Although Don enjoys all painting, he says plein air gives him a chance to become a part of the painting.

“I can get to be almost a part of my subject, experience not only visually encountering the scene, but to hear, smell, feel and touch what is happening around me. It makes seeing more than just using the visual sense.” Don is not formally trained in art, but has painted all of his life. “I have learned from watching others, studying paintings in museums and galleries, reading extensively and benefitting from friendships with other artists who have become my mentors. Most of all, I just paint — to capture my experience.”