TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Painters Get Some Fresh Air

ADVERTISEMENT

By PAUL CATALA, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 19, 2007

TAMPA PALMS - During three hours recently, flowers, trees and other fauna came to life for a second time - on canvas.

Artists from the North Tampa Arts League gathered Nov. 11 at Compton Park to paint landscapes and still lifes as part of an outdoor painting workshop.

For most artists, their craft primarily is practiced indoors, drawing up and fine-tuning their pieces. But under a bright sun, seven artists of varying backgrounds gathered to take part in the free plein-air, or outdoor painting, event.

With steady hands and focused gazes, the artists were out to vary their brushstrokes, create some vibrant works and promote the arts league.

Sitting in front of her canvas, club member Heide Presse delicately glided her brush over the tips of stems leading to a bouquet of vibrant orange flowers. She said members wanted to organize the plein-air event to get them out of their studios and into a different environment.

"Most of us are studio painters, and we don't get outside to paint much," said Presse, who specializes in oil and watercolor paintings. "It's a good discipline to get out and paint from life. It's good way to keep your painting fresh."

Although two artists spent their time painting near a pond, the majority of them focused on the still-life scene featuring a table, chair and the bouquet of orange flowers. They also had the chance to paint a portrait of Presse's son, Alex, 15, who was dressed in Florida pioneer clothing from the 19th century.

As he began adding color to the flowers on his canvas, Klaus Porsch, who is commissioned to do oil and acrylic works, said it was a breath of fresh air to be outside and painting without the pressure of painting for pay. A retired auto repair shop owner, the 76-year-old artist said he was schooled in structured art, and being outside to paint was relaxing and invigorating.

"The main thing is that the more you paint, you're also always learning," he said. "It's a lot of fun to paint this way. When you're commissioned, you're totally structured."

Presse said the group also hoped the plein-air event would get others interested in the North Tampa Arts League and maybe join. There are about 60 members who pay $35 a year for membership.

For details, visit www .northtampaarts.com or www.heidepresse.com.

HOLIDAY RECEPTION

A holiday reception is planned from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Artful Gardens Gallery, 38465 County Road 54 E., as part of the Christmas in the Gardens Art Show from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28. The show will feature members of the North Tampa Arts League.

For information, call show chairman Dorie Anderson at (813) 713-0050.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT