Plein Air derives from the French “en plein air” meaning “open in full air”. In this case it refers to the practice of painting outdoors in the style of 19th century impressionists. Plein Air Richmond was founded by Loryn Brazier in 2012 and is an annual event which benefits a non-profit organization. A week of painting in different locations around Richmond ended in a timed event in Carytown on Saturday morning. 30 artists from as far away as Chicago and Florida painted for 2 hours, and I was one of many following their efforts. The event ended with the judges selected prize winners. Today's winning picture was by Richmond artist Beth Watlington Marchant, shown here on the top row, second from the left.
