APRIL 2018 • NEBRASKAland 31
world. Th ey appreciate its diversity,
its awe-inspiring horizons, its subtle
beauty, its stunning light. A visiting
painter friend told Groesser that
Nebraska's light in February is "as
beautiful as Tuscany."
"It's a difficult landscape to paint,
because there are so many subtleties to
it," Groesser said. "But it's incredibly
beautiful."
If you're interested in learning
how to paint en plein air, the best
way to get started is to take a class.
Some professional plein air artists,
like Williams and Groesser, offer
workshops and classes. Beginning
art courses at local universities and
community colleges are also a good
launching pad.
Even if you never pick up a brush,
you can still experience some of what
makes plein air painting special. "Just
sitting and staring at the light in your
backyard sometimes can be enough,"
Jacobshagen said. He acknowledged
that in our busy, complex lives, this is
often seen as a waste of time. "But I
think when you pay attention to what's
out there, when you pay attention to the
landscape and the sky, it's regenerative.
It's a very positive thing to do, whether
you're an artist or not." ■
To learn more about the
artists featured in this article,
visit keithjacobshagen.net,
toddwilliamsfineart.com, and
debrajoygroesser.com.
Groesser puts some finishing touches on her painting "Spring Creek Prairie"
(oil, 8 by 16 inches).
Debra Joy Groesser is president and CEO of the American Impressionist Society and has painted en plein
air since 1997. She is pictured above painting on-site at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center.
PHOTO
BY
RENAE
BLUM
