If you’re ever outside and you glimpse a group of artists, each diligently painting whatever nature provides for them, chances are Bill Westerman sent them.

A retired pharmacist and lifelong painter, Westerman formed Ohio Plein Air in April; the group of beginner and experienced artists sets up shop all over the area simply to paint. They typically meet at least once weekly at 8 a.m. and paint well into the afternoon. Members have created work using various Metro Parks as their backdrop, as well as Alum Creek, Hoover Dam, cemeteries, farms, residential areas, the Columbus Zoo, Franklin Park Conservatory and much more.

Ohio Plein Air evolved from the Painters 6+ group. Painters 6+ was formed almost four years ago when Westerman, then president of the Worthington Area Art League, decided to teach the WAAL’s fine art photographers how to paint. Six of them agreed and Westerman became the “plus.”

“I eventually took them outside and they all really got into it and had a great time. I decided this past spring that we should let anyone who wants to pick up a brush join and now we have up to 40 people from all walks of life, ranging in age from about 26 to probably me, who is 76,” Westerman says.

The French term “Plein Air” translates to “going outside and painting.” Artists use all types of mediums – from watercolor and oil to acrylic or pastel – and take an hour to all day to complete their work. Westerman, who like many of the members is also a studio painter, says he doesn’t know what his subject will be until he sets up his work station at a specific location. Such lack of structure is part of the Plein Air appeal.

“I just like the way the light falls outside when you’re surrounded by nature,” Westerman says. “You can do so many neat things outside and you don’t need a model or to really set up. You can just look around and see something you like and go with it. It’s very spontaneous.”

The group breaks for lunch and also holds critique sessions. “Even the most experienced artists can benefit from critiques,” Westerman says. “Artists like to be around other artists, which is why I think the group has grown so fast, because they can help solve each other’s problems.”

Ohio Plein Air has exhibited throughout the area, sticking close by with its shows and meetings to make it “easy and accessible” for members. There are no fees or strict rules. “You just have to behave and have fun. If you’re not having fun, you shouldn’t be here,” Westerman says.

For more information on the group, its schedule or its members and their work, visit www.ohiopleinair.com, www.billwesterman.com or www.artinview.com.

Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.

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