We enjoy an exciting exhibition of original paintings, hung in a beautiful space, but what
really goes on behind the scene? Since High Desert Gallery will be
hosting the upcoming Plein Air Painters of Oregon's Second Annual
Show at our new Oxford Hotel location in downtown Bend, Oregon we asked
the show juror, Cindy Briggs, for some behind-the-scenes insight.
How would you describe the jury process, in terms of your initial response to the submitted artwork?
I knew we would have a great show as soon as I reviewed the digital files. I was impressed with the diverse Oregon themed subjects, captivating color combinations, in a variety of mediums and styles. As requested, no names of the participants were provided so I was solely judging each work of art on it's own merit.
I reviewed each entry many times over 4 days. We all know in an instant what grabs our attention. I focused not just on what I liked, but what I appreciated as a plein air artist. I separated the paintings into yes & no files, and shuffled them back and forth as I thought about the overall show until I was pleased with the final selection. It was a challenge to narrow the show down to 40 pieces with so many excellent entries in the mix.
Are you working with an idea of the type of show you want to compile, or do you look more for paintings that work together and let the theme develop?
With each work I looked primarily for the true spontaneity of plein aire paintings, followed by individual style and composition, captivating color, expressive light, and concept. A unique approach, unexpected color combination, or original subject matter often captured my attention.
Having traveled and painted plein air from charming cafes to treacherous cliffs, I have a great respect for Plein Air Painters. It takes courage to get out there and paint on location, you have to be deliberate and spontaneous at the same time. Since the theme of the show is "Celebrate Oregon" there was already a thread that tied all the works together.
How tough is it when you find several outstanding paintings but have to make the cut?
It's challenging because I relate to the desires of each artist to have their work included. Some paintings were eliminated not because they weren't outstanding, but because many artists chose the same subject and/or approach. If an artist submitted a number of excellent pieces I would pick the work that was most spontaneous or unique.
What do you hope the
public will enjoy the most about this exhibition?
Oregon Art by exceptional Plein Air Painters of Oregon. There are many outstanding paintings in this show that capture the essence of Oregon, inspirational settings from the Coast to the Desert, to the Cities, Mountains and Rivers. I hope the public appreciates the courage it takes to venture out and paint on location. There is nothing more honest in Art than a plein air painting. Facing the elements, chasing the light, balancing painting materials in often awkward locations, taking on unpredictable weather, it all takes relentless endurance. Each piece comes from the heart and soul of the artist, so when you look at the painting, imagine the determined artist painting on location contemplating how to make a work of art that is worthy of entering a competitive show.
Image: Brenda Boylan -- Beaverton, OR Title: "Dahlias In Cornelius"
What are the Plein Air Painters of Oregon planning in the future?
I contacted the PAPO president, Vivian Olsen and asked her to answer this one:
Many new plans for PAPO's future include creating new plein air painting experiences throughout Oregon and bringing the artists together through exhibits and social and educational events. In the new year we will be making plans for our 3rd Annual NW Plein Air Exhibit as well as extending our boundaries of painting sites to include new and different scenic areas of our state. We will continue to update our website with the addition of a Blog featuring images of members’ paintings. PAPO artists will also enjoy an upcoming Winter event when we begin a 3 month Winter Challenge painting contest. - Vivian Olsen, PAPO President
High Desert Gallery is honored to be hosting the Second Annual Show of the Plein Air Painters of Oregon at our new Oxford Hotel location.This event has also been selected as a participating Oregon 150 event to "Celebrate Oregon!".
About Celebration Oregon: The opening reception will be held during the First Friday Gallery Walk, October 2, 2009, from 5-9PM. The evening promises to be lively as we exhibit some of the finest plein air painting in the state, along with live music by the Anvil Blasters, plenty of refreshments, and artful conversation.
The Plein Air Painters of Oregon have partnered with Oregon 150 and are proud to announce that the 2009 Annual show, titled "Celebration Oregon," has been been selected as official Oregon 150 sesquicentennial partner. The exhibition of plein air paintings, executed on location through Oregon, will run from Oct 1 through the 31, 2009.
About Plein Air Painters of Oregon: Plein Air Painters of Oregon is a fellowship of professional and emerging artists who paint on location to seek the luminous quality of out-of-doors light in their art. The organization meets for frequent paint-outs during the warmer months of the year. For "Celebration Oregon" the juried artwork will be selected by Cindy Briggs Find out more information about Plein Air Painters of Oregon by clicking here.
About Oregon 150
Celebrations: Oregon is turning 150 in 2009, and the celebration is
a year-long party throughout the state. This year's theme is
“sesquicentennial.” Come join the fun. For more information,
visit Oregon's “Sesquicentenial” website here. The 2009 Annual
Plein Air Painters of Oregon Event, titled "Celebration Oregon"
is an official Oregon 150 sesquicentennial event.
About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon, Redmond and Sisters Oregon and one High Desert Frameworks! located in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, 2008 & 2009). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.
That was inspiring,
Keep up the good work,
Thanks
Posted by: software development in Surrey | December 15, 2009 at 01:19 AM