Plein Air Paint Out challenges artists

Artists from across the country participated in a timed competition to paint in a natural setting and complete a painting in four hours during the fourth annual Plein Air Paint Out along the Metolius River.

The event was hosted by the National Forest Foundation and Deschutes National Forest.

Some of the more prolific artists were able to produce two quality interpretations of the beauty found in the area.

The event provides an opportunity to paint some of Oregon's most extraordinary landscapes. The Paint Out is judged by a panel of artists, and winning artwork will be made into posters to help promote the September 29 Friends of the Forest Day volunteer stewardship event.

The finished and framed pieces were displayed on the lawn alongside the Camp Sherman Store. Artists and guests enjoyed food and the opportunity to purchase the pieces entered in the competition.

Sisters Ranger District Ecologist Maret Pajutee expressed her gratitude: "Every year it gets better then the last. The art, the variety, creativity and passion is evident in all the finished pieces. We're deeply grateful to the artists and to The Roundhouse Foundation for providing generous grants to help make it all happen."

Artists Paul Alan Bennett and Norma Holmes both complimented the organizers on their attention to detail and especially the fantastic breakfast and lunch proved by the Camp Sherman Store.

"We've never been taken care of so well," said Holmes. "Then you have the beautiful Metolius River, that's such a nurturing of the soul."

Bennett found the four-hour time period and tight schedule a real challenge.

"I was nervous about getting all of the pieces here on time but it was exciting, too," he said. "There's camaraderie with the other artists who are facing the same fears. It was a good bonding experience."

Sisters Elementary School teacher Clay Warburton helped young participants thrive in the competition.

"I worked with the kids yesterday and showed them two techniques to help them through the process: blocking and color choice. I really saw big improvements and the kids took their time this year. It's so important to teach children how to look deeply at nature."

Chris Nelson and Dan Rickards found the plein air method of painting a challenge.

"We really worked as a team," said Rickards.

Nelson let Rickards use a few of her brushes and Rickards alerted her when her chair began to tilt toward the cold river water.

"I almost literally felt the water," she said.

Both artists are unfamiliar with the challenges of plein air painting, including changing light and locking in color values.

"I would have loved to have more time," said Rickards.

Artist Carleen Murdock participated in the paint out and was able to buy Paul Alan Bennett's painting. Murdock now splits her time between a home in New York and Black Butte Ranch, but 50 years ago she taught school in Sisters. Murdock was ecstatic to finally own an original by Bennett.

The river and mountain landscapes were magnificent, with beautiful blue skies and warm weather. With the river flowing by, artists were able to experience firsthand the gift the land has to offer. The event focus was to bring attention to conservation and stewardship work necessary to maintain this local treasure. Soon images of the some of the paintings will appear on T-shirts, posters and other marketing materials. This year's poster award went to Sisters artist Sandy Melchiori.

Jerry Dame won the Artist Choice Award; Wendy Bachmeier won the Peoples' Choice Award, Paul Alan Bennett won the Judges' Choice award and honorable mentions went to Patricia Gifford and Beryl Foust Hovey. The children's awards went to David Novotny for the Judges' Choice and Rachel Renk won the Peoples' Choice Award.

Organizers hope the event will spawn greater interest among the public and draw a record number of volunteers for the September 29 Friends of the Forest Day volunteer stewardship event. The volunteer project gives people an opportunity to lend a hand improving popular destinations in the Deschutes National Forest.

For more information about the Plein Air Paint Out or the upcoming Friends of the Forest Day, contact Karly Hedrick at [email protected]