The genesis for the development of a structured plein air painting
cluster was an outgrowth of the desire for artists to paint outdoors on a
regular basis, in a safe environment and at inspirational locations. Using a
model developed by Peter Plant, a public school art teacher, FPAA had it first
outdoor painting session in July 13, 2011 at PennTerra, the farm of Barry and
Monika Lucey. Since then they have painted each Wednesday, weather permitting,
through November and starting up again the spring. The membership since that
time has doubled and continues to grow. Presently 76 artists have signed on. It
is the magic of the experience; of capturing the mood of the atmosphere, the
dancing of the clouds or the brilliance of the light that brings these artists
together. It is the discussions of
style, techniques and approaches that inspires and expands the knowledge of
all. There is the camaraderie that emerges as the members joke about the
challenges of painting outdoors and become acquainted with each other over a
cup of coffee or lunch. An ultimately
there is the shared joy when someone sells their work. FPAA has surpassed its
original purpose of forming a cluster, it is now a community of supportive
artists who struggle at times, who are always challenged and frequently get it
right.
