"I feel we are all related in some way, and the experiences of visiting and painting a wide variety of places and subjects makes us appreciate the local beauty even more. The spontaneity and synchronicity of places and events is something I appreciate more each year." - Melanie Landrith
"At a distance, the paintings reveal the subject, often simple or overlooked scenes, in an impressionistic way. As one moves closer to the canvas, the images deteriorate into a morass of tactile, impasto topography. This interplay of interior illusion and exterior paint is absolute magic." -Stephen Haynes
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"I like to celebrate the beauty in things that have gone beyond their prime, and do so before they crumble or fall down." - Beth Bathe
"There is a visual language we humans learn while experiencing life on Earth. It is my quest as an artist to decipher this visual language and learn to speak it eloquently as I explore worlds within and without. It could be said that I am finally coming down to Earth as I delve into painting plein air, landscape, still life, human figure, monotype and skyscape subjects." - Kristin Hill
"Painting from life has taught me how to see as a painter." -Kim Hall
"My favorite subjects to paint are the wide vistas of mountain ranges, the ocean and marshlands. I particularly enjoy painting marshland and water; marshland grass is deceivingly simple until one spends time with it in different lights and seasons. Painting wide vistas of any kind reminds me of God’s majesty and I’m continuously humbled and in awe." -Ahmed Ansari
“Why watercolors?” But there is no answer that can be expressed in words! The joy I get watching the paint and water flow and mix on paper is impossible to describe." -Hema Gupta
"It is the consistent study of natural elements and ever-changing atmospheric conditions that keep me returning to the outdoors and ultimately applying it to canvas." - Crista Pisano
"Plein air painting combines two of the greatest things on the planet… being outdoors and creating art. I love discovering new places and having the opportunity and challenge to capture the feeling, the vibe and essence of that place whether it be dramatic or serene in paint, right there on the spot. The subject can be spectacular or mundane and the act of painting it brings a closeness and familiarity just as much as getting to know a person. The joy of that creation can then be multiplied tenfold when someone gets to take that piece home and share that joy with others, for generations to come." - Kirk Larsen
MFA Members are making the world more creative! Check out what our Members are up to this month.
"The thing that I most love about Plein Air painting is having the opportunity to try and completely absorb the essence of a place; to sit or stand for 2 to 3 hours, focused on all that it is, a living biosphere. No earbuds, no music, and hopefully no distractions. I share the space with whatever is out there with me, respect the quiet of it, and leave no trace. Then if all goes well, I walk away with a little piece of the experience on a panel to share the meditation."
Maryland Federation of Art Blog 