In preparation for our third-annual Plein Air Fest, our nod to the timeless tradition of painting outdoors, we asked several participating artists about the process of painting in natural settings and how they draw inspiration from the natural world. Here, they reflect on the Garden as a muse and offer tips on how you can learn to see the outdoors as an artist does. That might be an important primer for those attending the Saturday, January 24 event, as Garden educators will lead art-themed tours and programs.
Jill Gordon
Briefly describe your work.
My work is characterized by energetic brush strokes, bold marks, and vibrant color. I work with acrylic paint, which dries quickly, allowing me to layer and edit easily. I describe my non-objective work as abstract expressionism. It’s all about color and gestural mark making, with the impression of spontaneity. My landscapes are loose and bold.
How does nature influence your art?
Nature is present in every painting I make. Without it, the scene would be sterile and lifeless.
How does the Garden inspire you?
The Garden inspires me with its endless shades of green and how the sunlight can make a scene come to life.
Describe how artmaking en plein air differs from working in a studio or indoor space.
Painting en plein air is a challenge because any scene I choose to paint is not clearly defined, as it is in a photograph or my mind’s eye, so it can be a challenge to stay focused.
How would you advise a non-artist to “see” the outdoors as an artist does?
I would advise a non-artist to try to appreciate the unusual shapes and interesting lines in nature—especially the trees here in Florida, with their colorful, giant, leaves and wild, twisty, branches and roots.
Amanda Park
Briefly describe your work.
My artwork is inspired by nature, particularly Naples, Florida’s Gulf beaches, and Naples Botanical Garden’s plants. My style is a mix of realism, impressionism, and abstract captured on canvas with acrylic paint.
How does nature influence your art?
Nature is full of inspiration everywhere one’s eyes gaze upon. When walking on the beach, a wave, cloud, or even a whole scene will capture my full attention. I am moved by nature’s ability to create a moment, the colors, shapes and composition is a work of art. God is the ultimate artist, providing a source of vision to emulate. Nature inspires me to be present as it is, ever-evolving, moment by moment, with an awareness of the eternal now.
How does the Garden inspire you?
The first time I came to the Naples Botanical Garden, I was in awe seeing other artists’ artwork on display. I started to come more often to get inspiration and challenge myself to expand my portfolio as an artist. One of my Garden visits was during 2024’s Plein Air Fest. In awe at what I was seeing, and filled with inspiration, I desired to be like them. The next year, after joining the Naples Art District, I signed up for the event. Now here I am, in my second year participating in this event. As I am preparing my artwork for this event, I can see it come to life and the evolution in my skill set improve as I fine-tune my vision.
Describe how artmaking en plein air differs from working in a studio or indoor space.
To create in real time out in nature is incredible. When I am in my studio, I work off of photos and memory to create, which is great. I’m not pressured with time and lighting. While being there in person, there is perspective and lighting I am able to capture in my artwork that I can’t get in the studio. I love both for these different reasons. I do enjoy my peace and quiet while in the studio. Artmaking en plein air gives me exposure, perspective and lighting the studio can’t provide.
How would you advise a non-artist to “see” the outdoors as an artist does?
I would say get out of your head and be in the moment. Observe. See the God-given beautiful creations all around. It will fill your cup and bring you a sense of joy that our phones can’t truly fulfill. Photography is an exception, and I highly encourage people to capture what inspires them in a photo or drawing.
Julie Siler Olander
Briefly describe your work.
I have explored various mediums, delving into the world of representation realism. In my representational works, I try to breathe life into nature’s themes, landscapes, seascapes, florals, etc., which captured my imagination, and to express emotions through color and design.
How does nature influence your art?
Nature influences my art because I love the outdoors. I have been a plein air painter most of my life, having done hundreds of landscapes, seascapes and nature-based still life paintings. I especially like the sculptural quality of tropical plants.
How does the Garden inspire you?
Naples Botanical Garden inspires me because of the vibrant colors and shapes in the Garden; there is an endless variety of plants to choose from as inspiration for my paintings.
Describe how artmaking en plein air differs from working in a studio or indoor space.
Artmaking en plein air differs from working in a studio because one must learn how to paint quickly. The sun causes shadows and lights to change constantly. You must see quickly and get it down fast. You also feel one with nature in time with the universe.
How would you advise a non-artist to “see” the outdoors as an artist does?
Seeing the outdoors as an artist does takes years, yet we can approximate the vision by using a viewfinder, or using our hands cupped around our eyes to crop out the excess light. Artists look for pattern, form, contrast, repetition, and color to inspire them and find a unique view.
The Plein Air Fest, held in partnership with the Naples Art District, is included in Garden admission, free for Members. Our newest exhibition, ChromaFlora, opens that same day!
