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Working From A Photo vs. Working En Plein Air

Posted by Amie Gonser on

Working From A Photo vs. Working En Plein Air

Recently I decided to make a little "experiment", a test of sorts, by first producing a painting in the studio using a photo as reference, then going out to the same location and producing a plein air painting of the same scene. I wanted to see if I could produce a studio painting with the same looseness and spontaneity of a plein air painting.  I also wanted to work on my craft in general (composition, painting trees and buildings using simple shapes and creating an obvious focal point within the work. Determined not to overwork the painting, I began it...

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Making Painting a Priority

Posted by Amie Gonser on

Making Painting a Priority

People often asked me how I manage to find time for painting with a full time job and as a mother of two girls ages fifteen and nine. The short answer is, I have made painting a priority in my life. So here are my top three ways to get out and paint more. Join a group of artists that share your passion for painting. This is a great way to meet other artists, share ideas, go on painting outings and be a part of group exhibitions. In 2016, I founded the meetup group, Plein Air Round Rock. This group enables...

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Round Rock West Paint Out, October

Posted by Amie Gonser on

Round Rock West Paint Out, October

Every month, I organize and attend a paint out for the meetup group, Plein Air Round Rock.  In October, we met up on a chilly morning at Round Rock West Park, a small neighborhood park featuring a pond, distant bluff and surrounding trees. As I walked around the pond in search of something interesting, a small tree which was backlit by the early morning sun caught me eye.  The sun was rising behind the tree, creating a halo of light at the outer edges of the tree's leaves. The bank at the base of the tree was in cool shadow, with...

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Burnet Art Festival

Posted by Amie Gonser on

Burnet Art Festival
I recently had the opportunity to paint for three and a half days in and around Burnet, as a participant in the Burnet Art Festival.  My time spent out in the country side alone, doing what I love best was enjoyable but challenging at times.  There is a certain thrill in driving around in search of a scene to paint.  

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