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On Saturday, the Shadows Plein Air Competition hosted a Quick Draw. Charlie (my dog) and I walked downtown to stalk talk with some of the artists.
Sherri Thomas (@sherrithomas.artist) from Larsen, Wisconsin was painting the historical Mount Carmel which had been the original home of a founding family, the Duperiers. Her first layer of paint was drying in the cool air while she added detail elements.
My walk continued and wherever there was an artist, I stopped and chatted with them. I thanked them for coming and doing something so positive for our city. I texted our visiting artist, Debbie, to find out where she was painting. Her sister had come in Friday night, so they could paint together. (This Saturday competition was open to anyone who wanted to participate; whereas, the weeklong competition was juried.)
Debbie and Sandy were on a corner with two other artists all painting the same building. I had to stop and look and let the scene sink in. I pass this building daily and have only thought of it as an old, dilapidated building where the Minuteman restores furniture. I had not noticed the amazing colors of the bricks or the blue doors. I captured three of the four artists’ paintings and marvel at the complete differences in interpretation.
Debbi Myers from Oxford, MS works in watercolor.
Sandy, Debbie’s sister from Covington, LA works with acrylic and a pallet knife.
Tim Oliver won first place for his Minuteman in watercolor.
A closer view of the winning painting.
Like art, writing can take on different perspectives and interpretations. The artist creates a mood with the setting. The writer sets a tone. The reader comes to the art or writing with their own perspective. There’s big magic in all of this creating and observing.
My life is richer for having observed these artists in action, and now, I have a few pieces added to my own art collection to remember fondly this experience and the artists I met.
Reflections on the Teche 