En Plein Air, Exhibition 2024

The act of artists working outdoors to produce sketches and drawings to accompany their larger works has been an established tradition for many years. The scientific approach from John Constable reveals countless sketches of skies and lands observed closely and depicting the ever-changing light, mood and weather. What was an ideal for artists like Turner and Constable soon became a reality for the impressionists. The transition to en plein air originally depended on the developments of paints and materials becoming more transportable, with the invention of the box easel allowing artists to travel easily with all the equipment they needed. The traditions of en plein air are certainly alive and very popular amongst our Sussex artists. Rye with a stunning coastline, beautiful landscape, sea and big skies provides artists with the essential essence of being in a place. This year we are running alongside the Rye Arts Festival. We have developed and broadened our exhibition to focus on en plein air.