Plein Air Paint Out this Saturday!

The Glen Arbor Art Association will host its third annual Plein Air Paint Out on Saturday, August 6th. This popular event hosts artists from throughout the Midwest who arrive early in the morning at GAAA to have their canvases or papers stamped to verify that their paintings have been done on this day. Artists then find their ideal spots for a day of plein-air painting before returning with their completed works for display to the Glen Arbor Art Association in the afternoon for a juried exhibit and “wet painting” sale and reception. Painter and retired professor art, Harvey Gordon will be this year’s guest juror and will award three cash prizes. A fourth prize this year will be the People’s Choice Award determined by popular vote.

The Wet Painting Reception and Sale is open to the public from 5:30-7:30 pm at GAAA, located off Lake Street across from Cherry Republic. Paintings may be purchased on a “first come” basis beginning at 5:45 pm. There will also be a wine tasting provided by the 24 wineries of the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival along with light appetizers. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the art association’s enrichment programs. A $10 donation per person donation is requested.

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 during a very limited period of time. Leelanau County’s beauty provides the perfect setting for a paint-out event.

Artist who would like to participate should call the GAAA office, 231-334-6112, or go to www.glenarborart.org. The fee to participate is $25 with a discount for early registration.