Founded by artist Karen Ann Hitt in 2003, Venice Plein Air is dedicated to the shared joy of painting out of doors, or as the French say, 'en plein air'. The tradition enjoys a rich history and was practiced by legendary artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, who enjoyed working outdoors together. Meeting from November through April, Venice Plein Air offers free ‘Meet And Paint’ (MAP) events at 8:30 AM the first Monday of each month at Caspersen Beach, and the third Saturday of each month starting at the Centennial Park Gazebo in Historic Downtown Venice. On the third Saturday of January, the group MAPs at Venice’s Urban Forest and has been documenting the growth of the forest in painting over the past three years. Special guest painters host and critiques are offered on request.
“It’s a great group and everyone is welcome to come and paint with us,” says Karen, an award-winning artist whose work is represented by the Hughes Gallery in Boca Grande. “Venice offers such a wonderful variety of subjects, from the water, to the historic buildings, to the wildlife and woods. There are many accomplished artists who live here and we enjoy a welcoming, creative, supportive community. Everyone from the very experienced painter to the person picking up a brush for the first time is invited. We really have great camaraderie.”
Venicepleinair.com. Venicepleinair@gmail.com. Artist Karen Ann Hitt: Anoriginalhitt.com. Hughes Gallery: Hughesgallery.net
