By Michelle Williams
Through the fall, Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville will welcome painters to its acres of outdoor beauty.
“Plein Air is basically like the art of impressionistic painters back in the days of Monet and all the people who painted outside,” said David Johnson, a professional artist. “They went outside the studio and painted directly from the outdoors in nature. The lighting is just perfect. It’s basically capturing the effects of light on object.”
Johnson will be providing loose-based instruction for the first series of four plein air painting classes offered at Strawtown Koteewi Park located at 12308 E. Strawtown Ave. in Noblesville. The classes will take place at 6 p.m. July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, and Oct. 23 and are free to the public.
All ages are encouraged to attend and select their desired subject matter. The park features a prairie meadowland with a variety of plant and flower species that attract butterflies, native bird species and a diversity of wildlife.
“What I’d want to achieve is to bring out what’s inside the person or artist,” Johnson said, explaining that individual guidance will be the teaching approach for the new classes instead of line-by-line instruction. “You want to bring out their artistic abilities and natural style. Each individual is an artist — just bring it out.”
Those planning to attend should bring the artistic mediums and supplies of their choosing, a canvas or art paper, and an easel if possible. A variety of mediums are suitable, including watercolor, oil, acrylic, pencil, pen and ink, and others. Also recommended are portable chairs, bug repellent and snacks if desired.
“The potential for art on this property has always been huge,” said Christy Brocken, historical resource specialist for the park. “I’ve always wanted to bring more art to this piece of land because it is so beautiful. Native Americans have been creating art on this piece of property for a long time. It’s just a very inspiring piece of land. We’d like to share that with more people.”
Registration is required. To register, call 774-2576 or email [email protected].
