Tucson Plein-Air Painters
President Janine Manemann
Message to the Members

As artist we congregate for many reasons, camaraderie, inspiration, financial opportunity and edification, Those are the more tangible benefits of a group effort. Artists have gathered together for much the same reasons over time. We see the results in museums and galleries everywhere. Conclusively, we must need each other.

It's the intangible aspects of being an artist that each of us must work on individually. Recently a fellow member was awarded a third place prize in a substantial show. This was of course it's own reward.

She felt good that, even though her name was unknown to the judge, she was recognized. It was his critique that was the most pleasing to her. I'll  paraphrase. He said, "this one has real heart".

In my opinion she painted what was IN her heart. I could see that in this painting, also. We all have seen a painting like that, one that spoke to us. We all hope to paint one- at least.

It's just this sort of inner quality that is central to my philosophy of art. Each of us will struggle with one technique or another. We will wipe off many a dud. And then a shining piece will show up on our easel.  This will seem arbitrary at times. Some may develop rather quickly, some will take more time.

What I believe is that we should all consider ourselves to be life long students of art continually working on our approach to art and our techniques. Within this group we are each other's positive reinforcement. Each other's teacher. To that end I will foster an agenda of mutual support.

Janine Manemann