Show Preview | Plein Air Painters of New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM
Sorrel Sky Gallery, November 3-26

Peggy Immel, Chapel of the Swallows, oil, 12 x 24.

Peggy Immel, Chapel of the Swallows, oil, 12 x 24.

This story was featured in the November 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

In recent years plein-air painting has become a wildly popular pastime, with galleries and artist organizations continuing to encourage the technique. The desire to return to the outdoors and stay in touch with one’s surroundings while painting has fostered communities across the nation, including the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. This year, the organization hosts its ninth annual juried members’ exhibition at Sorrel Sky Gallery. The event begins with a paint-out on Friday, November 3, followed by an opening reception and awards ceremony that evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

The show features dozens of works from artists across the country in several mediums, although a majority of the show features pastel and oil pieces. While much of the work tends toward landscapes, artists also bring cityscapes, outdoor still lifes, and other regional work. The show is a combination of works by signature members, master signature members, and artist members. This year participating artists include Paul Murray, Lee McVey, Albert Handell, Bill Gallen, and Doug Higgins. Oil painter Bob Rohm is the judge of awards. Several artists present painting demonstrations on Sunday, November 5.

This is the second year the show is being held at Sorrel Sky Gallery, which represents many prominent plein-air artists who are also members of PAPNM. “We have a lot of artists that do plein-air [work], but there are also many that, even if they don’t consider themselves that kind of painter, their work is influenced by what they experience when making sketches in the field,” says Sarah Giuliano, publicist at the gallery. “Even if they don’t finish the work outside, they are still inspired by
that same philosophy and practice.”

Giuliano says that the partnership between PAPNM and the gallery began through artist Peggy Immel, who also opened the conversation about Sorrel Sky remaining as the event’s venue going forward. “Both the gallery and the organization cater to the meaning of plein-air painting, and to be able to walk [outside] from the gallery to find inspiration makes it a good pairing,” Giuliano says. The exhibition remains on display in the gallery through November 26. —Mackenzie McCreary

contact information
505.501.6555
www.sorrelsky.com

This story was featured in the November 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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