Tales from the Plein Air Crypt!
June 18, 2009
Student Art Day
There are a lot of “paint out” opportunities for plein air artists in Florida. Tops among them are events such as The Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational in the Panhandle, Wekiva Springs in the Orlando area, Florida’s Eden in the Gainsville area and The Art of Giving in St. Petersburg. I participated in 6 or 7 Florida events this spring. Painting in these events, for me, is not only hard work but a fantastic education. I look up to other artists and learn by looking at their work and asking questions. A few are guarded but most will tell you exactly how they do what they do. It is great experience. Looking back at spring 2009 I would like to share:
-the funniest thing that happened to me,
-my new nickname,
-the best advice I received and
The “funny thing” that happened is a story I tell most often outside artistic circles. It’s more funny”poignant” than funny “ha, ha”. Let set the stage before telling the punch line. During the event at Dudley Farm (which is a fantastic park, best in the state maybe!)I attended a birthday party for Mitch Kolbe at a beautiful old cracker house on the edge of Lee’s Prairie. During the party a woman, one of the artists, struck up a conversation with me about “How wonderful President Obama’s stimulus package was going to be for the economy”. I briefly commented that we need “recovery not stimulus” and quickly changed the subject. This wasn’t the place for a political discussion. Especially if it was going to be an Obama love-fest. The friendly woman remarked how I reminded her of her husband and that was that….or so I thought! The next day I was enjoying a meal in the lunch tent with three other artists, all women and all new acquaintances. The woman from the party sat down and blurted out, “So Robert, how is that you are an artist AND a republican?” (As if the two are mutually exclusive.) She said she could tell from my comment about “recovery” that I was a conservative republican. I guess she thought it was her job to “out” me in front of the other artists. I replied, “Well you got me. I am officially outed. I am a conservative and a republican.” With that the other three women at the table stood up in unison, turned their backs to me and sat at another table. Sure I was a little stunned but not completely surprised. I’ve known for quite some time that those who preach tolerance often only tolerate those who agree with them. Still you have to admit, liberal or conservative, this story is hilarious!
Painting the Wekiva River
At the Wekiva Springs event I really felt like the new kid on the block. I knew a couple of the other artists but so many were new acquaintances that it was literally like being at my first summer camp. It was a lot a fun. The scenery was beautiful if not a little imposing. During “Pizza Night” at the rec hall one of the artists was asking for advice on pricing her work. Her paintings were really good and everyone thought she was thinking way too low. Someone suggested that she charge $6.00 per square inch. To which she inquired, “Does anyone have a calculator?” I quickly rattled off the top of my head…well, 14 x 18 = 252. 252 x 6 = 1,512. So charge $1500 for that one. I noticed that all the other artists sort of had this glazed over, look of disbelief on their faces. So, I did it again….12 x 16 = 192. 192 x 6 = 1,152. So charge $1150 for that one. Now the glazed over looks turned to surprise as they realized I was really doing it and not just making things up. Some shouted, “THANK YOU, PROFESSOR”. What can I say. I went to Catholic school. I love math! Well the nickname has followed me around. Those who were there still call me professor. I kind of like it. I hope it sticks.
Also during the course of the Wekiva event I spent some time on a pontoon boat painting with Larry Moore. Like a lot of people I admire Larry for his outstanding work, creativity and sense of humor. He is also generous and sincere when asked for advice. When I half jokingly asked him to be my mentor Larry paused, looked intently at me and said, “You would be your own best mentor.” He elaborated, “You already know everything you need to know, just keeping working and it will come into fruition.” Immediately I clicked back in my mind to a statement I heard come from Scott L. Christensen who said that his big breakthrough came when he stopped listening to others and began doing his own thing. Nothing I have heard has made more sense than Larry’s comment. I have decided to take it to heart.
Until next time, Paint On!
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