More Inspiration

[Donald Maier]

We all welcome inspiration no matter what form it takes or from where it comes. It does not have to be related to our narrow focus here of only "plein air painting". I don't know anyone who is strictly a plein air painter and does not work at all in the studio. The opposite is certainly true enough that there are many studio artists who do not paint on location. And If I may add, most of the time you can tell the difference, because of the learning experience plein air painting has on your overall painting style, giving you a more precise, direct approach and rapid handling of the media itself. But here I digress. I wanted to speak about "inspiration".

 

I recently was sent two very different paintings by my high school/art school friend and painting buddy, Steve Dudas. He sent me an illustration by N.C. Wyeth and a studio oil from my favorite painter, John Singer Sargent. First the Wyeth:

Doesn't this capture the imagination? 

 

But now the Sargent oil...

this is one I have never seen before and is so much fun to see work of your favorite artist that is new... as if he were still alive producing new work. I think the scale and perspective here makes this such a powerful piece. Imagine making the Atlantic crossing on a sailing vessel in seas such as this, not that stormy or unusual I would think. But quite an adventure. I wonder if he worked from sketches on location or from photos. I am going to guess photos, but 50/50 chance I am wrong... but it does not matter. He was a plein air painter, and it made his studio work alive and vibrant. 

Steve also sent a painting of his to me as a gift. An oil he did in his studio, from many trips to the Jersey Shore to paint and sketch the ocean and to take photos, all of which aided him in producing this fine painting. I have been growing a collection of other artists work for about 5 years now, after making my first art purchase online. I now have about 12 pieces of other artists, mostly from trades. What fun and very inspirational.

[Lynne Haines]

We are proud to own two watercolor prints and two giclee prints of yours Don.  We also own originals by June Shull, a Nikolai Kranies and Kate Densley.  I get a lot of pleasure every day from them!  Thanks for working so diligently on this site.  I am happy to pay $10 fee and will include it in my Xmas card to you and Suzie.  I wiped out all the contacts in my iphone by accident, so would appreciate getting your address again.  Good work on the site, I'm sure it will be a success!