NPS 2010 Paint-out

Mosier Aspens, 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper

An encore visit back to the Hood River area proves to be awe inspiring again! This time around it was wtih the Northwest Pastel Society for a 5 day paint-out, however I only attended 2 of the days. The weather at best kept many members away, but for those of us who came out we had beautiful color and a great time. I headed out in the afternoon to the next place on the itinerary; The Mosier Barn. Unfortunately, I also brought along some sprinkles from Portland. We still were able to paint, but it did help to have an umbrella... you know the kind that's supposed to keep you shaded from the sun? Yup, instead of sun it was rain! Pastels, even if they are protected from the rain, still get a bit soggy because of the humidity. It still didn't dampen my outing with the group.

Davis Farmhouse, 10x8" Pastel on sanded paper

We did have a great time just being out. I think I wrote once before that the scenery is really intoxicating....not to mention the opportunity to share a glass of wine with my fellow artists. On Sunday we went out to a location that had an incredible straight on view of the gorge, just like we were looking down it's throat!

Weather Permitting, 12x12" Pastel on sanded paper

By this time we were used to the fickle weather. At the strike of rain we all huddled under the eaves and opened up a bottle of wine and just solved all the worlds problems. One artist was clever and made a "bar" out of her Heilman box and tripod! Wine and cheese anyone?

Cast Shadows: Pacific Northwest Plein Air Landscape"

"Tabor Firs" 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper Sold

"Color Stance" 12x16" Pastel on sanded paper. Sold

These two pieces were accepted into an upcoming show called "Cast Shadows: Pacific Northwest Plein Air Landscape" that will be held at the Aurora Gallery. Show dates are posted in the "Upcoming Events" section to the right.

Honestly, I have been to several art shows, but Plein Air work, by far, knocks my socks off compared to studio work! And believe me, I do plenty of studio work to be able to say this without shame. To me, Plein Air work is so much more spontaneous and colorful than my studio work and I believe this is because I'm painting against the clock, racing to get the images down before the shadows change or the light is gone. Spontaneous, yes...and fresh!