Field Trip to the Alpaca Farm

Kathy Kuczek Field Trip to the Alpaca Farm 0 Comment

Field Trip to the Alpaca Farm

This was the most involved book I have done so far and it had the most repeat characters. I definitely got attached to the characters while I was drawing them and they took on a personality of their own. Funny how that happens. I look forward to sharing my creation with you.

Field Trips in elementary school, as any teacher or volunteer knows, can be a little like herding cats. Join Miss Sutter’s class as they tour the local alpaca farm. Adults, children, and teachers will all recognize Wyatt and his antics. You will find yourself smiling at Wyatt’s imagination throughout the book … and you may just learn a thing or two about alpacas as you go.

The book was released the first week of October and I have done many local book signings in addition to the Holiday craft shows. Field Trip to the Alpaca Farm / Hardcover 32-page (9″ x 11″)

Available locally:
Norway: Rainbows End Alpaca and The Drug Store
Iron Mountain: TDS Pharmacy/The Drug Store

Also Available online: Here and on Amazon. Kids and adults are giving it great reviews.

So what exactly is Plein Air Painting?

Kathy Kuczek Plein Air - oil painting 5 Comments

I joined a group of Plein Air painters last spring. I am pretty happy with my latest attempt.

Gendron Farm
Gendron Farm

What exactly is Plein Air?

Well according to Wikipedia: En plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air” and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors, which is also called peinture sur le motif (“painting of the object(s) or what the eye actually sees”) in French.

To me that definition is correct but a bit bland. My definition from my experience would also have to include this list: Camaraderie with friends, challenging your mosquito or gnat threshold, battling mother nature, sun, rain, wind, too hot, too cold, constant changing of light and shadows, having aha moments, juggling all your gear, and the pure joy of painting in nature.

This year I am making some progress. I am getting a little faster. I am understanding the medium of working with oils a little more. I was more familiar with Acrylics, and oils had a learning curve for sure. I find it interesting how you can have a plan of how to paint a scene, but once you get started sometimes it turns out totally different. Sometimes a happy accident and it works. Sometimes – not so much.

Every painting is a chance to learn something new and to build on your skills. There are Plein Air groups all over the country. Grab your paints and tag along – you will be hooked before you know it.

Would love to hear your comments …