Plein Air Paint Out and Bounty of the County
The Glen Arbor Art Association hosts the 2nd annual Plein Air Paint Out and Wet Paint Sale/Reception this Saturday, August 7.
Plein-air painting refers to the technique of painting out of doors which was initiated by the French Impressionists in the mid-nineteenth century. The challenge is to paint or draw directly and spontaneously from nature even has those conditions are constantly changing. Participating artists will start the day by having their canvases or papers date stamped early in the morning then scattering throughout the area to begin a day of plein-air painting. At the end of the day artists return with their completed works ready for display at a wet painting sale and reception.
The artists return with their paintings late in the afternoon and volunteers scramble to install the works for the juried exhibit and sale. This year’s juror is Marcia Bellinger, former owner of Bellstone Gallery in Traverse City. There will be three cash awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The public is invited to the 5:30-7:30 sale and reception which offers the opportunity to purchase one of the paintings, sample wines provided by the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival and enjoy food tasting. “This is when the fun begins for those of us who’d love to purchase a work of art that captures the beauty of this area,” said Linda Young, GAAA President. “The works are sold on a ‘first come’ basis so there is a scramble to select and purchase paintings. Volunteers work quickly to attach red sold dots. Forty percent of the sales benefit GAAA programs.”
“It is an exciting two-part event,” continued Young, “a day in the county for the artists and then the sale and reception where we can all celebrate and enjoy the beauty and bounty of Leelanau County. Last summer’s Paint Out brought a really good response from artists and the community so we know this year is going to be a fun day for all.”
A $10 per adult donation for entry to the exhibit and sale is requested to programming. To register or for more information please go to www.glenarborart.org, or call 231-334-6112.