2024 NATURE CONSERVANCY RECAP

The four artists selected for the 2024 Nature Conservancy grant with Andy Warhol Visual Arts Foundation, from left to right top row: Ria Rajan, Christie Jones bottom row: Michelle Brody, Jasmine Gutbrod

Last autumn I had the absolute honor of being selected as one of the 2024 Nature Conservancy artists to receive a grant from the Andy Warhol Visual Arts Foundation. In October, I led a plein air workshop at the private Andy Warhol Preserve in Montauk, New York. It was a wonderful small group of adventurers. We drove into the preserve, hiked with our materials into this gorgeous opening overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was something right out of a movie. The weather was perfect, warm with a cool ocean breeze. The sun shone down upon us as we savored the sights, smells, and sounds of this remote location.

This experience solidified my excitement of creating with others en plein air. I have always enjoyed the unpredictability of painting outdoors, but seeing the joy on everyone’s faces made me realize how special it truly is. Gathering to create, being in nature, appreciating the moment these are all important things especially as life twists and turns. Being among others who share these passions is a special thing. I am grateful that the grant provided access to this historic setting, along with the materials that I was able to provide and share with attendees. I hope this is the first of many workshop experiences like this.