En Plein Air competition announced

The 8th Annual Coconut Grove En Plein Air competition is Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12.

All artists are welcome to participate and catch a moment in time in Coconut Grove. Artists have the freedom of choosing any scenery in the Grove. This painting by Eric Speyer, was done at last year's event.

For the first time Vizcaya will graciously allow the artists to paint on their grounds, much like Monet's beloved Giverny, which allows artists free access every Monday.

The popularity of painting en plein air painting increased in the 1870s with the introduction of paints in tubes. (It sounds like the equivalent of wifi for that time, they were able to actually work out of doors!).

Previously, each painter made their own paints by grinding and mixing dry pigment powders with linseed oil. The French Box Easel, was invented during this period. The artists participating in this venue, still use these highly portable easels, with telescopic legs and built-in paint box and palette made treks into the outdoors.

For more info on this year's En Plein Air, please contact Annamarie Windisch-Hunt at: grovite1@mac.com.