Show Preview | Plein Air Rockies

Estes Park, CO
Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park Gallery, August 27-September 30

Kathleen Lanzoni, Brilliance, watercolor, 29 x 23.

Kathleen Lanzoni, Brilliance, watercolor, 29 x 23.

This story was featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Between August 13 and 25, more than 30 of the country’s top plein-air artists paint on location in Estes Park, CO, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Considered the eastern gateway to the Rockies, Estes Park offers access to a breathtaking variety of alpine scenes to capture on canvas. Each artist’s favorite works produced during the paint-out hang at the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park Gallery beginning Saturday, August 27, with a gala opening reception at 5 p.m. Event organizers expect about 100 works to be on view and for sale, and selected works by each artist remain on display through September.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming artists from all over the United States to our little corner of paradise,” says Barb Boyer Buck, executive director of the arts council. More than 100 artists applied this year, including new and returning artists from the West, Midwest, and Northeast, adds Buck. “We began advertising the event nationally in January and used a major online jurying process, with the goal of attracting the most accomplished artists.”

Among this year’s participating artists are Mary Frankel, Olena Babak, Lanny Grant, Neal Hughes, Jason Sacran, Jane Hunt, Dennis Rhoades, and Nancy MacDonald. Also joining the paint-out group is artist Larry DeGraff, of Estes Park, who has participated in the event for a number of years. “What I most enjoy about Plein Air Rockies is the challenge of painting the spectacular scenery,” says DeGraff. “Just being in Rocky Mountain National Park makes you feel glad to be alive. Painting is a bonus.”

The gallery hosts a prelude show August 5-25 for collectors who desire a sneak peek at representative works by the artists (including the works shown here). Those who plan to attend the opening on August 27 can get an early start to the fun at a Quick Draw & Auction at 8 a.m. that morning at Riverside Plaza. Free and open to the public, the painting competition is a chance to see the Plein Air Rockies artists in action. Judging of works takes place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a
live auction.
—Kim Agricola

contact information
970.586.9203
www.estesarts.com

This story was featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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