Plein air artists usually paint in their own way, with reference to time, place and subject. Occasionally a wild card will be thrown into the mix. This spring, in the American Impressionist Society paint out, artists were challenged to complete a painting from some area venues including the Museum of Appalachia.
A beautiful site on a lovely day, the wildflowers were some of the best I’d seen. With trillium and snow drops catching the light, the peacocks were screeching, my fellow painters were slinging pigment and the Big Tater Valley Schoolhouse was my subject. My dog’s ophthalmologist appointment left little time to paint so I finished this outside from memory.
This schoolhouse, from Bull Run Creek near the Union-Grainger County line, was built in the early 1800s. Used until the 1890’s, it was then converted into a house. The museum purchased it from Edgar and Dorothy Keck in the 1970s.
A challenge for sure, but no complaints here. Even the dog was happy in the spring weather.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street where you can stop and see their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.
