Arts: LibertyTown gets some air

'Old Lancaster County Tree' by Nancy Brittle

BY LIANA BAYNE

THE FREE LANCE-STAR

For an art show that’s like a breath of fresh air, try the plein air exhibit at Liberty Town Arts Workshop.

“En plein air” is a  French expression that means “in the open air,” and it is a style of painting that involves the painter heading outside to capture natural landscapes.

Aline Fisher of LibertyTown  said about 20 artists participated in the exhibit. There are 42 paintings featured.

Kathleen Walsh judged the paintings and awarded first, second and third places.

Ed King’s series of three paintings, known as a triptych, “Plein Air Rappahannock,” won first; “Old Lancaster County Tree” by Nancy Brittle won second; and “Untitled” by AnnaPage Joseph took third.

Fisher said plein air isn’t similar to usual painting: Artists complete their work in one session and normally use larger brush strokes that aren’t quite as layered as something  created in a studio.

Most of the paintings are landscapes that strive to capture natural light, she said.

The exhibit opened last First Friday and will be on display until Sept. 2.

“People enjoy landscapes, and it’s a good one for summer,” Fisher said. “It can be soothing.”

Admission to Liberty Town’s gallery and studios is free. All of the paintings in the “Plein Air” exhibit are for sale.

In addition to its featured exhibit in its main gallery, LibertyTown Arts Workshop also has 30 artist studios. The artists work in many different media, and almost always have something on display.

“It’s a special gem in town,” Fisher said.

WANT TO GO?

What: “Plein Air Art Exhibit,” a juried art show.

Where: LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty St.

When: Through Sept. 2

Cost: Admission is free. Works available for purchase.

Info: 540/371-7255;  libertytownarts.com

Liana Bayne: 540/374-5444

lbayne@freelancestar.com

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