Nicole Russell loves painting outdoors. So much so that seven years ago she formed the Plein Air Painting group – a collection of artists who meet once a week at different locations around the region and paint, draw and sketch.
The location changes each week, and last week the group met at Nelson’s Broadgreen Historic House on a sunny Wednesday.
Some sketched the house itself, while others drew inspiration from the gardens.
While there are 100 members on the mailing list, Nicole says there are often around 15 that attend each week.
Monaco resident Lois Morgan joined self-professed ‘amateur’ Anne Grantham, who attends for the “sheer enjoyment” and to meet interesting people.
“You’re always outside and I just love the outdoors, so it’s perfect,” Anne says.
She describes Nelson Tasman as a “beautiful area” and feels privileged that the group is often invited to private properties to illustrate gardens in spaces they would otherwise never see.
“I’ve taken art classes, but I haven’t got any ambition to sell paintings or anything.
“It’s a real good community, because you’re drawing together people with all sorts of experiences and sharing that knowledge.”
Self-professed ‘amateur’ Anne Grantham attends for the “sheer enjoyment” and to meet interesting people.
“You’re always outside and I just love the outdoors, so it’s perfect,” says the Richmond resident.
She describes Nelson Tasman as a “beautiful area” and feels privileged that the group is often invited to private properties to illustrate gardens in spaces they would otherwise never see.
“I’ve taken art classes, but I haven’t got any ambition to sell paintings or anything.
“It’s a real good community, because you’re drawing together people with all sorts of experiences and sharing that knowledge.”
The group is free to join and artists can come and go as they please.
For more information find Plein Air Painting group on Facebook.
