On Aug 27 -30 I had the great privilege of going to Leatherwood in the Blue Ridge Mountains to spend a few days immersed in  beauty and in the  creative atmosphere of some of the best plein air painters that I’ve ever met. Although I was not able to attend the workshops---next year, I hope!--I gleaned a lot just being around these dedicated and generous artists.  

Richard OversmithDee Beard Dean

I was especially impressed with Dee Beard Dean, Richard Oversmith, Larry Moore, and L. Diane Johnson.  My friend and very accomplished artist, Scott Boyle, was also there and I’m always inspired by his work.  But I really want to say how much I enjoyed watching Rich Nelson. His loose, yet realistic style and his seemingly effortless use of color made me want to press on to know more.  

 Rich Nelson -in the hat

I returned home to a busy fall schedule and feel like I’ve barely had time to digest what I learned in those few days, but today I finally got outdoors (with the yellow jackets) and  put paint to canvas.  It felt like artistic breathing again.