CLICK IMAGE for information

We wanted to alert you to a very important exhibit which opened last Sunday at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC:  True to Nature Open-air Painting in Europe 1780 – 1870.  If there are any works that are representative of the tradition that underlies the philosophy and approach of our plein air painting programs it is these. Presented are over 100 oil sketches, most of which on paper, from the great masters of the early open air sketch such as Valenciennes, Michallon, Corot, Constable, Denis and others.  While the selection of works is intended to illustrate open air painting as an international phenomenon, the dominance of Italy and the Roman Campagna as the epicenter of the activity is evident. Comprised from four separate collections in the USA and Europe, a significant number of these high quality paintings are being exhibited for the first time.  The abstract simplification, physical paint and spontaneous brush works characteristic of these sketches demonstrate very well the link between this tradition and modern painting. We invite you to be inspired!  Through 3 May 2020. Maddine & Joe PS Our Roman Campagna class features painting motifs from this tradition CLICK text for info.