Dozens of artists spread out their easels and paints around George Hix Riverside Plaza in Estes Park on Saturday, Aug. 20, for a “quick paint” as part of the Plein Air event going on in town this week. Onlookers were treated to an amazing process where creative people come up with a concept and finish their pieces in only 90 minutes.
“Plein Air is a French term for painting outside,” explained Lars Sage, Gallery Manager of the Art Center of Estes Park which hosts the event. “It makes it unique because instead of working in a studio, they are right out in the environment. They have to deal with factors like changing light. It makes it an exciting opportunity.”
About half of the 35 artists taking part in the event are from other states including Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, New York, California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Texas and Louisiana. They work in various media including pastels, watercolors, oils and acrylics.
This is artist James Sampsel’s first visit to Estes Park. He hails from Port Orford, Oregon on the southern cost of the state.
“I like the new inspiration, new places I have never been,” he noted. “Also painting with other artists brings a new kind of creativity and fellowship. It’s a great way to get your name out as an artist which can be difficult at times.”
Sampsel described Estes Park as “a pretty cool town. I’m a little overwhelmed as I come from a pretty small town of about 1,300 people. But it’s gorgeous. We have mountains but they’re mostly volcanoes and single peaks. Being inside the park is wonderful, the wildlife is phenomenal and I geek out on that. I’m also a fly fishing guide in Oregon so I’m attracted to the waters and the fish as well.”
Local artist Cathy Goodale used her watercolors to paint a scene that includes a Riverside Plaza bench, bridge and flowers with mountains in the background.
She said the main challenge about painting outside is simplifying the subject.
“You get outside and you see too much,” Goodale said. “This bench has intrigued me for a long time because of the way the light hits it and it’s so dark in some spots and almost white in others. I live up here and so I walk this every day and I always think I’ll paint that and then I don’t ever do it. So this is the first time.”
After the artists finished their work, the paintings were frame up and auctioned off. Half of the proceeds go to the artists and half to the Art Center.
“Painting outside really challenges their skills,” Sage emphasized. “Even so, there are some really incredible pieces that come out of this.”
Gala Opening and Awards Ceremony
Estes Valley Plein Air is a nationally juried show as 35 artists were selected to participate.
They are given a 50 mile radius from Estes Park in which to paint. There will be a Group Paint Out at MacGregor Ranch, and challenges for Nocturne and Miniature paintings. A Gala Opening and Awards Ceremony will be held August 25 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. with the Awards Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Awards will be presented by this year’s judge, Margaret Jensen, Mayor Wendy Koenig, and Art Center Board President Diana Wade. The public is invited to attend. Wine and refreshments will be served.
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