(Pic: "Beach Stroll" by Coral Spencer Domijan)Running at the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery in Morningside is an exhibition titled Plein-Air featuring the work of participating artists Nora Newton, Robert Domijan, Coral Spencer-Domijan and Wim Rautenbach.
The definition of Plein-air is derived from the various 19th century French schools of painting which were concerned with the observation of light and atmospheric effects whilst painting outdoors.
In this four-man exhibition, all work will be the result of genuine plein-air experience. For some of these artists this is not a challenge but a way of life.
Nora Newton and Wim Rautenbach are genuine plein-air artists and they seek out their subject matter in nature and from nature. Nora’s evocative and sensitively rendered paintings are bathed in early morning or late afternoon light and have a unique use of colour. Wim’s “landscapes with feelings” show a free and loose brush stroke with a spontaneous honesty. His slightly off focus style is immensely appealing and is a challenge to the viewer.
Also having worked outdoors, Robert Domijan produces paintings of haunting landscapes, towns emptied out and moments captured in time. Coral Spencer-Domijan has taken up the challenge and moved out of the comfort zone of her studio to paint plein-air for this exhibition, adding an exciting dimension to her work.
Another aspect to this exhibition is that the pochade paintings (i.e. the small painting done outdoors which is the study for the larger painting) will be exhibited with the final works.
These artists share a love of light on form, oil paint and the land in which they paint. They have spent time together on painting excursions and share a mutual respect for each others art. This is a coming together from across South Africa as Nora hails from the Cape, Wim from Johannesburg and Robert and Coral from KZN.
Plein-Air closes on June 18. The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is situated at 120 Florida Road. More information on 031 303 8133.
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