Widen your horizons, try Plein Air Painting!

E
n plein air means working
outdoors and painting or
drawing the views and
scenes around you. Alfred Sisley, whose work is currently
on view at the Bruce Museum, worked almost exclusively
en plein air, and this allowed him to capture and celebrate
the natural beauty of the world around him. The piece at
right, Under Hampton Court Bridge, captures a view that is
both unconventional and interesting. Sisley has rendered the
underside of the Hampton Court Bridge and highlighted the
play of light and shadow not only on the water but also on
the bridge’s usually unnoticed architectural elements.
Alfred Sisley (French, 1839-1899)
Under Hampton Court Bridge, 1874
Oil on canvas, 50 x 76 cm
Kunstmuseum Winterthur, Donated by Dr. Herbert and Charlotte Wolfer-de-Armas, 1973
© Schweizerisches Institut für Kunstwissenschaft, Zürich, Lutz Hartmann

Alfred Sisley was a member of a group of artists who would

become known as Impressionists, their artwork focuses on
capturing moments in time. The painting at the right, Fisherman
Spreading their Nets (Drying Nets) captures an everyday moment
in the lives of these fisherman: spreading their nets after a long
day of work so that they will dry. The delicate color choices,
fine brushwork and attention to light turn this everyday
activity beautiful. Can you create a simple drawing of
an everyday activity and make it beautiful? Try
sketching some simple things that happen
around your house, like washing dishes

GET
or doing the laundry, using just
paper and pencil or watercolors.

Creative!
Challenge yourself to find
the art in the everyday!

Alfred Sisley (French, 1839-1899)

Fishermen Spreading their Nets (Drying Nets), 1872
Common Core State Standard: Oil on canvas, 42 x 65 cm
Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas (APx1977.01)
ELA: Literacy: R.L. 3.3-5.3, R.L. 3.7-6.7, R.L. 3.1-5.1,
R.L. 6.4-8.4, R.H. 6-8.4, R.H. 6-8.7