The Tavern is an impressionist oil painting that captures the historic tavern in downtown Abingdon, Virginia, during the Plein Air Abingdon event.
Painted in a single session over a few hours in chilly 40°F to 50°F as fall began to keep the mornings cool and foggy.
This original artwork captures the early morning cool light and the enchanting view along Main Street. In this alla prima painting, we see the tavern with its perfectly imperfect shutters tilted and aged exterior with an artistic flair as Bethany swirled in little lines from slugs, mildew, and worn spaces in the exterior, highlighting the beauty of nature with the tavern as little plants grow from the gutters.
Comes framed unless otherwise requested.
Painted with oil on a linen panel on October 3rd, 2025.
Size: 11" x 14" framed and wired to hang to 20.25" x 17.25"
Comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Bethany Stahl.
En plein air, French for “in the open air,” is the practice of painting outdoors, directly immersed in the landscape. Each brushstroke responds to shifting light, fleeting color, and the living atmosphere, capturing a moment that can never be repeated. Popularized by the Impressionists, this method infuses every work with the immediacy and authenticity of being created in nature itself.
Capturing a Moment in Time
My plein air paintings are extremely unique as they change per the mood of the day, the energy of the air, and the spirit of the world around me.
