May 13 2010
2010 Annual Aspen Plein Air celebration
Come and watch out in July of 2010, a group of nationally recognized Plein Air artists gather in Aspen, Colorado for the 1st Annual Aspen Plein Air celebration, art show and sale. The first of its kind in this internationally renowned resort area, The Wheeler Opera House and the Sheridan Opera House, both 501©(3) non-profits, joined together to bring this exciting event to Aspen, Colorado. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Sheridan Arts Foundation, a non-profit foundation that maintains and preserves the historic Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, Colorado. The Sheridan Opera House and Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House enjoy a strong working relationship. All are sales will be subject to applicable Aspen city sales tax, thereby benefiting the town of Aspen.
What is Plein Air?
Plein Air or outdoor painting dates from the 19th century, when Englishman John Constable and the French Barbizon painters rejected traditional artistic formulas and sought to depict everyday subjects in natural settings. These Realists inspired the Impressionists, who believed objects in nature were not form, but rather light that could be conveyed by color. Lead by Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Edouard Degas, Auguste Renoir, among others, the Impressionists took their paint tubes and easels outdoors, where they recreated the world as colors, which suggested light. At first, their outdoor sketches were used to produce larger, more finished works in the studio. Eventually, they began completing their works outdoors. Although at first rebuffed for what appeared to be unfinished paintings, the Impressionist vision soon became a standard for truthfully conveying the outdoor experience.
Artists in the United States were attracted to the concept, and many, like Californian Guy Rose, traveled to France to study with the French Impressionists. Suddenly, locations with remarkable light were of particular interest to painters including both the East and West Coasts and the American Southwest where painting colonies formed.
Today, there are more than 500 registered Plein Air artists in the United States working “en plein air” to capture the light and colors particular to a location.
Aspen Plein Air Schedule of Events
July 6-10, 2010 (Tues-Sat)
Plein Air Artists at Work – Various Locations, Aspen
Visitors and locals alike will have the unique opportunity to observe some of the nation’s top Plein Air artists as they paint on location in the Aspen, Colorado.
Thursday, July 8th – 10:30am-12pm
Plein Air Quick Draw Competition & Sale –Mill Street Mall, Downtown Aspen, Colorado
The Quick Draw is a 90-minute, on-site painting demonstration and competition that will be held on Aspen Plaza. The Quick Draw competition is open only to the Aspen Plein Air Celebration artists. This is a judged competition and the winner will receive a cash award. The paintings will be on sale directly following the Quick Draw and provides the public an opportunity to purchase paintings a special price.
Saturday, July 10th – 9am – 5pm
Plein Air Art Sale – Mill Street Mall, Downtown Aspen, Colorado
On July 10th, 2010 an exhibition and sale of the pieces created during this week-long celebration of Plein Air paintings will debut alongside cobblestone walkways in downtown Aspen, Colorado. Come take advantage of this amazing opportunity to meet the artists, learn about outdoor painting, support art education in the community and have fun in beautiful Aspen, Colorado.
Please note that if you are looking for a particular scene, commissioned pieces can easily be arranged. For more information please call Ronnie Palamar at (970) 728-6363.