The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is hosting internationally-renowned artist Leoma Lovegrove's only offsite workshop for 2013 in the Estates' spectacular gardens on March 12 and 13. The two-day painting workshop takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and is complemented by a "Meet and Greet" with the artist from 4-6 p.m. on March 11.
Painting outdoors in the open air, known as plein air painting, was the preferred way to paint by Impressionist masters like van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir and even Winslow Homer. In fact, Claude Monet was adamant about the need to go outdoors to capture natural light "from life" that he abandoned his studio in 1874 and never again painted a single stroke except in front of the motif. He even got a little boat, fitted it with an umbrella and easel, and set out along the Seine to explore the moods and the effects of light on the river scenery.
While participants in Lovegrove's 2-day workshop won't be taking to the Caloosahatchee, they will be painting in the shade provided by majestic trees of the Edison & Ford botanical gardens. It's an appropriate setting, given that Lovegrove routinely paints in the botanical gardens at her gallery on historic Matlacha and has the distinction of having taught painting in Monet’s Gardens at Giverny, France.
The “meet and greet” on Monday, March 11 gives participants a chance to meet the artist, get an overview of the program, and stroll the gardens with Lovegrove and the Edison Ford garden staff. The workshop includes learning the principles of Impressionism and abstract style, as well as how to use acrylics to paint lush tropical landscapes, trees, flowers, pathways and Edison garden elements such as the Moonlight Garden, riverside Twig Bridge and Lily Pond.
Leoma will teach professionals and beginners side-by-side through her unique participatory style.
Lovegrove's work can be viewed at Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens on historic Matlacha Island. Her work is also at Edison Ford and other galleries and private collections throughout the world. Her art is instantly recognized for its exuberant technique and brilliant color palette, and has inspired a line tees and casual wear available exclusively through Bealls Department Store.
Call the Edison Ford Education Department at 239-334-7419 to register and for a list of materials and sources. Cost: Edison Ford Members $230; non-members $250.
The Edison Ford is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Edison Ford is the winner of the 2009 National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures” at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the web site at www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
Comments