Reflections on the Plein Air Collective’s Second Gathering

Reflections on the Plein Air Collective’s Second Gathering

On August 17, we held the second Plein Air Collective gathering. Yet, something unexpected happened: no staff from Gallery North came to open the space. Artists who had arrived with anticipation soon found themselves turning back home. Still, a few chose to remain and paint. I, too, set up my spot and began to work.

But it was difficult to stay long. Painting for three continuous hours without access to restrooms created an underlying sense of unease. At that moment, I realized how truly fortunate we had been to work in comfortable and supportive environments before. What we often take for granted—a safe, open, and welcoming space—revealed itself to be a blessing.

This experience also made me reflect on the idea of perseverance. To keep working until the very end, despite discomfort or unexpected obstacles, is no small challenge. It was inspiring to see the two artists who remained focused until the end. Their quiet dedication reminded me that persistence, not convenience, is what sustains creativity.

In art, as in life, expertise comes not from one burst of inspiration but from steady, daily practice. To become a professional in any field—painting, music, or beyond—requires consistency above all else. As the saying goes, “If you keep doing something little by little, one day you will become an expert.” This gathering, though disrupted, became a lesson in just that truth.
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Though I wasn’t able to paint for long, the day left me with lasting reflections. It reminded me that true growth often comes not from ease but from challenge. I look forward to our future gatherings, hoping for better conditions, but also with a deeper respect for the strength it takes to keep going, brush in hand, no matter the circumstances.

​An unexpected challenge at the Plein Air Collective’s August 17 session revealed how vital supportive spaces are for artists. This experience became a reminder of the value of perseverance, consistency, and the quiet strength it takes to keep creating despite obstacles.