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Paintings Spring To Life

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By PAUL CATALA, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 17, 2007

TAMPA PALMS - Over three hours last weekend, flowers, trees and other fauna came to life for a second time - on canvas.

Artists from the North Tampa Arts League gathered Sunday at Compton Park to paint landscapes and still lifes as part of an outdoor painting workshop.

For most artists, their craft primarily is practiced indoors, drawing up, painting and fine-tuning their pieces. But under a bright sun, seven artists of varying backgrounds gathered to take part in the free plein-aire, or outdoor painting, event.

With steady hands and focused gazes, the artists were out to vary their brushstrokes, create some vibrant works and promote the arts league.

Sitting in front of her canvas, club member Heide Presse delicately glided her brush over the tips of stems leading to a bouquet of vibrant orange flowers. She said members wanted to organize the plein-aire event to get them out of their studios and into a different environment.

"Most of us are studio painters, and we don't get outside to paint much," said Presse, who specializes in oil and watercolor paintings. "It's a good discipline to get out and paint from life. It's good way to keep your painting fresh."

Although two artists spent their time painting near a pond, the majority of them focused on the still-life scene featuring a table, chair and the bouquet of orange flowers. They also had the chance to paint a portrait of Presse's son, Alex, 15, who was dressed in Florida pioneer clothing from the 19th century.

As he began adding color to the flowers on his canvas, Klaus Porsch, who is commissioned to do oil and acrylic works, said it was a breath of fresh air to be outside and painting without the pressure of painting for pay. A retired auto repair shop owner, the 76-year-old artist said he was schooled in structured art, and being outside to paint was relaxing and invigorating.

"The main thing is that the more you paint, you're also always learning," he said. "It's a lot of fun to paint this way. When you're commissioned, you're totally structured."

Presse said the group also hoped the plein-aire event would get others interested in the North Tampa Arts League and maybe join. There are about 60 members who pay $35 a year for membership, such as Dawn Neri-Renner.

Neri-Renner, who specializes in murals, was at the event to paint with her peers, enjoy the fall weather and improve her painting technique.

"This is more canvas painting, and I want to get better at canvas painting," she said. "This helps you loosen up and be more effective with your brushstrokes. It's nice out here."

Presse said some of the artists would take their works to their studios to fine-tune them for sale; others would just add them to their personal collections. She said plans are to hold a free plein-aire event once a month for anyone interested in painting outdoors. For details, visit www.north tampaarts.com or www.heide presse.com.

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