Once a year in autumn, Longwood Gardens’ Continuing Education program offers a one-day en plein air art class in their incomparable meadow. (En plein air is French for “in the open air”.) These outings are always fun and a bit of a thrill for me. The abundant wildflowers, the other artists, the atmosphere generally, the resulting art – it’s all quite inspiring.
The 86-acre meadow, which appears so natural and wild, is actually the result of years of hard work and ongoing careful curation. Some time ago, I had the privilege of attending a meadow-planning workshop with renowned landscape architect Jonathan Alderson, the master designer of Longwood’s meadow. You would not imagine all the work and effort it takes to plan, fund, create and maintain such a large natural space.
Meadow Provenance
The meadow property used to be a large dairy farm. Lovely restored milking barns contribute to the iconic landscape. If you visit you can learn more about the history by stopping in at Webb House, a stone farmhouse-turned-museum that showcases the property’s rich past and the design concepts of the current planting.
According to Mr. Alderson, there are thousands of (re-introduced) native and non-native species growing here at any given time. In autumn, the russets, mustards, purples and taupes of tall grass, goldenrod and aster dominate. The bold colors are especially dynamic when the sun is low in the sky.
Pre-covid, the plein air class was held every September and limited to just pastels; I attended twice and enjoyed myself thoroughly both times. Both years the weather was overcast but pleasant. Here are two studies I did then.
This year it was decided class would commence at sunrise in October, so students could experience the magic of daybreak, weather permitting, a bit later in the season. We could work in any medium; I chose oils this time. An informative Zoom session the night before prepped us for the exciting outing, and the instructors shared their own plein air techniques.
Paint-out Day 2021
Just before dawn on October 8, I and my fellow students arrived with our gear and boarded two shuttle vans. Webb House, which sits along the meadow’s upper edge, would be our base camp. As we disembarked, the awakening skies ignited in rose and copper, unveiling spectacular lavender mists and swaths of goldenrod and grasses in every direction.
For a few magical moments, the land transformed into glorious light-filled vistas filled with color and texture.
For more meadow vistas, be sure to check out this special gallery, courtesy of Longwood staffer, Matthew Ross.
We thirteen students, two instructors and several volunteers spread out to find the best vantage points and subjects. At first, I considered including Webb House in my composition, but settled on the misty treeline with a long sweep of gorgeous meadow.
What a scene, what a day! The air wafted warm and fresh. Small birds flitted about, calling tsweet-tsweet as they foraged for weed seeds. Another artist and I marveled over our serendipitous good luck. What were the chances of perfect weather in a setting like this?
Time flew by. I can’t say I did the scene justice, but I certainly enjoyed making my field study. The scent of warm grasses and earth, the birds, a perfect 77 degrees — a garden lover’s dream day. We then gathered to view each other’s work and take in the amazing surroundings one last time before boarding the shuttles back to the parking lot. Every one of us loved it.
The entire experience was first-rate from start to finish. Plein air painting just doesn’t get any better, not in Pennsylvania anyway. It was a day to savor, one I’ll remember every time I look at my field study. (Perhaps I’ll be inspired to create a larger painting some day…)
Of course, being purposefully engaged outdoors is deeply satisfying, whether it’s through painting or walking or just contemplating the scenery. It was extraordinary to be fully immersed in a living landscape in such a memorable way. I feel lucky and blessed. Set against the challenges of the pandemic, such simple pleasures seem all the more sweet.
Even if you never get to paint in Longwood’s meadow, I hope you’ll consider experiencing this place for yourself. The rich diversity of plants and wildlife is soul-affirming. Exploring any part of Longwood Gardens never fails to please, but make a point on your next visit to include a meadow walk. You’ll be glad you did.
Visiting
The meadow is open to the public year-round. There is a shuttle from the main conservatory area to Webb House, but you can also walk there if you don’t mind the extra trekking. A hat, insect repellant and binoculars might be in order, depending on the season. Dress for the weather and field conditions; sturdy footwear is a must.
I also highly recommend any of Longwood’s classes and workshops. They are well-organized and informative, with helpful and considerate staff. Topics vary widely and are inclusive of all abilities. Current and upcoming offerings are listed at the link below.
If You Go
Longwood Gardens Meadow
https://longwoodgardens.org/gardens/meadow-garden
Continuing Education Classes & Workshops
I wish I was as multi-talented as you! Your field study is beautiful, and I appreciate it even more after seeing the photo of the ever-changing landscape you were viewing as you worked. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Judy, thanks for the kind words. It was a lot of fun.