group paintings

group paintings
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While many painters find success in painting scenery like landscapes or seascapes from photographs, others wouldn’t paint anywhere but outdoors in the open air with the scenery right in front of them.That describes the Half Moon Bay Plein Air group paintings, an informal collective of about 10 Coastside oil painting artists who have been together since August. They meet twice weekly to paint -- and will have their first exhibit through February at the Half Moon Bay Library, at 620 Correas St. in Half Moon Bay.

About 18 paintings by members of the group, which includes Eric Greenhut, Eric Shapira, Jack McKinnon, Nancy Margulies, Rebecca Ellis, Patricia Madson, Chris Ridgway, Linda Bea Miller and more, will be on display, and some will be for sale. Plein air painter Jack McKinnon stands before selections in the art painting exhibit the of the new Half Moon Bay Plein Air group paintings, which will be on display through February at the Half Moon Bay Library. The group meets Wednesday mornings at various locations to paint, and again Thursday mornings at Peet’s Coffee to finish their paintings. They also help each other by sharing tips and techniques, said McKinnon. A self-taught artist who has painted for 30 years, he said he likes the camaraderie and the exchange of tips such as techniques for a watercolor wash that he picked up from fellow member Greenhut.I really enjoy painting outdoors, with other painters for support and technique,” he said. “I don’t understand how to do watercolor, and when you’re able to be outdoors painting with other people, it’s really helpful to see how (they) do it.”All the paintings will capture Coastside scenery like the mountains, the ocean, lighthouses or the Princeton harbor – created in natural light right on site.

Painting outdoors on site has advantages over indoors from a photo, said McKinnon. Light and color are key: When an oil painting artist is looking at the subject in natural, not artificial light, “you can see the true colors of a landscape. Light is absolutely paramount to getting the true colors.”Natural light also enhances the emotional tone of the paintings, he added. “Often, the feeling of a scene is able to be depicted directly on paper.”An opening reception is planned for the artists from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the library.The plein air group welcomes new members. For information, contact Greenhut at (650) 477-7085.