Painting ‘En Plein Air’ rooted in history

The renaissance of ‘en plein air’ painting in America, takes its roots from the Impressionists at the turn of the 20th century. ‘Plein Air’ Painting has been gaining in popularity and momentum since just before the new Millennium. Perhaps as a reaction to technology or the ever-vanishing landscapes, painters across the country have embraced painting ‘live’ on location. Competitions and paint outs can now be found in many states. Connecticut alone, currently boasts over 200 plein air painters.

Claude Monet, (French 1840-1925), considered the ‘Father of Impressionism’, employed the technique known as painting "En Plein Air", a French term that translates to "painting in the open air".

‘En Plein Air’ or simply “plein air” is now used to define paintings that are considered representational art painted on location.

The term ‘Impressionists’ often makes one think of the French painters. There were however many Impressionist Art Colonies in America thriving along with their French counterparts. One such Colony was in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Paintings done by the Old Lyme Impressionists can be viewed at The Lyman Allen Museum in New London and Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut.  The Old Lyme Art Association continues the tradition of the colony with many exhibitions for contemporary artists.