I decided that this year, I need to get myself back out there and find a way to reconnect with the artist community. Since disconnecting with everyone after leaving Mystery House Comics and the Drink & Draw events, I have very much missed the people. A group that I had been eyeballing for a few years, Plein Air Painters of Idaho (PAPI) finally got my dues and membership. I have been looking at joining them since I started oil plein air paintings in 2013-ish. I still don't think I could hold a candle to them, but hopefully by having the community I can get better and find people who enjoy this activity as much as I do.
Out first meet-up was at Edwards Greenhouse, an 80+ year staple of the Boise area. On Sundays in the winter, they are not open for business but they allow us in to paint! This place is truly magical, like a little paradise. The members of PAPI who were there were very warm and friendly, welcoming me to the group and sharing their work and processes. Most of them appear to be retirees who have found themselves chasing their passions now that they have the time. What a wonderful group! It took me a good 30 minutes to find a space to paint, and to be honest I was a little too ambitious. I found some lovely bright yellow grapefruits growing quietly in a corner and just started painting. As you can see, I have my easel set up for the first time in ages. It was gifted to me back when I worked in oils by my in-laws. They have been such a meaningful source of support for my art. My Sakura Koi watercolors and aqua brushes were used on the Strathmore 300 watercolor paper today. It was fun but challenging to paint everyday objects like pots and tables, and a decorative archway. Especially fun was trying to paint the different kinds of leaves and plants. This was the best I had felt since my last trip with Bestie. A new life and excitement for painting was discovered here. So much so that I went home and that next evening did a still-life to try and brush up (pun very much intended!) on some basics and to learn more about how my paint behaves in different settings.
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