Above: Artist, Colleen Webster
With a paintbrush in hand and nature as your studio, the possibilities for artistic creation are endless. Now through October 25, groups of artists will gather every Tuesday at various locations in Buncombe County to paint en plein air as part of the Asheville Urban Landscape Project (AULP).
Free and open to the public, each session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition to these weekly gatherings, the Featured Artist Series takes place every third week. At 9:30 a.m., one selected artist will perform a demonstration for the others. Afterwards, painters will work on their own and reconvene at noon to share their experiences. Specific locations— to be announced—will include Pack Square, Biltmore Village, and Charles Owen Park, among others. This month’s featured artists are Guido Frick on May 10 and Colleen Webster on May 31.
Colleen, who will lead the demonstration at Pritchard Park, says, “Plein air painting is multidimensional, and in this case with AULP, it is also social, a perfect extension to an often solitary pursuit of being a painter. Painting outdoors is an immersion in the present moment within a living, moving, breathing world. It is painting from direct observation. It’s a rare opportunity … to take notice deeply of the outside world; effects of light and atmosphere on things.”
AULP promotes a welcome environment. Featured artist from March, Bee Adams says, “I so appreciate the inclusive nature of AULP. There is no requirement for studio space or resume. The financial investment is minimal and the community of artists is open and accepting while still encouraging and challenging. It has broadened my experience of the art community and given me a more open experience of the community at large.” To participate, come to a session with your art supplies, ready to create.
For more information, visit ashevilleurban.com.
