will give the utmost enjoyment to others.
3. The privilege of depicting nature directly as it is spread out before us with all its harmonious colors, interesting shapes and patterns, in infinite variety.
(Adapted from Edgar A. Payne)
What is needed to create a plein air painting which is a "heartfelt declaration"?
1. A worthy motif. "Nothing great was ever created without enthusiasm" (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
2. Knowledge. "No one can paint better than he knows how" (Edgar A. Payne).
3. Practice. "Practice constantly" (Scott Christensen)
4. The study of the old and new masters. "Study the achievements of the great captains of the past" (Sir Winston Churchill)
Constructive criticism - the critique
"I do not resent criticism even when, for the sake of emphasis, it parts for the time with reality" (Sir Winston Churchill)
(Written for PAP4C by Karl Brenner. Adopted by PAP4C, December 8, 2004)