Plein Air Artists - Friendly

I'm still unwinding from the great experience of yesterday's Paint the Town for a Cause event.  I'm still catching up on sleep too, but again feel like I just can't wait to share a little more of the event.  Today I want to concentrate on the Invited Artists.  

I hinted at the graciousness of the artists during the Nocturnal Quick Draw when Bruno helped a fellow artist by loaning him battery powered lights.  Remember that this event is based on a competitive structure.  Awards are given for the best of the paintings, and it stands to reason that those paintings are going to sell.  Said another way, art is a way of earning a living for many of these artists as much as it is obviously a passion as well.  You would not be able to tell there was a competition at all.  The artists were all friendly to the crowd that occasionally would ask a question, or make a comment.  The fact that there was a deadline by which the paintings had to be completed did not stop the artists from conversing.  While continuing to paint, the artists would chat, and fortunately the crowd seemed very respectful to not be intrusive and kept the chat short. There are exceptions; well I'd say exceptional differences.

Mick McAndrews hails from Downingtown, PA, a fact made readily known by the badge he, like all the artists, wore.  I started a short talk with "You're from Downingtown?"  That's all it took to draw my Dad into the conversation.  My Dad had grown up not too far from there, and Mick chatted for a few minutes before getting back to his painting. Mick has amazing watercolors, you can see some of his works on his site. I took a few photos of Mick and liked these two.  One I posted yesterday as well... wondered if you saw the sailboat reflected off the window.  In the other I focused on the Sailboat in the window.

 

 I learned that some of these artists know each other from being at similar events over the US.  It seemed that they were all rooting for each other.  I saw a group of them head off to lunch together.  

I guess, in short, they helped create an atmosphere that made everyone feel at ease.  It was relaxed and fun, and I can't wait for the event next year.

 

 Lissa Abrams has been able to concentrate on her painting since retiring.  See more of her lovely work at lissaabramsart.com.

 There were quite a few umbrellas and if they were in the sun all the artists had hats on.

 I was asked to try to capture the event in a single frame, centered around the Gazebo where so much happened.  I have several similar photos, vote on which one you like best.  Ie, leave a comment please.

#1) fairly wide view

#2) closer with Solomons Island sign very clear

#3) tighter with more of the bridge and artists

#4) wider with more "PostCard" feel

I loved the shadow of the artist and easel

Mick's watercolor - in process

 This little girl was asking questions about the painting, and the artist was delighted to tell her about it.  He let her touch it and feel it - since it was already dry enough to do so.









 I mentioned Greg Johannesen yesterday.  You can find more about him at his site: http://gregjohannesen.com/












































 I like this photo of Dennis Young.  More can be found on Dennis at DennisYoungarts.com

 The judging was conducted at the gazebo.

 I'm not completely sure what the topic was, but there was a good discussion going on here.  The elder gent was listening intently.. always a good sign.























Debra Howard has her work on http://www.artistdebrahoward.com/

 

 I hope you gained a sense of what this amazing event had to offer, and even better I hope you come out next year to see this fabulous festival.

And with that, I guess it's time to fold up the easel and call it a night.

Blessings,
Brian