​Plein-Air Group Information

Paul Cezanne’s “Le Pons de Trois-Sautets,” 1906

Dear Plein Air Participants,

The weather is "sketchy", several people have health issues that prevent them from taking part now, but hope to later, some are more than busy with earlier commitments, and desired "meet-up" times are varied. So, I suggest we meet on a weekly basis with a rotating schedule beginning April 6, 2024. That is the first Saturday of the Easter season, daylight saving time will be in place, giving us longer days, and the weather will be better. Everyone should have at least three dates that will accommodate their preferences. And this schedule is available far enough in advance that you can arrange your time commitments accordingly.

To be a member of this group, commitment requires:

1) Your choice of one outing a month/per quarter, a total of three for April through June, on Saturday morning, Friday, Thursday, or Wednesday afternoon (see attached schedule). We will meet at the church at 8:30am or 12:30pm and go from there. Return will be approximately four hours later (12:30 or 4:30). We can re-negotiate this schedule in June for the following quarter, July-September. For the "not-faint- of-heart” (because of weather patterns), a Fall and/or Winter Quarter are also possibilities (Van Gogh and Cezanne often painted in cold, windy and rainy weather).

2) This is a church group, so, I ask that you lead a meaningful discussion at least once during this time period using "Van Gogh's Second Gift: A Spiritual Path to Deeper Creativity" by Cliff Edwards. This is an opportunity to explore something with the group that Edwards elicits and that motivates you in your artistic expression. Edwardsis an easy but “pithy” read in 41 chapters of Van Gogh's spiritual motivation for drawing and painting, gleaned from letters written to his brother, Theo. Edwards is a Theologian and Art Historian and is considered a Van Gogh scholar. Lent is a suitable time to start. The paperback book is available through Amazon, as a Kindle book and Inese Heinzel will order some copies for the bookstore. (Please let me know ASAP, so we can place an order. The cost should be under $20.00) If this group wishes to continue, books for discussion can be re-negotiated in a general meeting at the end of June. Several of you have already offered some excellent suggestions.

3) Your choice of at least one site where we will work and the rationale for why it is your choice. There are many in the area within a half hour drive or walk. If you can drive, we will carpool and collect a donation for costs. On those days when there is no vehicle available, we will use Incarnation's campus or walk to Luther Burbank House and Gardens (LBHG). The latter welcomes our use of their grounds. There may also be an opportunity later in the summer for a small show in the LBHG Greenhouse, depending on its availability, and our agreement.

I will include a calendar as an attachment. Please sign up for at least three participation slots, one site choice and one discussion leader position. Site and discussion slots are first come, first serve and can be chosen for the dates you plan to attend.

Some Additional comments:

• We will have two more organizational meetings scheduled on March 10, 2024, and June 23, 2024, for discussion, feedback, and suggestions.
• Riley Street Art Supply is having their Winter Sale.... up to 50% off until March 3.
• All skill levels are welcomed. Please invite guests, but do not let your guests be “surprised” by our spirituality emphasis.
• Although I have a BA and BS in studio/art/history and biblical education and a graduate degree in theological aesthetics, this is not a class, and I am not the teacher. I am organizing the opportunity and am committed to being there each week on the selected date and time. I enjoy "plein-air" drawing and painting and hope you will also. I will share my experience with you and hope you will share yours with me. However, I am not sure at this time of my continuation after June. My hope is that a three-month commitment will allow for you all to decide if you wish to continue, and that should I not be available after the end of June, that someone else will take over the facilitation of the group. This should be enough time to decide if the interest is abiding.

Thanks for your interest, thus far.

Susan Prier
[email protected],
707-710-5794, call or text.