TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — John DenHouter, a plein air artist and long-time art and design instructor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, taught a plein air painting workshop at the Swope Art Museum.
In preparation for the Swope Art Museum’s William T. Turman Plein Air Competition this summer, the two-day workshop included lessons on light and shadow.
DenHouter recently exhibited his plein air paintings of the St. Louis Metro East area in a Swope exhibition entitled Heavy Light. This summer, he will jury the Swope’s plein air competition.
Easels were lined up along the sidewalk Thursday adjacent to the museum, where painters took in the sites and ambiance of the city. DenHouter said they plan to visit a local park Friday for a nature-inspired setting.
“It’s always a challenge to be outside on the street painting with many distractions. But it’s rewarding when students end up with a painting they are proud of,” DenHouter said.
The Swope offers several opportunities for workshops and classes.