Oregon Public Broadcasting & The Oregon Plein Air Invitational 2102

Here is John Kin's OPB slide show and audio take on the Oregon PA Invitational from this past weekend. I don't know how I get into these situations, but I am always happy to share my painting enthusiasm.  Enjoy!

~B

Painters Take To the Streets in ‘Plein Air Paint Out’

John Kin | August 10, 2012

OPB | Aug. 10, 2012 midnight | Updated: Aug. 20, 2012 12:17 p.m.

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Arts & Life: Portland Art Museum’s Plein Air Paint Out

Artists Thomas Kitts, Sandy Roumagoux and Brenda Boylan on the art of painting outdoors.

If you happened to be wandering through Portland's Park Blocks last Saturday, you may have noticed an unusual concentration of painters scattered amongst the trees and benches.

This wasn't your usual weekend workshop or painting club. These were some of the Northwest's best landscape artists, participating in thePortland Art Museum's first Plein Air Paint Out, a celebration of the art of painting outdoors.

The artists arrived early Saturday morning and worked throughout the day to capture the scene — and the ever-changing light, colors and shadows — on canvas. Visitors and passersby were encouraged to watch and interact with the painters as they worked. The event culminated on Sunday with an exhibit of the finished works which were also available for purchase.

Go See It

California Impressions exhibit at the Portland Art Museum

• Through September 9, 2012
• 1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland

Outdoor painting events and contests have become common around the country and other parts of Oregon in recent years, but this was the first event of its kind in Portland. The event was conceived as a companion to two of the Museum's exhibitions,California Impressionism and 5 Monet /100 Days, both of which showcase the tradition of plein air painting.  

Portland Art Museum Director Brian Ferriso says the museum hoped the Paint Out would provide a modern complement to the exhibits and help engage the public and local artists in the celebration of the art form. "We felt it was important to continue that tradition and see what's happening in the contemporary world," says Ferriso. "It's really exciting for me to see the public engage with these artists and for the artists to be able to show their craft."