Resources for Plein Air Artists

We've lost a dear friend - CPAPS Elected Artist Beth Ellis

On Wednesday, December 7, Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Ellis passed away at her home in Glastonbury, leaving behind her loving spouse and soul mate, Kathleen Humpage, her devoted family, and many friends at the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society.

Born on Sept. 10, 1953, Beth was a warm, fun-loving person who loved the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, and was blessed with a keen ability to observe beautiful landscapes and scenes and then express what she saw by putting brush to canvas. The subjects of her paintings were inspired from her love of the outdoors: hiking trips, peaceful strolls through the countryside or walking the Marginal Way in her beloved Ogunquit, Maine. Those walks resulted in her beautifully expressive paintings. Beth observed people, wildlife and the environment around her and when she painted, she allowed other people to see God's beautiful creation through her eyes.

Her talent for painting was evident at an early age, and she pursued her dream by attending Paier College of Art in Hamden, CT. After graduation, Beth worked as an assistant illustrator for Mercer Mayer, the author of many popular children's books. She later explored the technical side of art by opening a graphic arts studio in New Haven, but found her greatest passion was in painting outdoor scenes as a plein-air artist (open air). She was most inspired by the works of N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, and by the seascapes of Winslow Homer. Beth found great satisfaction in teaching, at her galleries in Maine and in Connecticut, and in conducting numerous workshops to help aspiring artists grow to their full potential. Her outstanding talent was recognized and highlighted by American Artist magazine in May of 2006. More than anything else, Beth loved her family and close friends, especially the times spent together at the shore in Wells Beach, Maine.

Besides her spouse, Beth is survived by her brother John Ellis, Jr. and his wife Susan of Southbury, CT; sister Sharon Ellis Naveken of Charlotte, NC; sister Marianne Sizemore and her husband, Ben, of Naugatuck, CT; brother Vernon Ellis of Kent, OH; brother Robert Ellis of No. Canton, OH; sister Suzanne Ellis Karnuth of No. Canton, OH; stepmother Barbara Ellis of Mogadore, OH, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father John E. Ellis, Sr., mother Grace H. Ellis, and grandparents Marion Ellis, Bernard and Mary Honekamp.

A memorial service to celebrate Beth's life will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, corner of Main and High Streets, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Beth Ellis Gallery Fund (P.O. Box 178, So. Glastonbury, CT 06073) to continue Beth's stated intentions and wishes, including the continuance of teaching workshops and the promotion of the work of area artists. Mulryan Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. To share an online memory please visit www.mulryanfh.com.

NYLEN GALLERY INVITATIONAL - November 18, 2011 through January 14, 2012 - This invitational show is open only to paid-up members of the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society. Download prospectus.

OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS FROM THE CPAPS BULLETIN BOARD
Every year, we are contacted by various organizations who invite our membership to participate in their events - opportunities to paint on location or exhibit or both. Our new Bulletin Board page lists those opportunities and much more. If you have items to suggest for the bulletin board, send them to Margaret Dean, CPAPS President.

WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES - If you are looking for a workshop or class, we invite you to investigate the classes and workshops offered by our Elected Art members. Visit our Workshops page.

WHAT IS PLEIN AIR PAINTING? Plein Air is a French phrase that means "in the open air". The term decsribes a style of painting made directly from nature in order to capture the fleeting effects of light. The painter's challenge is to create an impression of the scene in the immediacy of the moment.
More about Plein Air Painting

The Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society was founded in 1995 by Jane Zisk and has grown from a small group into a membership of over 100 professional and emerging artists dedicated to plein air painting. The Society was the subject of a Feature Article iin American Artist Magazine.  The article provides background on the formation of the Society and celebrates the joy of plein air painting. Read the article.