Painting for The Hermitage

When the weather is not too hot and not too cold, that's when I might be found somewhere on the grounds of The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's historic homesite, along with some of my fellow painters, attempting to capture the beauty and interest of this unique Tennessee property. I am a member of a wonderful collection of artists who paint from life called The Chestnut Group (also know as The 'Nuts.) Plein air painting (en plein air) became popular in the mid 19th century by the Impressionists, the Barbizan school, and the Hudson River School and simply means "painting outside." 

Painting outdoors from life has some unique challenges...weather, bugs, people...but also the big challenge of learning to see and interpret the subject matter. That's much harder than it sounds because, really, there is so much information in any given scene! Hopefully, I was able to capture some of the allure of the lovely Hermitage.

The Chestnut Group is a nonprofit alliance of landscape artists and friends dedicated to the conservation & preservation of vanishing landscapes in Middle Tennessee. A portion of funds earned from the sale of artwork, inspired by the region’s scenic richness, is made available to organizations that share a common vision: To preserve fragile local environments and historic properties – from threatened habitats and farmland to protected natural areas. 

This particular Art Show & Sale takes place April 21-22, 9am-5pm at The Hermitage.  Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076,  just 10 miles outside of Nashville. This event is free and open to the public, with or without purchasing a ticket to tour the mansion and the grounds.