‘Plein’ to see why artists enjoy painting outdoors

There are few places that rival the splendor of what Southeastern Pennsylvania looks like when spring has truly sprung. It is particularly apparent along Philly’s Main Line where the nurture of nature is truly revered. It’s also what has been bringing artists, from near and far, to take part in Wayne Art Center’s Plein Air Festival for more than a decade.

This year’s 32 participants hailed from Maryland and Tennessee to Missouri and Vermont. A few motored from New Jersey and New York to spend a week, documenting on canvas just how unique and diverse the area truly is. Though many of the painters remained in the countryside, dotting roadsides or riversides, most took advantage of at least one day trip into Philly to capture the city’s sites and sights.

Though artists had usually had studios or garrets in which to paint, it was the rise of the Impressionists, who’d begun creating their pictures on canvas, out of doors, that brought “plein air” art to the forefront. When this year’s participants gathered for WAC’s unveiling of their weeks’ worth of work, area collectors of the genre where quick to choose their favorites. A few patrons at the opening night party told tales of having driven by a spot where they’d seen the artist’s scene unfolding and knew it might be a welcome addition to their other Plein Air pieces.

In addition to viewing this exhibit, WAC is busy putting together summer art camp classes for not only adults and children, but also a program geared for working with Alzheimer patients. Want to get the creative juices flowing by learning how to carve clay? Take part in a four day camp on the subject happening from June13-16 or enjoy a Summertime PaintOut at Valley Forge on June 28.

WAC, located at 413 Maplewood Ave in Wayne, is open Monday through Friday from 9-5 and Saturday until 4 p.m.

Nathan and Robyn Jameson of Newtown Square try to decide which painting they might want to take home.

Wayne Art Center’s Executive Director Nancy Campbell of Devon and Special Projects Director Karen Louise Fay of Newtown Square check out the painting done by Patrick Lee of Pittsburgh as juror Don Demers looks on.

Wayne residents Darcy Allen and Richard Kipp wait in the line for libations after admiring a rendition of “la tour Effel.”

Dr.Allan Mcleod of Devon and his wife, Deborah, strike a blue ribbon pose.

Villanova residents Dennis and Maureen Quinn get to speak with landscaping aficionado Andy DiMaio of Wayne.

Event sponsors Bibbi and Bruce Hotaling of Wayne peruse the list of the art center’s benefactors.

Deddy Odom of Tellico Village, Tenn., and his artistic wife, Kathie, get a nod of approval from event co-chair Lindsay DuBarry of Villanova and her husband, Joe.