Plein air painted at Garvan Gardens, Hot Springs, AR. Plein air events can be challenging due to the time frame, subject matter, and logistics. The "Beauty and the Brush" Plein Air Event, held at Garvan Woodland Gardens proved to be a huge challenge because of the rain that was intermittent and then torrential during the entire painting time frame.I found that shelter with subject matter was the number one objective. That was a difficult combination. Two other artists and I searched high and low for huge umbrellas to use to no avail. Wrong time of the year for that, so I finally resorted to holding the umbrella I had while painting. The umbrella gave off reflected color so I often held it up high. When the rain became heavy I put the umbrella over the painting and easel and ran for cover. I also had to empty my easel palette area occasionally when it became a lake.
What did I gain from all this? I discovered that I had to concentrate on my subject matter and that I retained a looseness because of my frequent escapes from the rain.I liked what happened. For more info about Garvan Woodland Gardens:http://www.garvangardens.org