The Artist Behind the "Gibson Girl" ~ The Art's Big Glass Of Wine

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Plein Air Heritage: Artist Charles Dana Gibson

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"Wasting Time" by Charles Dana Gibson

As a plein air painter, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about those who have helped start this movement in some way, and be inspired to continue your own journey.

Charles Dana Gibson

At a time when digital media is rapidly changing the publishing business and the market for original illustrations is greatly reduced, it is hard to imagine an era in which artists could become rich and famous by creating drawings and paintings for newspapers, books, magazines, and commercial advertising. However, during the Golden Age of American Illustration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists like Charles Dana Gibson could become wealthy celebrities.

Gibson was educated at the Art Students League of New York and wanted to create paintings for publication, but the marketplace definitely favored his pen-and-ink drawings. That preference was so strong that his "Gibson Girl" became an ideal image of youthful American femininity, and Gibson's drawings of her were responsible for the success of several magazines. At the height of his career, Gibson was paid $100,000 for 100 drawings over a four-year period (well over $1 million today), and he was later able to purchase Life magazine with a syndicate of successful illustrators.

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"Studies in Expression" by Charles Dana Gibson

The illustrations reproduced here are just two of the drawings Gibson made that deal with the life of an artist. "Wasting Time" (shown at top) is one of several that depict well-dressed plein air painters, and "Studies in Expression" is part of a series that made fun of the market for fine art paintings.

Watch a documentary about the plein air painting movement to learn more about its history and evolution:

"Outside The Lines" Plein Air Painting Documentary, Plein Air Force

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Fall Color Week Happening Now

Artists are enjoying a week of painting together - and eating well - during Fall Color Week with Eric Rhoads.

From Eric's Instagram (Follow (@ericrhoads) to see more pics!):
"Excited that #fallcolorweek, my annual fall #artists retreat from @pleinairmag starts this Thursday! Can't wait to see everyone! We're 100 strong and sold out!"

Plein Air in ... Ohio!

By Mary Ann Clady - 2022 OPAS Competition Chair

Front L-R: Chris Leeper/Quick Draw/Award of Excellence, Fran Mangino/Honorable Mention, Joe Lombardo/Award of Excellence, Debra Dawson/2nd Place/Artist's Choice, Priscilla Sally Lytle/Award of Excellence, Sharon Weaver/Award of Excellence
Back L-R: Karen Jennings/Award of Excellence, Justin Collamore/Honorable Mention, Jenn Stewart/1st Place, Marilyn Flanegan/3rd Place, Katheleen Gray Farthing/Honorable Mention, Susan Ritter/Best of Show, Denise Dininger/Honorable Mention, Steve Fountain/Award of Excellence, Mary Bauer/Award of Excellence, Robin Roberts/Award of Excellence

The Ohio Plein Air Society held its 19th Annual Competition in Richland, County, September 22 - 25. Plein air artists painted scenic landscapes as well as urban scenes.

It culminated with the Awards Ceremony and a three-day workshop was held afterward. Carol Strock Wasson, a distinguished artist from Indiana, served as our juror and workshop instructor at the Mansfield Art Center.

We had 46 participants from all over Ohio and out of state. Over $7,000 was awarded in monetary and merchandise prizes. We had a Quick Draw contest, public viewing of the artwork, and a Wet Paint Sale.

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