Free public sessions as part of art exhibition

FOUR Bendigo region artists involved in the Lifelike exhibition at Bendigo Visitor Centre’s Living Arts Space are set to take their skills public in a series of free open-air sessions.

Terry Jarvis, Shaun Clarke, Meg Holmes and Michael Watson all have works in the exhibition, which runs at the space, at the front of the Post Office building in Pall Mall, until June 16.

The artists create observational drawings and paintings in the open air in a method known as ‘en plein air’ or ‘plein air painting’, a French term that refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view.

They are now about to host plein air demonstrations in Rosalind Park over the next few months in which people can participate free of charge, with the first scheduled for 10am to 11am tomorrow, April 20.

The city’s Visitor Services Manager, Felicity Martin, said plein air artists captured the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, colour and movement into their works.

Ms Martin said the four artists involved in Lifelike had “created the essence of life in Bendigo”.

“They have all patiently observed daily life, local culture, landmarks and landscapes to create stunning results for the Lifelike exhibition at the Living Arts Space,” she said.

“In plein air paintings and drawing, artists work directly from life around them. The artists rely much more on the direct observation of colours and let shapes flow more freely into each other and experiment with different techniques.”

No bookings are needed for the free hour-long demonstration sessions, and no creative experience is necessary.

“This is an opportunity to see the artists at work and for residents and visitors to embrace the joy of creativity in the open air,” Ms Martin said.

Participants can meet the artists at the Bendigo Visitor Centre at 9.45am on the day of each session or find them when they are setting up easels outside between the Bendigo Visitor Centre and the piazza end of Rosalind Park.

All sessions will be from 10am to 11am tomorrow, Saturday, April 20; and on Wednesday, May 1; Saturday, May 4; Saturday, May 18; Saturday, June 1; and Saturday, June 15. They will be subject to change according to weather conditions.

Materials will be provided, but participants can bring their own.

Lifelike is part of the Bonjour Bendigo campaign that celebrates Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925.