Plein Air Paintings

This collection of landscapes was painted en plein air, the French tradition of creating art outdoors, directly from observation in order to capture the fleeting qualities of light, color, and atmosphere. Many of these works were created during summers Matthew spent at his cottage near Greenport, New York, on the North Fork of Long Island. Located within the Breezy Shores Co-Op, his cottage sat amid the picturesque landscape that inspired much of this series. These paintings reflect Lau’s deep appreciation for the natural beauty of North Fork and his love of slowing down to be fully present with the light and color around him. Matthew often spoke of the importance of balance in an artist’s life—these works capture the quiet intimacy of summer days at his cottage in contrast to his theatrical and musical career in New York City and beyond throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Oil on canvas
20 x 24

Collection of Lau Studio Alumni

Plein Air I

Plein Air I holds a special place in the memories of Matthew’s students. The painting hung above the piano in his studio, where countless singers spent hours in lessons with Matthew, often looking at the piece as a focus point during song. The image above, courtesy of Jessica Thomas, captures the work in that familiar setting.

Oil on canvas
18 x 24

Collection of Lau Studio Alumni

Plein Air II

Oil on wood
16 x 24

Collection of Guen Stone, TX

Plein Air III

Plein Air II and Plein Air III are believed to depict the same location at different times. Together they offer a fascinating glimpse into Matthew’s process, revealing how he interpreted the same scene through distinct color palettes and across different mediums.

Oil on wood
16 x 24

Collection of Mollie Juehring, CO

Plein Air IV

Plein Air IV is visible on a high shelf through the doorway in this photograph from Matthew’s Facebook page, showing the kitchen and bedroom of his cottage on Long Island.

Oil on board
16 x 20

Collection of Annalise Minnick, IA

Plein Air V

Plein Air V can be seen on a shelf near the top of this photograph from Matthew’s Facebook page, showing the bedroom of his cottage on Long Island.

Oil on canvas
16 x 20

Collection of Lau Studio Alumni

Plein Air VI

Oil on wood
8 x 16¼ each

Collection of Bette Lynn Dickinson, MI

Plein Air VII-IX

Oil on canvas
20 x 24

Collection of Mary-Lynn Lau, CA

Plein Air X

Plein Air X was painted in honor of Lau’s brother Andrew after his passing in 2004. Matthew gifted this piece to his mother Mary-Lynn Lau, where it lives as the center piece of her home today. More information and art honored Andrew in the Portraits of Drew Gallery.

Images from Matthew’s Breezy Shores Cottage