Northport Public School hosted its first Plein Air Painting and Poetic Retreat on May 8 at the Platte River in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The district’s 28 high school and eighth grade art students had the chance to participate in the allday immersive outdoor experience along with professional guest artists, poets, and photographers from across the region.
Jen Evans, Northport art teacher, organized the plein air outing and schedule, starting students with sketching and observational painting using viewfinders and easels, and later progressing to finished acrylic paintings that “emphasize composition, color theory, and atmospheric perspective.” In the afternoon, poet and author Anne-Marie Oomen guided students in writing reflective poetry inspired by their artwork, with the day concluding in an outdoor gallerystyle critique where students shared both their paintings and poems.
Traverse City based visual artist Logan Hudson was one of the visiting creators on site for the day. In the morning, Hudson helped students set up some of the French easels that he brought over, then later worked on his own piece before walking around to view and assist students in the field. He said working from life and in nature gives people the chance to take in everything around them while not being distracted, but rather, inspired by what’s happening in front of them.
“You’re hearing the birds, you’re feeling the wind, and all of that goes into the painting,” Hudson said. “This is a very difficult thing to do because you’re kind of out in the elements and there’s going to be people watching you paint and you get selfconscious — it’s not easy, but it’s rewarding.”
Hudson said he’s been working in the field as an artist for about seven years now, adding that he started just after high school. While in high school and middle school, Hudson said it’s a good time to explore art ventures and to think about the possibilities of what you can pursue in life, including art.
“I wish I would have had this opportunity in high school and I think it’s so cool that they’re learning things that I didn’t learn till a few years later after high school”, he said. “Whether it’s for a living or not, it’s a great skill to have and it connects you to nature. Once you finish that painting, whether it’s successful or not, it’s always going to bring you back to those memories from that time.”
Northport senior Haylie Spears, like other kids on location, began her art piece with a thumbnail-sized sketch utilizing guidance from Evans on how to find good composition for paintings. She said it was her first time trying out plein air and loved being able to travel to a location like the Platte River to complete their work. Another student, sophomore Shelby Worlow, incorporated natural elements into her painting, sprinkling sand over some of the wet paint on her canvas to add texture and make it more realistic.
“I think this is important for kids to experience because, especially out in Northport, kids don’t really get opportunities like this, so this has been great,” Spears said.
Leelanau artist Kat Dakota said the opportunities that Evans creates through her various projects and events inspire not only the students, but also the adult artists involved as the discussions go beyond materials and techniques.
“Seeing the energy, fearlessness and exploratory minds of young artists sparks my creativity and bravery,” Dakota said in a written statement. “I encourage students to embrace these attitudes. Discipline is critical in being a professional artist, but I believe keeping the joy in painting and not being afraid of failure creates the greatest opportunity for growth and success. With this mindset, you can paint from your heart. And painting from your heart creates artwork that speaks to the viewer.”
Also at the gathering was John Evans, Jen Evans father who was an art teacher to elementary and middle school students for 30-plus years. He said plein air gives students another tie to the environment and ultimately helps them to become good stewards of the land.
“It’s all encompassing,” John said. “It’s a challenge, plein air is very hard because the light source changes every few minutes, but it’s worth it… I had a lot of kids where art is what kept them in school, and so however we can reach kids is important.”
