What is plein air?

Artists worldwide are painting en plein air, venturing from their studios to paint along roadsides, atop mountains, by the sea, in gardens and in cities to capture landscapes, figures, and architecture in their natural elements.

Plein Air (French for "open air") painting became popular in the early nineteenth century in both Europe and America when paint manufacturers made a wide range of pre-mixed oil pigments available for the first time, and the easily transportable box easel, or pochade (quick sketch) box, was developed.  Artists could finally take their work into the field with ease—the artist could, as Monet wrote, "paint the air in which are situated the bridge, the home, the boat."

Artists paint natural light, using color to define form.  Plein air artists generally paint "ala prima," laying down a scene with quick broad, colorful brush strokes, foregoing the typical 'building up' of paint.  Depending on the light and weather, plein air paintings are generally done in one session.

Plein air painting is a pursuit unlike any other painting technique. It challenges artists to concentrate completely on the information in front of them. Their senses absorb it all, from sight to sound, from temperature to atmosphere, and then channel these feelings into their vision in paint on paper or canvas.
 

Bath County
Bath County is named for the English resort city of Bath, an ancient city visited for its healing spring waters since Roman times. For over 200 years Bath County has been defined but its natural beauty, the minerals springs that define some of its landscape, and southern hospitality. Located along the western, central border with West Virginia, Bath County encompasses 540 square miles. 89% of Bath County is comprised of forest, with 51% in national forest and 6% under state park. 

From the earliest days when weary travelers stopped to rejuvenate in the healing springs, now known as the Jefferson Pools, tourism has played a major role in the development of Bath County. Since the first Homestead Resort was built in 1766, the community of Hot Springs has been a nationally recognized four season resort attraction. The popularity of “taking the waters” in the mid-18th century secured Bath County’s place as a tourism attraction. 

Bath County is an ideal place for plein air painting. The county and surrounding area are endowed with a rich history of art and have been a destination for artists for centuries.  Most notable is Edward Beyer, who came with his wife from Germany in the late 1840s.  Beyer traveled extensively in Virginia, especially western Virginia, creating panoramic paintings of the Shenandoah Valley.  As a plein air painter Beyer’s paintings provide a vivid, colorful tour of western Virginia locales in the mid-nineteenth century. 

Bath County possesses a stunning collection of beautiful landscapes, panoramic vistas, historic architecture and an abundance of  southern charm.

Jackson River Foundation
The Jackson River Foundation (JRF) works to restore and protect the environment and the waters of the upper Jackson River and the aquatic life inhabiting those waters for present and future generations. 
 
We currently accomplish this mission by monitoring the river’s water temperature and flow, working to restore the river to its natural state and advocating for our work in both the public and private sector.
 
Hailed by many as the most pristine trout water on the east coast of the United States, the Jackson has its headwaters in Highland County, Virginia and flows for 96 winding, scenic miles joining the Cowpasture River in Allegheny County to form the James River. Long noted as a destination for trophy and blue-ribbon trout fishing the Jackson has been a natural home to 66 documented species of fish, including brown, rainbow, and native brook trout.
 
The JRF has completed a survey of the upper reaches of the Jackson and has engaged professional partners who “read the river” in order to identify and evaluate the functioning of the Jackson.  Our working partners include a fisheries biologist to evaluate aquatic life in the river and riparian vegetation on its banks, as well as a hydrologist experienced in stream dynamics and watershed function. This team works to identify and define areas of the river that require restoration consideration.
 
The waters of the Jackson are increasingly becoming subject to higher than normal temperatures; thus, threatening the ability of fish, aquatic life, and riparian vegetation to thrive and exist in its waters and along its banks.  JRF’s work includes the investigation and mitigation of rising water temperatures, as well as the effects of other environmental impacts on the Jackson.  Our mission is to return the waters of the upper Jackson River to a year-round trout fishery.  A percentage of sales from the 2021 Festival will go toward the Jackson River Foundation.