Plein Air Inside Out at the Brandywine River Museum

The Brandywine Art Museum sits next to the Brandywine River. It is home to many of the works by the Wyeths. Some of the events that I am gradually learning about is their Plein Air Inside Out. Artists are invited to paint the landscape from within one of their lobbies. This is perfect when the weather is cold, snowing, or raining; or cold, snowing, and raining. The floor to ceiling windows span across the circular building offering painters nearly a 270 degree view of the landscape. You can come back each day, and it is never the same as the day before. You always will have different paintings from one day to another.

Every land has something to say to each artist, but only if they would be still and listen. It may take a few minutes, a few hours, or perhaps up to a few months. Who knows. This all depends on the artist. We look, we listen, and over some time, the land will reveal itself while we paint. I think this is something that N. C. Wyeth understood very well. He knew that his land will have something to reveal, and he only needed to be still, and listen.

“I don't believe any man who ever painted a great big picture did so by wandering from one place to another searching for interesting material. By the gods! There’s almost an inexhaustible supply of subjects right around my back door.” — N. C. Wyeth

Daniel Chow at the easel. Photo by Sarah Yeoman

Painting by Daniel Chow. Brandywine River. Oil on panel, 5 by 7 inches. Photo by Daniel Chow

Second level of the Brandywine River Art Museum overlooking the Brandywine River. Photo by Daniel Chow

Main level of the Brandywine River Art Museum overlooking the Brandywine River. Photo by Daniel Chow