Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim And Annie Hames
Hi Jim and Annie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our Plein Air Painters Carolina story!
🎨Jim and Annie Hames, who live in Greenville, South Carolina, are founders and co-directors of Plein Air Painters Carolina, a group of enthusiastic and independent artists of all skill levels who join in artistic pursuits, including on-location paint-outs, educational classes and demonstrations, and showcasing and selling original art done primarily “en plein air”…a French term for painting outdoors…in nature!
🎨In 2022, this husband and wife duo made a “bucket list” road trip to Santa Fe, NM for PACE, a Plein Air Conference and Exposition for a week of learning and art immersion. Jim had been painting for a few years – to slow himself down while in a fast-paced career around collegiate athletics. Annie had expended her creativity in home staging and in teaching 7th grade for close to 20 years – until Jim said, “Annie, why don’t you pick up a paintbrush and paint alongside me?” They came back with newfound knowledge and a passion for what they could do to encourage each other and others…as well as a few questions…
🎨 Artists usually paint alone and in a studio…. What if we could bring artists together and paint outdoors?
🎨 Artists are usually busy painting…. What if we could provide venues for showcases and sales?
🎨 Would-be artists want to learn…What if we could provide classes and demonstrations to encourage beginners?
🎨 What if we could have some fun? We re-imagined what became our Tractor Shed Art and Design home plein air studio and hosted our first paint-out at the barn across the road. What fun to meet both professional artists and novices. They painted for a couple hours and then encouraged each other at an impromptu show and tell! Artists love to share!
🎨 We look forward to ‘Saturdays At The Shed’ with artists of all ages, backgrounds and interests.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We were surprised that many folks, even a few with a background in Art, did not know about the term “en Plein air” or had little experience. We used every opportunity to educate and to encourage everyone we met to come give it a try!
Another challenging idea was to have a simple website! One page has morphed into many, so managing technology and social media has been daunting. We have been fortunate to find several great people to assist with our efforts and fix our mistakes! The best compliment was from an international artist who said, “Your website is seriously legit!”
Although we have done this on a shoestring budget in order to keep memberships low and sales robust and affordable, as we grow, we hope to offer bigger and better events. For this, we will need to explore sponsorships and venues to better serve the artist communities moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
🎨Plein air painting is unique in that artists usually set up a portable easel with their preferred medium: oils, pastels, acrylics, gouache or watercolor. I use a clipboard and a compact of paints, a few brushes and a bottle of water….and a park bench!
🎨Artists then choose their focal point… perhaps the grist mill wheel at Hagood Mill, an old stone structure at Poinsett Bridge or the marsh herons on Edisto Island…and paint quickly to capture the outdoor light.
🎨We are known for supporting our artists by hosting get-togethers and
paint-outs with new or visiting artists to socialize, to learn new techniques, to share marketing ideas and to encourage their growth as creatives, but also to provide venues for the business side of art…both commissions and sales!
🎨 We are proud that we have built a comprehensive website with a schedule of events, classes and paint-out competitions, have provided our Member Artists the opportunity to sell their art on our Online Gallery, have promoted our Artist Members on social media…all while highlighting the beauty of South Carolina and beyond…from the Lowcountry, through the Midlands to the mountains of Table Rock!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
🎨Painting “en plein air” is the fastest growing art movement across the world and we are happy to spread the word about the social, emotional and economic benefits of being a part of Plein Air Painters Carolina. We have doubled in size in two years and are poised to explode with more events in more places. Come join us!
🎨 Although trends may shift and styles change, there is always room for beautiful, original art that speaks to one’s soul!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pleinairpainterscarolina.com
- Instagram: @pleinairpainterscarolina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/
