"Early morning on Washington Island"
Jim Leatham
    PLEIN AIR ARTIST STATEMENT

                            I am captivated by the many plein air painting
    opportunities found in the wide variety of land and seascapes
    scattered throughout the peninsula of Door County. I am
    concentrating my efforts in painting the seasons and changing
    moods that project the unique character of the peninsula. The
    many farms,barns,open fields with hay rolls are among my
    favorites along with the familiar subjects of lighthouses,
    villages, harbors,and marinas.

                             I paint in the early morning hours or evening
    when the sun is low creating more interesting light and shadow
    possibilities. While I thoroughly enjoy studio [indoor]
    painting,working outside in nature,exposed to the changing
    weather and light enhances my senses to the freedom found in
    having to interpret and paint quickly. The challenge is to see
    clearly and paint boldly without doubt as to the works
    finished result. I try to begin a new work at the start of each
    session and with weather cooperating,usually complete within
    3 hours or less. I paint on gessoed masonite in various sizes
    but not usually larger than 16" x 20"

                              I paint with an enthusiasm and passion for the
    process as much as the end result treating each effort as an
    enjoyable learning experience. Plein air encourages attention
    to composition and balance within the painting and a greater
    emphasis on color and value,less on detail. This approach
    produces more vigorous,energy charged brush strokes giving
    an added vitality to the subject. Finally,plein air [outdoor
    painting] allows me to develop an emotional response to what
    I see that hopefully is transferred onto the canvas.


Jim Leatham