Hi, Subscriber! Happy Thursday!
Before I go deep down this week's rabbit hole, let me just say that I consider myself extremely blessed to be living this artist's life. But, occasionally it's insightful to keep things real.
Imagine you're out there, in a public place, baring your inner soul while you brave the world and attempt to paint the scene before you. Most people who walk by, either don't want to disturb you so they steer clear, or are very supportive of your efforts. But occasionally, there's someone who says something like "I'll give you $5 for that." Or, "I hope you can do the scene justice." Ummm, excuse me? Did these people not learn to think before they speak? Or if they can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?
When I first started plein air painting, I'd hide away from the public, or I'd wear my AirPods hoping no one would stop to watch me. I've gotten over that, and have developed a fairly thick skin. I'm sure folks don't mean for it to sound the way it does. I believe they are trying to be clever, and it falls flat. It falls especially flat when I'm not happy with the way my painting is going, instead it just rubs salt in my already bruised ego.
So, hats off to my fellow plein air warriors! There's no better teacher than nature when it comes to learning how to paint. And if you're a lover of art, know that to paint, especially en plein air, is to publicly bare one's soul. Don't hesitate to to ask the artist about their work but if it's while they are plein air painting, keep it short because that light is changing fast; and just be your kind, supportive self.
