Lifelike is a stunning new Living Arts Space exhibition from four local artists who create observational drawings and painting in the open air, also known as en plein air.
En plein air or plein air painting is a French term that refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist's subject in full view. It became popular amongst Impressionists during the 19th century, notably artists such as Claude Monet.
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.
"Local artists Terry Jarvis, Shaun Clarke, Meg Holmes, and Michael Watson have created the essence of life in Bendigo," Ms Martin said.
"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.
"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 various techniques.
"The Lifelike exhibition presents beautiful depictions of life in this vibrant bustling city from different artistic perspectives."
The free exhibition presents a range of work including artworks that are still in progress, together with completed paintings and drawings so people can gain insights on the technical and creative processes used to achieve en plein air results.
The artists are also hosting Plein Air demonstrations in Rosalind Park over the coming months where residents and visitors are invited to join one of the free sessions. Booking is not required for the sessions, and all are welcome. No creative experience is necessary to take part in the hour sessions.
"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 selected session days or find the artists who will be setting up paint easels outside between the Bendigo Visitor Centre and the piazza end of Rosalind Park (near the Bonjour Bendigo sign). Please ask at the Bendigo Visitor Centre if you are not sure of the location.
The sessions are as follows*:
- Session is from 10am to 11am on Saturday April 20
- Session is from 10am to 11am on Wednesday May 1
- Session is from 10am to 11am on Saturday May 4
- Session is from 10am to 11am on Saturday May 18
- Session is from 10am to 11am on Saturday June 1
- Session is from 10am to 11am on Saturday June 15
What you need: some materials are provided for you to join in with the artists on the day, but you can also bring along your own.
Residents and visitors are invited to the official Lifelike exhibition opening celebration at 5pm to 7pm today, Friday April 5 at the Living Artists Space, located at Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall. All are welcome. Lifelike is open every day until June 16, 2024.
Lifelike is part of the Bonjour Bendigo campaign that celebrates Bendigo Art Gallery's exclusive exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 and brings a Parisian touch to Bendigo.
*Sessions may be subject to change due to poor weather conditions.
