Plein Air for the Park!

A sampling of “Plein Air for the Park” artwork. Paintings are created by members of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters.

Cross my heart ~~ One of my defining moments as an arts writer and events producer has been my role as promoter for July’s annual Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters’ (RMPAP) “Plein Air for the Park” National Paint-Out & Show. Each year, dozens of TRUE plein air artists converge in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and the Jackson Hole area to paint their hearts out for two weeks. All completed paintings are exhibited and sold in a three-day event at GTNP’s Craig Thomas Discovery Center (CTDC), in Moose, Wyoming.

This summer’s closing events take place July 15-19th, at CTDC. The show’s Opening Reception, free and open to the public, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15th, 7:00pm-9:00pm. The party and show is “the cornerstone of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters event calendar and a highlight of GTNP’s summer season.”

What do I mean by “TRUE” plein air? Plein air painting is painting what is right in front of you, in nature, despite (or because of ) weather-related circumstances. The genre is extremely difficult to execute, and if you admire an artist’s plein air work, it’s because they’ve done their homework. Plein air artists are thoroughly schooled and practiced in classical art technique. Their work is largely realist, rarely abstract.  

Erin C. O’Connor, “On Evening’s Edge,” 18×24″, Oil on Linen

The most important point, however, is that they “paint in the moment.” True plein air painters do not bring along a photo to paint from, or a full sketch, or paint something that isn’t there.

All works will be for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Grand Teton Association, GTNP’s non-profit education and interpretive partner association.

Additionally, a “Quick Draw” will follow on Saturday, July 18 at 9 am, also at CTDC. The exhibition and sale will run through 4:00 PM Sunday, July 19th. A “quick draw” is just what it sounds like: artists gather and produce paintings in a short period of time. Those works will also be for sale, fresh and wet on the canvas they “came in on.”

Visitors check out a Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painter’s “Quick Draw.”

It’s gloriously fun to go plein air painter hunting! Artists work for at least a week to create the paintings for July 15th’s Opening Reception. They’ll be out there beginning July 6th, so keep your eyes peeled!

Bill Sawczuk at work.

Artists can be found anywhere and everywhere, from the side of the highway to a tiny forest clearing, to the shores of String and Jenny Lakes, to the Moose-Wilson Road and all the way north to Oxbow Bend. If you spot an artist, feel free to watch as long as you wish, and ask questions. Artists come from all over the inter-mountain West, and there’s strong Jackson Hole participation.

“Plein Air for the Park” is the finest and first event heralding the rebirth of plein air in our region. Plein air is cool! This is the event’s fourth year; since its first year, plein air events now spring up everywhere. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks’ art histories are rooted in plein air.

To see the full “Plein Air for the Park” schedule and a list of participating artists, click here. To learn more about the Grand Teton Association’s important role in bringing arts to Grand Teton National Park, click here. Enjoy!

I’d be remiss not to tell you where you can find a full schedule of Jackson Hole 4th of July “fun things!” Your best source is Jackson’s Chamber of Commerce.

AND…don’t forget to check out my own website, the Jackson Hole Art Blog, for more “fun art things to do in Jackson Hole!”

Jackson Hole artist Kathy Wipfler at work.

 

New West Art

Jennifer Hoffman. “First Migration.” 24×24″ Pastel

There are so many arts events coming up in the next couple of weeks that today’s post includes several happening soon in Jackson Hole. Did you know that Jackson is the third largest Western Art market in the country? 

Photo of Jennifer Hoffman by Tammy Christel

“Wonderment,” a new show of works by Trio Fine Art partner Jennifer L. Hoffman, opens at Trio on July 8th. An opening reception takes place on Thursday, July 23^rd, from 5-8 PM. That evening Hoffman will talk about her work, and representatives from local wildlife non-profit, the Nature Mapping Project, will be on hand, too. All events are free and open to the public. The show hangs through July 25^th.

Jennifer Hoffman. “Flat Creek Glow.” 16×12″ Oil and Cold Wax

Hoffman says that though she’s traditionally studied, photographed and sketched wildlife for years, she has rarely included their presence in her landscapes.

“In this show, expect to see a variety of creatures, many feathered, even some furry. My focus in this work has been to capture momentary wonders, recognizing how the creatures frequenting my back yard delight me,” says the artist. Of course, there are plenty of landscapes. For more info, visit www.triofineart.com

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Every summer, Jackson’s Diehl Gallery opens its arts season with a Big Party, otherwise known as “The Fete.” Diehl doesn’t hold back; expect a crazy, bodacious display that includes works by every Diehl artist. The gallery specializes in…keeping us guessing! At Diehl you’ll find everything from contemporary wildlife art to forests of huge abstract sculptures, to multi-media works and wax paintings. Asian-inspired works are popular at Diehl, as are the very modern, geometric sculptures of local legend John Simms. Opening “Fete” Night: Friday, July 3, 5-8 pm. Free, open to the public. 

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Over at Altamira Fine Art, an artist’s reception takes place for the very Western contemporary artist Gary Ernest Smith on Thursday, July 2nd. “Into the West” is a bright, graphic exhibition of a variety of Western scenes. Smith, whose style at times reminds me of Bill Schenck’s–and at times emanates a bit of shimmering Pointalist quality, is new to the gallery, but not new to Western art circles. A “neo-regionalist,” say art historians. But Smith feels his work transcends such labels.

Gary Ernest Smith. “Into the West.” 36×48″. Oil.

“Finding and expressing a unique vision of the world is what artists seek for in their work,” says the artist.  “I look to the simple yet profound nature of things that is often passed over or overlooked. I want to leave a body of work that chronicles my life, and that has quality and vision.”

Smith’s works often feel spiritual, and just as often offer up Pop-Western friendly vibes. His breadth of style makes for a fascinating show. “Into the West” is on exhibition at Altamira Fine Art June 29th – July 11th….Altamira has recently broadened its price points; it’s now possible to buy beautiful works for reasonable cost, encouraging news for fledgling art collectors.  www.altamiraart.com 

Gary Ernest Smith. “Desert Night.” Oil
16 x 24″

And don’t forget: Visit my website, the Jackson Hole Art Blog, to find out more about arts in Jackson Hole!  

Western Landscapes Blossom at Astoria Fine Art

Richard Schmid “Pansy Sketch,” 12 x 20″ oil on canvas.

Astoria Fine Art, located on the north side of Jackson’s Town Square, has expanded its space. Inside the gallery you’ll find everything from wildlife sculptures (contemporary and traditional), to paintings, basketry and bronzes. Astoria’s gallery “mood” is much like that of the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s, a Jackson “must see.” Over the years, Astoria has broadened its oeuvre.

Artist Richard Schmid came on to Jackson’s art scene like gangbusters. His diminutive painting of carnations sold for five times its estimate price at the prestigious Western Art venue, the Jackson Hole Art Auction. Schmid’s “Pansy Sketch,” above, is available at Astoria, along with other lovely works.

Scott Christensen, Winter Light, 20 x 20″, oil.

Astoria also represents Scott Christensen, one of this country’s most acclaimed landscape artists. He’s a giant in the field, a tonalist and an exquisite, confident realist. Christensen paints landscapes all around the country, but his heart resides here. His Wyoming boyhood memories are vivid; perhaps the most influential for Christensen is witnessing his wheelchair-bound grandfather, injured on the farm, submerse himself in painting. Seonaid B. Campell writes of Christensen that “in composition one must consider not just the tree but the shape of a tree as it relates to the sky. Colors, too, are connected.”

“Color can’t stand on its own; it’s always the color next to it that affects it,” [Christensen] says. “It’s the juncture that requires the most thought.”  Christensen is a master and a mentor. While you’re out gallery hopping, don’t miss the chance to view his work!

And always check my blog, the Jackson Hole Art Blog, to find out about other Jackson Hole art happenings!