What NEW FL Plein Air Collectors look like! How to be a part as either Collector or Painter

Meet Gary & Suzanne. 
NEW Florida Plein Air Collectors.

Not their plan, just a thought, awhile back as they were having their home built, started becoming the  'next project' on the 'to do' list, at their new home. Thinking they wanted art for the walls by local artist of Florida.  Not really knowing completely what plein air was.  This couple came into the studio to see my plein air paintings, via seeing another of my plein air paintings at the local artist co-op gallery Melange.  They loved the painting in-front of them, but wanted to see more of my work before they decided on an original.  Wonderfully the Melange gallery gave them my number and Art Studio location, plus it was in the Living On the Suncoast *article posted next to my painting.

What NEW FL Plein Air collectors look like are this wonderful couple.  They had an idea. Design dilemma, and a 'to do list'.  Gary shared that we would like to have paintings by local artists of Florida. When they came into the studio that had a thumbnail sketch of one of their walls that had a design element that needed to be worked with.

He also shared that we have a couple other places/galleries we want to visit too, but stopped here first. Sharing enough to share their sincerity of looking, and with that comes an investment.  Personally before I choose to invest in something, think its good to learn as much about it as possible. This couple was not your spontaneous, 'oh i like that' customer.  They sought out, and researched what they thought would be best in their new Florida home. With that said,  I shared with them a little more of what Plein Air Painting was. Along with that,  naturally came the story of how the painting that they just pointed to was created.  As they went down the wall pointing out favorites, new stories emerged.  You could see they were thoroughly enjoying learning what went into the paintings before them. Telling them about the painting they were looking at came naturally.  Its not shared with everyone. Because some truly are just 'looking'. When asked, Sharing your story builds purpose to their wanting to be a part of it. Also when your painting has a story to tell.  I don't think they walked into the studio with the idea they were going to be collecting paintings. Frankly neither did I. 

Caspersens In Wind And Surf -K Hitt painted with VPA

Knew simply they liked at least one. 'this can be very addicting can't it?' speaking as to selecting the paintings for their new home.  Replying to her, 'just as it is for us Artist, very addicting, in a wonderfully good way.' History is in the make up of what we Artist do en Plein Air, then bringing it back into the studio with our Plein Air as references to continue the inspirations. "Its like a museum in here, and your passion for your work is what draws us ..." Sharing your passion, and the story... the processes too in the studio, turns into a natural process plus it is bringing them into the scene.  She was so sincere and sweet when she replied to viewing all the different scenes, and a pile of ones admired were piling up on the sofa in the studio

The beauty of what we are blessed to do, holds literally a 'story' with every painting. Personally for me adding to that noting, not stated in words, simply naturally here in how subjects are viewed, along with the utter passion is the desire to  reflect the gift of the beauty of Gods creation as it is experienced  'At That Moment..'  in each painting. The collector loves getting to be a part of the story.  It is their opportunity to be there too.  I was so honored when she told me that reading my Artist statement also compelled her decisions.  They truly were a couple though in all their choices.  A treat to experience.  Quite a collection was building on the studio sofa, and even I was editing.   Ironically the piece they saw at the local 'Melange' co-op gallery that referred them to my studio, is not one in  their new collection.

 

Melange gallery was just as much a part of this new collection though, for their referral is why they were here. That referral remains a commission sale for the co-op too, and ended up being much more than that one painting. 

The Artist community is team work.  Another great side note to this blessing of an experience; one of the paintings added to their Florida Plein Air collection came from my "Fellowship Wall" in the studio.  It is one wall dedicated to an artist who's work inspires.  Jane Chapin the first artist there, she believed in my new space and wanted to support my efforts.  I had four of her paintings for sale, and recently brought in one that is not (the portrait sketch painted when we were Plein Air painting together and given to me is a cherished painting, so NOT for sale)

Karen Ann Hitt by Jane Chapin

The fellowship wall is an educational wall for me too, with admired edge work etc. while they are displayed. 
Coincidentally in April, Gary and Suzanne had just heard Jane speak in Tampa for the Tampa Bay Women Artist, and she (Jane) was the featured Artist for 2014.  A wonderful honor.  Jane's talk shared the story of her book "Land of the Free"

and plein air travels to all of the 50 states to complete it.  All proceeds of Jane's book go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and she has one representative for each state in her book.  Yes, Gary and Suzanne loved her story, and had inspirations to get one of her pieces of Art. They were sorry they hadn't picked something up at the time of Jane's. And here they were a few of her pieces before them.  Only wish had had a signed copy of Jane's book for them too. (Starting Aug 18th will have a few signed copies at the studio)

This couple has been looking at artwork for awhile, while their new home was being built.  Waiting for that to be completed before purchasing. They came in because of one painting.
They didn't know they were about to enter the world of plein air when walking into the studio.  Yes, your story, whatever it is, is your world becoming a part of your collectors world.  Share it and your heart.  For it is that sincere passion that sincerely compelled them to want to be a part.  Leaving me quite humbled and honored that the inspiration inspire them to collect An Original Hitt's and a Jane Chapin too, plus earlier, from Melange a couple of Gail Dempsey paintings.

The beauty of Venice is our local art scene includes many nationally recognized artist as a part of it. Right here in Venice, Artist Bill Farnsworth invited me to his 'Backyard Workshop', Painted this there, and can not recommend attending one of his workshops enough.This little painting not for sale, because from the workshop. His the last workshop attended as headed out on GLF tour. Have also studied with another local artist

Oil By K Hitt painted at Bill Farnsworth Backyard Retreat

  Hodges Soileau, he offers wonderful workshops too. These two,  are also a part of the little Melange Co-op Gallery. A small co-op that area artist love supporting to keep original art available to this ever growing community of Florida Plein Air Painting Collectors.  Though not just Plein air.  Originally Venice Plein Air which I founded under the introduction to plein air by local artist Mary Erickson under the umbrella of Plein Air Florida includes all of these artist. Along with PASC founded by Val Sandell Plein Air with a focus for Plein Air in this area began many years ago.  Boundaries were lifted by Plein Air Florida so members of one area became a part of larger groups too.  PASC is now wonderfully led by Terry Mason who has kept the weekly Thursday morning meeting times.  If you just email her you are a part of PASC plein air community which she has added many activities too.  VPA continues to meet, with Light Chasers also now in the area, not as formerly and as often as before. No need to double do, and remain thankful to Terry having the time for carrying on the weekly Plein Air meetings in this area during season.  She has added lots more opportunities for you, just email her to get on the list and find out more.  VPA unofficially keeps Caspersens Beach a signature favorite spot, along with The local Venice Farmers Market (more officially)  inviting us to be a part, and keeps their open door for us and ANY PLEIN AIR GROUP to come paint. There is not room here to list ALL the outstanding and National Artist in this area, and a part of this community of Florida Plein Air Painters.  Other Plein Air Groups close by are with Sharon just south Visual Art Center Plein Air Artist in Punta Gorda. I hear there is another in Englewood too. There is a huge opportunity in this area to paint en Plein Air.  This community has grown my enthusiasm to grow personally as an artist. Two Ten year anniversary Florida events blessed to be a part of, are happening this year too: Paint The Town (Prospectus at link. Deadline beginning of September, still time to register on line to be a part of this landmark) founded by Jane Chapin- head up by Susie Covert.

quick phone photo on location

Another Premier Plein Air Event The Forgotten Coast enPlein Air with a great line up of artist too, and volunteers like none other, and a merging of communities to create one event.  A model for all the small communities and how to work together. I was invited last year to attend their Plein Air Academy Pilot and be mentored by Don Demers. Stay tuned at the linked

website for this year with Don. A huge opportunity to learn as a professional Plein Air painter, looking to step up their processes overall. Painted this there:


Plein Air Magazine community of events, grew my desire to grow as an artist, on a national level  literally led me to  HITTing the road across this country to attend them in person.  Save the date, 27 February 2015, that will be the opening 5-7pm of an exhibit in the Main Pat Buster Gallery/Museum of the Venice Art Center.

In addition a separate exhibit for any that took a course with me from 1998 to February 2015 (students only by name, are actually instructors and professional artist themselves) in the solo gallery with the same theme "At That Moment..." So you may create yours to be a part. Prospectus for that coming in September with a page/pdf here at blog. Classes at VAC and An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier filling now


So what NEW Florida Plein Air collectors look like, just may be you, as you develop your own style as a plein air artist in one of the many opportunities in the area, or as a new home owner that seeks to have local artist adorn their new walls or simply one that loves the historical side of Plein Air with an heirloom quality added to preserving a time and place in a painting..

 Sharing also the upcoming exhibit that covers the nation en plein air, as am always reflective of my  plein air roots, right here in Venice, home sweet home.  Venice, Nicknamed Paradise, the Venice Art Center hosted for many years POP Paint Out in Paradise, out of the communities love of the Venice area itself. Seeing it recorded en Plein Air expresses that opportunity to be a part reaching far and wide... it finds itself rising up in many forms in this Plein Air rich area that am honored to be a part of, and a part of a NEW FL Plein Air Collection at Gary and Suzanne's new home.  Thank YOU for refreshing this artists memories of just what the passion is too, and having the opportunity to share that.

Additional NOTE: of course many of the tools utilized are learned, in both simply the practice of Plein Air Painting, taking workshop and classes... in addition many lessons  learned on how important it was to share and how to do that as a professional artist came from Eric Rhoads 'Boot Camp...' for Artist is at Stream Line Publication .  If you would like to start being a apart of new collections, this series gives you the tools to make that dream come true, along with the Plein Air Magazine community. Another great place to learn is with Lori McNee. I love her latest titled: Scientifically Proven Tips For Managing Procrastination.  I have a LOT to learn in ALL areas ! simply pressing ON and feel blessed to get to paint, and be a part of a cherished new in homes like Gary and Suzannes.  Thank you!



*correction to Living... article April 5 to September 5, not July 5. Plus location 230 Ponce de Leon Ave.

"Artist Studio Life", En Plein Air Essentials & Fellowship. Even when traveling solo-- Do you Think we as artist need to remember how important our 'fellowship' is?

Artist Studio Life - Oil on Linen - by K Hitt (sold)

'Artist Studio Life' an alla prima oil, painted with the plein air paintings from the initial 5 month,  Grace Love Fellowship Tour as the back drop. Two main dots on opposite ends of the country influenced the 21k+solo road trip.
This last jaunt; 7K+ solo miles, 40 days, Leg VII highlighted the 'fellowship' portion of Grace Love Fellowship tour!

Back home to An Original Hitt Fine Art and Atelier for a few weeks now, and to say the catch up and the 'to do' list is long is putting it mildly.  Wouldn't change it though. Currently working on an 88" x 96" mural of subjects never painted before.  Putting on my Illustrator hat as it accompanies the Fine Art one. This just one task at hand.

Plein Air Class In The Park

Returned in-time for a plein air lesson scheduled before I left for Bob Vedder's awesome Granddaughters too.  Sometimes work IS a walk to the park. As I taught them how to set up and carry their own easels, we walked from my Studio/Atelier and set up. The youngest  had never even painted before, she and her sister thoroughly enjoyed their introduction to 'en plein air' Think they both are naturals! Must say teaching this beginner level introduction to Plein Air, to inexperienced eyes, really made you focus on the essentials of Plein Air painting, so here they are in a nutshell.  Yes, before we went outside, I taught them how to set up. Doing so made them feel ready for the adventure.  Showed them what they were looking for, and how to use a view finder next.  Then we brought out our sketch books and did a quick thumbnail sketch. This essential, should never be looked at as a delay to getting started. Its really just the opposite of that, it frees you up to paint with a blueprint of your plan.  It keeps you on track too, as you continue, remembering what it is that had you stop "At That Moment..." to capture it.  The youngest chose the flowers next to her, and the older did an awesome job, with a building, even adding perspective.  Instruct also, every time in a lesson its essential to include the basics on composition as they planned their painting. Personally my favorite is the Fibonacci Sequence, or Golden Means. What is that? Basically a 1 to 1.618 ratio that offers perfect balance. No, I did not share this with the girls. That simplified is the thirds method. Art really does imitate life, when you have a plan, taking essential steps seem a little easier and makes it easier to find balance. Not to mention order enables fun in the simplistic and profound :0) Next we blocked in the big shapes, covering as much of the canvas as we could. Teaching both even at this level about the warm and cool light. The beauty of Plein Air, when you are out there looking, its so easy to get that... because it shouts a little. Finally in our last half hour of our time, told them now they wanted to make sure they had their focal point emphasized.  This the basics of Plein Air in a nutshell. The girls had a ball, and they did a great job for their first outing and painting. I have fun instructing at all levels, in workshops, classroom, and this semi-private too.  It had been awhile since teaching not only a beginner, a first... I had a ball too, as it also refreshed the essentials to en plein air painting in my mind too.

Honored with a visit...

Fellowship... THAT is what want to concentrate on here.  Do you think that We as artist need to remember how important our 'fellowship' is? Even when traveling solo! What does fellowship mean to you?  For we know that we are not just painting for the sake of painting... our heart, our passions... and many times our story are a part of the picture that paints a thousand words. My illustration background, influences my fine

and making some too...

art painting too.  I like telling a story. And since I can't spell to save my life, God made me an artist to do so with.  Thank you God! To be honest, sometimes parts of the fellowship in this life are not on a happy note, tragedy strikes usually when we least expect it... especially just when you think all is well.  When I was on this journey I was reminded of a phone call

Journal entry detail...

received one Mother's Day that no mother EVER wants to receive!  The tears of that memory came at a most inopportune time. My host
graciously carried on the conversation, until the good at the end of the tunnel showed up too.  I can't possibly fit all here in words, nor do I need too. This though awakened the passion, the fellowship, and the purpose in me in an illuminated light.  We as artist have opportunity to reach places in the heart that no other medium can.  We can tell tales that words can not. "At That Moment.." Turns out At That Moment... is for life.  Changed the name of the exhibit just now I think too.  '"At That Moment..." For Life'. After two more short trips this summer, my teaching schedule has been downsized, and the main concentration of the studio effort of painting the tales begins.  There currently are Fifty plus plein air paintings (counting only the ones feel worthy to exhibit) from the journey, they are only a part of the story to tell.





One of the HUGE blessings receive that didn't even imagine on the list, was a call while still touring in California.  I was invited to attend the Plein Air

my home away from home

Academy Pilot at the Forgotten Coast Plein Air event in Apalachicola and be mentored by Don Demers! YUP!  Exceedingly MORE than can imagine. On top of this, my hostess accidentally double booked her spare room, and she
asked me if I would mind staying by myself, and on a house boat? YUP ! Exceedingly more than can imagine replied again! Thank YOU God! Leg VII quite frankly was a roller coaster. Let some people down, tried to fit too much in, changed my mind in the middle, frankly though succeeded, also failed.  Because I care about people.  A lot. Discovered, was behaving a little bit like a kid in a candy shop with my new found freedoms.  Yes, highs and lows of a rollercoaster.  Learned a LOT more than just painting on this journey.  Fellowship remains the key, and the story in us to tell.  Good news I have always loved rollercoasters.  Also, I always bounce back. Many of the things unmentioned that have bounced back from would have derailed most. Alas, I digress.

The theme of my tour Grace Love Fellowship, is a story in itself, that is also a part of the big picture, which is also the name of the exhibit that ends up three years in the making.

Closing last leg before all the studio work is to begin again by being mentored by Don Demers? This, at the tail end of a 7K+ journey, that followed a 21K+ mile journey that focused on growing as an artist as a surprise gift a coincidence? How it juxtaposition-ed a heartache of a call, seemingly illustrating how all things do indeed work together for the good Godspeed. For I was at a Don Demers workshop when I received that call one mothers day, and I had to emergency leave.  No it

Thank YOU Joe Taylor & Leslie Fedota

was no coincidence that i was invited to be mentored by Don Demers at this season, at this exact time.  This time the change of course was for the good, not tears.

Though remembering this brought me unexpectedly to tears and yes, weighed heavy on all I saw from there about priorities. Don't know if I got all of them right, but pressed on. Forever thankful for the blessing and opportunity.

 Its a fact that Plein Air Painting enable my eyes to see as an Artist, in a way that just doesn't happen in the studio.  Don Demers, when he heard of my travels, said I am going to have to close my eyes for weeks to be able to push the refresh decipher button.  As said, have been back a few weeks now. The

sketch book concept doodles for studio work- anchor holds

journey continues back in the studio where the tales of fellowship, and places continue to be told  ' "At That Moment..."For Life.'  Don Demers also gave just the right encouragement this artist needed to hear to not be afraid to speak up in my paintings too.  To allow the voice to speak up boldly.  I often jest, but its oh so true too, that I am the most insecure confident person you will ever meet. This
single mom of three, when her youngest turned 22, responsibility of that season released, well, momma was blessed to take a road trip. A really BIG trip. Discovered on this journey that it's one for life.  At That Moment... is my artist statement now too. Its why I paint.  And the studio paintings are about to unfold, that tells the story all along the way that will hopefully bring you each to your own "At That Moment..." Godspeed.

yes, business! tough job but somebody has to do it!

in close, This last leg VII of what seems to continually grow from an already epic journey, focused on 'fellowship'.  There was laughing, crying, exploring, learning, growing, new, old, lifelong goals, and never imagined possible ones touched on too.  Exceedingly more than can imagine is the journey, in a nutshell.  As a follow up to last years 21k+ mile journey, this last little jaunt closed at just over 7K+ solo miles driven in my trusty steed of a Chevy Tahoe, and exactly 40 days.  Starting in what is nicked named both Paradise, and Mayberry By The Sea; Venice, FL, then bee-lined to Monterrey for #PACE14.  If you have not been to a Plein Air Convention & Expo, can not recommend it enough. The camaraderie with like minded Artist, the endless list of the top talents painting en Plein Air today to watch, and paint along side with is a priceless opportunity.  Its like attending 30 workshops in a week, not to mention some of the most beautiful landscapes this country has to offer. On top of that, there is what is called Marketing Boot Camp for artist that starts at 6:30 am each morning.  If you are not learning here, you are not trying.  AND there is the expo, where you get to touch and feel and try some of the best plein air supplies and frames available too.  You just may need to HITT the road too and get to PACE in '15. Hear tale that there is a group of artist talking about their own road trip forming.. could one of them be you? (ok, back to our regular programing :0)  )

When I originally began this quest last year, that had me HITTing the road,  my plan was pretty simple; besides the two big red dots on my road maps, was to grow as an artist, and to do so nationally as my sponsor desired for me to do. My way to cover the nation, was to do so painting en plein air and visiting all of the national exhibits, galleries, museums that I could, and culminate the experience to the mission, an exhibit just about three years in the making,  now titled 
' "At That Moment..." For Life' with Karen Hitt.  All made possible by an unexpected gift from a student, turned patron.  Now, I don't think they expected me to hop in my vehicle and Hitt the road, to create the exhibit that they are also sponsoring. Because 'the journey is the destination' it in itself is the exhibit too.  "At That Moment..." For Life  is back at where it all began, our local not for profit Venice Art Center.  I have been an instructor there since 1998, when first became a single parent of three, they, how helped to keep a roof over my head while schedule worked around my children's. My loyalty to them will never fade. Now, all my students over those 17 years may play a part in this adventure too, by entering their painting to their portion of the exhibit in a separate gallery. The main Pat Buster gallery/museum exhibiting my works,  and the students are entering their works to the Altman-Vogt gallery portion of the exhibit with the same theme. (stay tuned for an artist/student prospectus) Yup, exceedingly more than can imagine continues here too. (There is another exceedingly more than can imagine in the works too, as a part of this exhibit, will share with you asap to publish it!) The tasks at hand are a wee bit daunting, the journey great, The plan was simply to 'put this money to work' as best knew how.  Leaving ashes behind, sought beauty and to learn how to reflect it as best know how. Well, it has ended up being even well over  the initial 21 THOUSAND miles of them to share; the plein air, the places and the people that have made up the epic journey of growing as an artist. Save the date to visit beautiful Venice Florida -- On 27 Feb 2015 the exhibit opens and runs through March 20th.. Bob Bahr with Out Door Painter -Plein Air Magazine coined the phrase for me 'HITTing the road...'. Leg VII had me doing that again this year.  I will also be journeying in a couple weeks to the beloved 'Paint Camp' in the Adirondacks hosted by Eric Rhodes titled 'Publishers Invitational'.  There, 100 artist gather to paint in the beautiful finger lake region of the Adirondacks, seeking out the very locations great landscape painters like Fredrick Church and all of the Hudson River School Artist depicted. It is a another highlight for this artist growing in her ability to depict the next "At That Moment..."

Well, in addition, I have been encouraged to write a book on the journey's and the tale that leads up to and throughout it all. Its more than the painting. Stay tuned.  Have a helper that even knows how to write a proper sentence, edit and spell. They were a goosebumps conversation at a fellowship lunch and ends up a great part of the tale too.  Sure we all as Artist dream of getting in our vehicle and HITTing the open road to paint en plein air. 

Do believe quite miraculously have been enable to do so. As a women traveling solo, people often ask me "were there times you were afraid?" Yes, but no.  There is a reason that I travel as I do, I actually feel safer in my trusty stead that has an alarm system and a custom made custom bed with a feather blanket and pillow... than most hotel chains out there. The fact that street wise came from going to college in NYC helps a little too, and that am not petite, even though a gimp helps.  Now, mind you if I was independently wealthy and 4 or 5 stars could always be on the agenda... well maybe I would be tempted.  BUT the reality is the journey IS the destination. No, I don't live in my car. Yes, I love a good B&B along the way too, friends and families homes too, besides the camping. No, not physically possible to paint 'every' day, have to drive some too, but the en plein air remains the daily focus.
Now, Back to the FELLOWSHIP side of the journey... that occurs even when you are traveling solo.  I did discover on this last leg, that its very difficult planing personal stops in a timely manor, with all the miles and views and yes distractions along the way.  Also discovered its impossible to make all fit.  Ironically I once facilitated a class titled "Boundaries" ...was reminded of the need for them along

Back Home at An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier

the way, even when traveling with an open road map! One other thing that I have learned after all these miles too...  I DO NOT NEED 75% of what is packed! SO am even learning to edit.  And as to doing so in writing... well, that is why a 'writer' is helping with the book concept.  Now i just need one to help me edit this blog :0)  Thanks for being a part of the tmi post.  Hope you enjoyed, and hope to see you either at An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier, or out and about HITTing the road. Don't forget to save the date too!  Until the next... May it be an UP day! K


To close, here are some of the pictures from this last Grace, Love, Fellowship... all along the way!

a heart rock that marked the spot to paint

painting at that exact spot outside of Yosemite along the Merced! 

the painting AND the rock back at An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier fresh off the easel wall...

Great Nephew with ...

teaching Daughter in Law to en Plein Air

her finished painting back at their home

Julie with the heart rock...

Son Fishing while we painted for his birthday :0)

He caught dinner, and used his bday presents to prepare it for us

my little painting from the day...

FINALLY made it to my best friend from HS home to meet her husband and see her and her two boys in action.  Fabulous visit!
This some of the painting from there too...

 

 

Painting at La Jolla surrounded by spring blooms was wonderful.  Torrey Pines, Balboa Park, Old Mission, etc. etc. too.  On top of this long awaited treat, I also made it to a life long quest... Yosemite!  On top of that my last day there was painting en plein air a piece requested I paint from the sharing while traveled.  It was of the Chapel.  The person requesting it shared also from an early sharing that the first time that they saw Half Dome it made them cry.  So from that fellowship, and the storyteller in me came this little Plein Air...  The " "Light Is On"  Painted on Good Friday at Yosemite National Park.  And when I finished this little painting... went as is to that little chapel, for the Good Friday Service.  Yup, exceedingly more than we can imagine... always has a way of showing up... Godspeed

and one last tale to share from there... met a new best friend at a place never even planned initially to stop...  Hye Texas!  if you are ever in-between Fredricksburg and Austin Texas in Texas Hill Country wine country may I simply say, Hye Noon Cabins is the place to stay!  No wi-fi or TV... just lots of what is really important... fellowship!

and now am really signing out... until next time I get to see you Out and About, with An Original HITT :0)