Karen Dillon

Karen writes about the people and places of Smith Mountain Lake in "Shorelines," published bi-weekly.

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If you see a group of people parked along the roadways around the lake with sketchbooks in hand, don't be alarmed -- it's probably just another semi-monthly meeting of Artists on the Loose.

Artists on the Loose is a group of 16 artists who gather regularly at locations throughout Bedford and Franklin counties to paint. The group gets its name from the members' love of plein air, or open-air, painting, according to Nancy Stellhorn, the founder of the group.

The artists have painted at locations all around the lake area, including Booker T. Washington National Monument, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Peaks of Otter, a flower shop/greenhouse, a winery and at each other's homes.

"We've even been known to pull over on the side of the road," said Stellhorn.

Artists on the Loose started in early 2004 when Stellhorn's friends asked her to teach them to paint.

"We just like the way she paints and we wanted to paint like her," said Midge Ovenshire, one of the founding members. "Everyone fell in love with her technique and her colors; and she's really easy to learn from."

At first, Stellhorn balked at teaching.

"I didn't want to do lessons and get paid for it," she said. Instead, she and her friends decided to meet informally for painting sessions. "I wanted to keep it loose. I didn't want anything structured and I didn't want anything tight."

Stellhorn, a New Jersey native, has always been an admirer of art, but it wasn't until about 14 years ago when she moved to the lake that she began taking lessons from professional artist Diane Patton in Roanoke.

Since then, she's had two solo shows. Her work is featured at Gallery 108 in Roanoke as well as Artfully Framed and The Pointe at Mariners Landing at the lake. Her specialty includes painting Virginia landscapes, barns, flowers and "unique animals," according to her Web site.

As president of the League of Roanoke Artists and a member of both the Easel Society and Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Stellhorn encourages other Artists on the Loose members to branch out and join various arts organizations too. "We try to [participate in] organized groups and support everything," said Stellhorn.

That involvement also means having shows and exposing their works of art to others. In April, the group will show collectively at Gallery 108 and again in July at WVTF Public Radio headquarters.

Like an artist's palette filled with many different colors, each member's style, medium and expertise varies. As one artist enjoys painting landscapes, another artist may prefer to create abstract works of art.

Long-time artist Nancy Brown specializes in painting home portraits, but also loves plein air painting with Artists on the Loose. That's because with plein art painting, she can experience "the smells, sounds, lighting and the shadows," she said.

"Everything is tangible." Brown is the group's "historian" and keeps a scrapbook of their many outings.

Whether they've been painting for 30 years or just three years, these artists are exposed to all facets of painting -- from learning various techniques during the creation process to getting the finished works framed and displayed in a gallery.

Last month, Ovenshire experienced this firsthand when she and her husband, Dave, a potter, were the featured artists at Gallery 108.

"Once [your artwork] is matted and framed you're like, 'Oh my gosh, that looks good.' Then you're ready for the next step," said Ovenshire, who's only been painting for about four years.

In the time they've been together, the Artists on the Loose have matured in their artwork and their friendships.

"We've all become such good friends," said Stellhorn. "And it's great to watch someone grow where they needed to [artistically]. We not only support each other with the art that we do, we support each other emotionally."

And while she's serious about supporting her fellow artists, Stellhorn still insists on having fun.

"There's nothing serious about this group. Well, they're serious about their art, but it's a fun seriousness," she said. "If you're not having fun, don't do it."