I Love You More Than The Morning Loves the Flowers...

The Baton Rouge Botanic Gardens Foundation hosted a 3-day Invitational Plein Air Event called "Painting in the Gardens" this past week at the Independence Park Botanic Gardens. 35+ Artists were invited to participate and, wow, what a turnout. I painted all three days, BUT, I did it early in the mornings - like 6:30 am early. I knew how hot it was going to be and those little gnats and black flies have made an appearance sooner than I'd hoped. So, there I was with my bug spray and plein air set up ready to go each day. I created 4 paintings over the 3 days and 2 of them sold at the reception which was held in the gorgeorus Baton Rouge Main Library. The conference room has all glass windows where you can see out into the gardens where we painted. A perfect backdrop for an art reception. Many thanks for the people that came up with this great idea because not only does it benefit the artists, it benefits the community at large. A portion of the proceeds of all sales from this event will be used to purchase new plants for these gardens. AND, at last count, 26 paintings sold! What a great contribution by the Foundation and these artists, all working together, giving back to the community where we live, thrive, and paint. 

To continue to follow along with these plein air painters, you can start by checking out two FB feeds @NanciCharpentierArt AND @BatonRougePleinAir. Each week the Baton Rouge Plein Air group paints at a different location in and around the Baton Rouge area on Thursday mornings.