Interview with El Cerrito artist Lisa Greenstein

Artist Lisa Greenstein is an El Cerrito painter. She is one of the participating artists in the exhibit, Seeing Solano II:  Solano Land trust through the eyes of artists, at the Benicia Public Library, 150 L St. Benicia, CA From April 1, 2012 – May, 6, 2012  (See below for more about this exhibit.)

Over a dozen artists are participating in this show displaying a variety of media. Lisa is exhibiting works she painted outside, or more traditionally labeled, Plein Aire. I thought it would be fun to find out more about plein arie painting and how and why she chose this medium.

Can you tell us a little about plein aire painting?

The French expression "en plein aire" means in the open air, and refers to the notion of leaving the art studio to paint outdoors. The Italian Macchiaioli (1850s) preceded the French Impressionists in doing this by a few years, but the primary motivation for all of the artists was to try to paint the spots of color that one actually sees in the outdoor light. Another reason was the development of tube paints, which enabled the artists to paint en plein aire. Originally, paintings were made in the studio where the paints were also made – by grinding pigments and mixing them into an oil vehicle. Once tube paints were invented, the art studio could be made portable – and so the desire to paint outside was met with the new technology. This is now ancient history, but artists are still pursuing painting outdoors, and I believe it is because of the degradation of the environment. I think artists are sensitive to the need now to preserve the beauty that is still unspoiled. In this particular partnership of artists with the Solano Land Trust, contemporary artists are using contemporary art mediums as well as plein aire painting to make statements about the value of land preservation.

When and why did you start plein aire painting?

I started painting outdoors a few years ago. Prior to that, I was used to working in my studio using photographs and drawings for reference. Then I challenged myself to try to work directly from life, painting still life objects and nude models. When I tried painting landscapes outdoors, I felt overwhelmed by too much information and the constantly changing light. I felt the need for a teacher. I found a great teacher, and after the past two years of studying with Camille Przewodek up in Petaluma, and reading Henri Hensche and Charles Hawthorne’s books, I am finally finding my own way to see the color of the light and interpret that in my plein aire paintings.

What artists have influenced your work and why?

I love Monet’s haystack series, and the California Impressionists, like Guy Rose, and William Ritschell. I don’t know if they directly influence my work – I don’t think about that.

Are there particular places/scenes you prefer painting?

I am attracted to places where water and land interact. The California coastline and the Solano Land Trust lands are perfect for this. When I paint on location I walk around for a while searching for something that moves me to paint, like the myriad of colors in a rise of hills as they recede into the atmosphere. I’ll set up my portable easel and stand in that one place for a few hours, working quickly to paint what is before me until the sunlight changes too much to continue.

What do you find enjoyable and uncomfortable about painting outdoors....and why?

Schlepping and setting up the gear, especially if I have to trek up a hill or over bumpy ground and the exposure to bugs, sun, mist, very hot or cold weather and overly talkative passers-by can be a bit uncomfortable. Once I get my gear set up and settle on what I want to paint, I love the meditative feeling that comes, and the sense of being in communion with the natural world really makes up for the discomforts.

What would you recommend to artists who are interested in learning more about plein aire painting or want to become plein aire painters?

If one seriously wants to pursue plein aire painting I highly recommend finding a good teacher and sticking with it, as it’s like learning a foreign language in the beginning. I would also recommend reading Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting by John E.Carlson (a classic), Hawthorne on Painting, from student's notes, collected by Mrs.Hawthorne, Hensche on Painting, by John W. Robichaux, and there is a new magazine called Plein Air (has an online version too) that is very informative.

Brief description of Seeing Solano II
Solano Land Trust Exhibit:

Sun Apr. 1, 2012 - Sun May. 6, 2012
Benicia Public Library, 150 L St, Benicia
707-746-4343

This is the second in a series of exhibits by over a dozen professional artists called "Seeing Solano: Solano Land Trust through the eyes of artists." All the paintings and photographs in this growing collection are inspired by protected lands in Solano – the tidal marsh, oak woodlands, vernal pool grasslands, and working farms and ranches that make our region unique.

Artist Reception: April 1st, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to all. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy music, light refreshments, meet the artists, and learn about the lands that inspire their painting and photography.

Fingado Art Gallery, Pam Fingado © 2012 All rights reserved

Gallery services include coaching, consulting and mentoring. 
(510) 593 9081 or pamfingado@fingadoartgallery 

         Visit http://www.pamfingado.com