Oregon Invitational 2012 recap

The Portland Art Museum's Oregon Invitational was so much fun, but a HOT weekend no doubt! 35+ artists painted in 90 degree weather, but the heat didn't matter because of all the artist fellowship. I arrived early to scout out spots to paint and found this parking lot with wonderful color and compositional patterns.  I quickly laid in the darks and lights first so I wouldn't have to chase them as the shadows really moooove fast.  This shot is taken with side-lighting to show the texture of the painting.

"Pay Here" 8x10" Oil ©Brenda Boylan

Even better in a frame!

My second piece of the day, looking north on SW Park. By this time, the crowd was thickening and conversations were plenty.  Many were very curious why there were so many artists painting in the park and so it gave all of us a reason to discuss the Portland Art Museum's current show of the California Impressionists.  Thanks to all the many friends who stopped by to visit with me and to see work being created alla prima. Interestingly, while I was painting this one,  I was being interviewed by OPB for the event and had noticed that I was able to talk and paint without missing a beat. A huge feat for most no doubt. My secret? Juggling. For the past month I have been working with my son in a therapy program for those who struggle with ADHD that was designed to strengthen the left-right brain connection.  We practice "juggling while talking and walking" with two bean bags by counting out numbers and alphabet forward and backwards.  Believe me, it is very difficult. I train with him daily and I think it's rubbing off.

"SW Park" 10x8" Oil ©Brenda Boylan

My final piece of the day and by now it's baking hot. Notice how lose this one is compared to the other two?  Perhaps I should paint tired more often, eh?

"Parked" 6x6  Oil ©Brenda Boylan

Then the next morning, I got all my pieces framed and bundled them up and went back out and painted some more. Before I set up, I ran into fellow artists Mike Rangner and Eric Jacobsen, who are known to share a chuckle.

Some "baffoonery" with friends Mike Rangner and Eric Jacobsen

Goofing off with the guys, I was dared to pose with a stinker stogie. HA!

My little study for a last minute entry.  I think I put about an hour in this one and perhaps it could use some more work, but it was a fun one to paint. I was able to frame it just in time to hang in the show.

"Alla Prima Roses" 8x6" Oil ©Brenda Boylan

Hanging in the baking sun with artists Anton Pavlenko and Micheal Orwick.

Twins Scott Gellatly and Thomas Jefferson Kitts.

The Portland Art Museum's courtyard of plein air.

After all was said and done, I think it was a very successful event and show. Many onlookers commented that they have never seen anything like it before and truely enjoyed seeing the art in the making. I think there is a true hunger here in Portland to see this type of event and do hope that the PAM considers the event annually.

Forthcoming Spring, 10x8, and Trilogy recap

"Forthcoming Spring, 10x8" Pastel on sanded paper

The last post I was headed out to the Allison Resort for a Quick Draw and boy was that a lot of fun!

This event was everything I thought it would be. Once I set up my easel and roamed the room to meet the other artists, I set out to paint on demand for about 2 hours with the help of a little complimentary Pinot Noir. The companionship of the 17 other artists was motivational as we chatted and joked while making art. Midway through the painting, the gracious guests arrived and watched the artwork come to it's final mark. The MC came around and asked a few oartists to describe their work, adding to the excitement and noise level.

With my work in progress, "Crimson Symphony", 22x22" Pastel on sanded paper

Painting and sipping wine alongside artist Michael Orwick

Soon enough, we were given the 15 minute warning to finish up. While the guests gathered into the dining area the artists made their final strokes of genius and then framed their finished work for the oral auction. (Imagine how one frames a large pastel behind glass in 15 with a little vino? ...but I digress.) Then all the artists gathered with the guests for some incredible cuisine pared with more delicious wine. Oh my, more wine! By this time, I'm feeling pretty special...well...that is because the Allison prepared my dinner "gluten free"! Yeah!

The auction began shortly after the dessert and as the finished art was presented, each artist was able to go up to the mic and share a little about their work. It was nice to be able to hear each artist's take on their work, so unique in every way. Afterwards, I finished off the late night with a little sobering after hour art conversation at McMinamen's Pub with Thomas Kitts and Scott Gellatly. After all was said and done, it was a great experience and I do hope to be included once again.

The rest of my week was spent painting and readying for my trip down to Los Gatos Plein Air. Here are some warm-ups from Sauvie Island in the meantime...

"Spring Swale" 16x12" Pastel on sanded paper

Painted on Sauvie Island, 'the' Portland artist gettaway, near Steelman Lake...and below, this little piece is located just across the street from a strip mall in Beaverton.

"Meadow Harmony" 9x12" Pastel on sanded paper

So, the next time I post I will have driven a 1,310 mile round trip all for the sake of Plein Air. I'm wishing to share my experience with you along the way, but only through my facebook fan page, and that is only if I can score some WiFi. We'll see!

Until then...