“Plein Air” means “open air” and signifies outdoor painting that captures nature’s light. Plein Air painting became famous in France in the 19th century. The invention of paints in tubes enabled impressionist artists, such as Van Gogh and Monet, to paint outdoors, en plein air.


"Not until the late 1860s, with the work of Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro, the leaders of Impressionism, did painting en plein air become more popular. This change came about from 1881, when Monet, in his efforts to capture the true effects of light on the colour of landscape at any given moment, began to carry several canvases at once into the out-of-doors. On each he began a painting of the same subject at a different time of day; on subsequent days, he continued to work on each canvas in succession as the appropriate light appeared."

July 4 - August 4, 2019

Featured artist: Mary Lou Correia

Reception: TBA




Calendar

December 5 - January 5, 2019

Featured artist: Sharon Hind Smith

Reception: TBA




February 6- March 1, 2020

Featured artist: Rolando Barrero

Reception: TBA





Benicia Plein Air Gallery

307 First Street

Benicia, CA. 94510

Phone number: 707-297-5903

October 3 - November 3, 2019

Featured artist: Judy Feins

Reception: TBA





November 7 -  December 1, 2019

Featured Artist: JoAnn McMahon

Reception: TBA












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June 6 - June 30, 2019
Featured Artist Susan Johnson
Reception: TBA


September 5 - September 29, 2019
Featured Artist: Iris Sabre
Reception: TBA

















Visitors since September 2017






March 7 - 31, 2019
Featured artist: Joanne Gustilo
Reception: March 16, 3-5



February 7 - March 3, 2019 
Featured artist: Catherine Fasciato
Reception: February 16, 3-5





August 8- September 1, 2019
Featured Artist: Judith Kunzle
Reception: TBD






















May 9 - June 2, 2019
Featured artist: Stephen Berry
Reception: TBD











April 4 - May 5, 2019
Featured Artist: Nancy Roberts
Reception: April 6, 4-6










Catherine Fasciato takes the featured artist spotlight at Benicia Plein Air Gallery this month! Her beautiful exhibit "Seascapes" runs February 7 through March 3 with an artist's reception on Saturday, February 16 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Known for her fresh, dynamic style and exciting blend of realism and impressionism, Catherine's "Seascapes" will be a collection of dramatic oil paintings she has painted along Northern California's rugged coastline stretching from Carmel to the Bay Area and Mendocino. Driven by a passion to capture the ever-changing moods of the sea, Catherine can often be seen braving the elements along craggy bluffs, translating crashing waves and salty spray into lively brushwork and vivid color. She loves to express the spirit of the environment, believing that paintings, like music, can stir the emotions.

Catherine participates frequently in plein air events and exhibits, often garnering top awards. Her work has been honored by the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, California Art Club, California Plein Air Painters, Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters, the Carmel Art Festival, Arts Benicia and many other regional and national organizations. She is a founding member of Benicia Plein Air Gallery, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. To learn more about Catherine and see her work visit www.catherinefasciato.com.

Also on exhibit is a new collection of plein air paintings by all 13 of the gallery's artists showcasing a colorful variety of media and styles. 

catherinefasciato.com



Group Exhibit
A year-round exhibit showcases the gallery's artists, refreshed monthly.


January 9 - February 2, 2020
Featured Artist: Samantha McNally
Reception TBA