This past summer, Madison Hinton (Studio Art and Computer Science ’26) participated in a 6-week plein air painting program at the American College of the Mediterranean’s Institute of American Universities in Aix-en-Provence, France. She captured light and color directly from nature in the beautiful lavender fields, vineyards, and villages of the south of France, gaining incredible insight into how to capture the evolving scenes in front of her. She studied the Old Masters, as well as Paul Cezanne and Claude Monet, through copying their works in pencil and oil
paint. Hinton researched and observed the way previous artists captured the unique lighting of the mountainous, dry terrain. She walked away from the program with improved technical skill and a greater appreciation for the artists that came before her. At the end of the summer semester, the class of nine artists held an art show and reception with all their best work. Madison’s research, sketches, and finished paintings are currently on display at the Research and Creativity Collaborative space on the first floor of Simpson Library.
“I will forever be grateful for the incredible opportunity to study abroad. I’ve returned to UMW with unforgettable memories and an increased drive to use the techniques that I’ve learned in my studies.” (Madison Hinton)
Leave a Reply