Morning on Exchange Avenue by Tina Bohlman in Waxahachie, Texas.
Plein air is a French expression which means, when translated, in the open air. Watercolor artists use this French phrase to describe paintings that are done when they’re out in the real world, away from their studios, working directly in front of the subject they are painting.
Bohlman has an entire section of her website dedicated to her plein air work and it is obviously a passion of hers. Her plein air work is beautifully done.
This specific piece, done during a recent outing in Texas, shows yet another example of changing the world to fit your artistic tastes. Looking at the photo of where she was working on Exchange Avenue clearly shows some differences between what was actually there and what Bohlman chose to paint. I think her interpretation of this building is far more romantic and lovely to look at than the real thing.
I’m hoping to salvage what is left of the fall this year to do some plein air work, rather than working solely on portraiture as I am currently, and Bohlman’s work is going to be my main inspiration.
Bohlman also maintains an excellent blog that I highly recommend subscribing to.
Don’t miss my interview with Tina Bohlman.