Sam Lena-South Tucson Library invites you to an exhibit by Tucson Barrio Painters, on display until November 25, 2024.
Artist Statement:
The Tucson Barrio Painters met through their membership in the Sonoran Plein Air Painters (SPAP) group.
They have been focusing their attentions on Tucson’s legendary barrio architecture. Over the last seven years having seen substantial changes—recording history has become part of the mission. These are people’s homes. Hoping to honor the Sonoran Row house & early Tucson architectural traditions, the Barrio Painters take their cue from the French Impressionists. Painting outdoors with the subject in full view. Working quickly, reacting to the dramatic light shifts, artists work to capture the essence of their artistic vision en plein air.
A love of the outdoors, whether it be rural or urban, and a passion for painting describes “Plein Air” painting. The plein air approach was pioneered by John Constable in Britain in 1813, but from around 1860 it became fundamental to impressionism. Its popularity increased with the introduction of paints in tubes in 1870.
“Monet, Manet, Sisley, Renoir, Van Gogh and others went outside to paint for one simple reason - it looks different outside.” (Mike Svob)
Images courtesy of the artist
