(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Along Chicago's lakefront, artist Hugh Nicholson can be found with his easel and canvas.
"Belmont Harbor, Montrose Harbor, I'm there a lot. I'm all over the city, really," says Nicholson.
The Chicago native's love for art began when he was a child and continued into his college career, studying art at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. He's been painting on and off for the last 30 years.
"Last year, I started painting outdoors, which I never did before, and that's a whole other challenge. It's a new set of challenges and techniques," says Nicholson.
He began painting outdoor cityscapes with the help of the Plein Air Painters of Chicago (PAPC). The local group encourages artists to capture the city of Chicago – the Lake, the skyline, the neighborhoods, the grit and the grime, as well as the natural beauty. The group paints on-site in the open air, on beautiful days and sometimes in extreme weather.
AnnMarie Welser
"It's a lot of talented people, but they're very supportive and we go out usually every Saturday morning. They choose a place in Chicago where we all sort of convene and paint," says Nicholson.
"Paint Outs" are offered on the first three Saturdays of each month, and on the fourth week there is a Friday night and a Sunday 'Paint Out'. Nicholson says he loves the art community he's built in Chicago and hopes other artists will be inspired to join.
"Having people who inspire you mutually with their attainable goals, that's really helpful. I wish I had something like that when I was younger," says Nicholson.
The group says everyone is invited to paint. More information can be found on their website: .pleinairpainterschicago.com
