Stunning Plein Air Paintings

Annette Hanna will be teaching a Plein Air for Pastel workshop at Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio (WIFAS) in July. Annette uses this vibrant medium to create visually stunning landscapes, and will teach you to do the same.

Read our recent interview with Annette to get a feel for who she is as an artist.

Q: When did your interest in art begin and how long have you been an artist?

A: When I was a child the first thing I remember wanting was colored pencils, not toys or dolls. I've been drawing all my life and painting for about 40 years in oils, and probably ten years or so in pastels.

Q: What do you seek to communicate through your art or your art instruction?

A: I seek to communicate human experience, whether that be knowing a particular person or seeing a breathtaking landscape. There are many beautiful things in this world and I hope to recreate and share many of them.

Q: What drives you as an artist?

A: I just have a compulsion to create an image that can't be denied. Give me a pencil, brush or pastel stick and time evaporates. I constantly observe and see things that I don't think others see and want to put them down on paper or canvas.

Q: What is a recent piece of art you created and what inspired you to paint it?

A: I passed by a scene recently that lasted about five minutes and was so striking that I knew I had to paint it.

Q: Do you have a favorite brand of paints, brushes, or canvas that you use?

A: In pastels I like Unisons, but also use nupastels and some particular faber castel colors. My favorite paper is Wallis Belgian Grey.

Q: What advice do you have for artists seeking to improve their work?

A: The best advice that I give all my students is to get a sketch book and use it as often as possible. Visit art museums, galleries and local art shows, and keep painting.

Q: What do you think is unique about Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio’s workshops?

A: WIFAS, run by Cary Jurriaans, an extremely fine painter herself, has consistently excellent instructors, a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and is located in beautiful and inspiring surroundings.