Need proof that eastern Long Island has lured artists for decades upon decades? Look no further than William Merritt Chase’s esteemed Shinnecock Summer School of Art. Established in 1891 and active until 1902 in Southampton, the school focused on the Impressionist style of painting via en plein air, which puts an artist in position to literally paint what’s in front of you, al fresco. The phrase translates from French to “in the open air” — which makes a lot of sense in our seaside, farm-laden lovely lands.
This Wednesday, July 29, join East Hampton artist Aurelio Torres for the next session of Southampton History Museum‘s summer-long “Making America” series with his En Plein Air workshop, where you get to learn from the master in the gardens of Southampton’s historical Halsey House (17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, 631-283-2494).
“As we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, ‘Making America’ is our way of connecting audiences to the artistic traditions that took root right here in Southampton and continue to evolve today,” said executive director of SHM Sarah Kautz in a statement to the press. “Aurelio Torres carries that same commitment to working directly from nature that drew William Merritt Chase and his students to this area more than a century ago, and we’re thrilled to partner with him to bring that tradition back to life at the Halsey House.”
The chosen work site is fitting. The salt-box style Halsey House in Southampton was built in 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., second generation of Halseys to make a life on the East End. It serves as the Southampton History Museum’s headquarters, and while it’s only open to the public June through the end of August (that fleeting time period alone is worth the visit!), it grounds and gardens are full of ancient trees that make for lovely subjects on canvas or paper.
Torres is the third artist in this series, following Andrea Cote and Erica-Lynn Huberty, and was classically trained in Barcelona, following a long line of artists in his family.
The workshop is a pocket-easy $20, which gets you Aurelio’s undivided attention and all materials to make your very own plein air-style painting. Spots are limited so click here to secure yours.
