Plein air painting in Key West

4/23/2017

Sometimes you have to "walk the talk"

I continually tell my students that the fastest path to success as a painter is painting from life, either from a still life set up, or outside on location. Painting on location is commonly called plein air painting, a fancy French term that makes you feel really special while you are battling the heat, wind, sun or rain, and bugs.

I believe in its benefits so much that every year I run Plein Air Key West for the Key West Art Center. But I am chagrined to say I haven't done much of it lately. #studiohappens

So this last week I packed up my gear. loaded it on my bike, and joined up with our local plein air painting group to paint the cute cottage that back in the day was home to the great American playwright, Tennessee Williams..

I finished the painting in my studio because by noon, I was hot and my retinas felt burnt to a crisp. But I did enjoy the day and the challenge. I'm looking forward to more outdoor sessions.

Tennessee Williams in Key West

After my painting session I realized that I didn't really know that much about Mr. William's time here in Key West. I did know that he was an avid painter as well as a writer of plays and poems. And I could rattle off the names of his famous plays. #isawthemovie

So I went on "The Google" (as my mother calls it) to find out more. There wasn't as much as I thought, but there was an interesting interview with his last lover. (I'll let you find that on your own) And there was a page describing the permanent display of his art work in the Key West Art and Historical Society Museum, which I have seen and recommend. Here's the link to that.
http://www.kwahs.org/exhibitions/tennessee-williams-the-playwright-and-the-painter

When you are next in Key West take a look at his house, the Key West Art and Historical Society and my studio.
Maggie Ruley ~ Island Inspirations
933b Fleming Street, Key West

Tennessee Williams' house is a little off the beaten path, see the map below.

Hugs to all,
Maggie

P.S. To those of you who are used to seeing my old blog delivered to your inbox; please note, that blog hasn't gone away, you can always find it at
www.maggieruley.blogspot.com

1 Comment

James Jac link

5/19/2023 05:57:08

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Best regards,
James Jac