This summer Gualala Arts will present a Plein Air Affair beginning in August. Not simply an exhibit, this will be a multi-faceted art event that includes a Plein Air Paint Out, a Workshop/Class, and a Champagne Brunch & Silent Auction. Artists wishing to participate must register no later than August 15.

The first part of this event is the Plein Air Paint Out which begins August 23. Plein Air painting contrasts with studio painting by literally getting the artist out of the studio, enabling them to better capture the changing details of weather and light. Think about the classic image of an artist on a bluff-top painting the sea. Weather conditions change, and artists have found that the tonal qualities, color and brushwork of their subject take on different characteristics as they create.

Each artist may provide a schedule of locations, which will be updated each day as they move through our stunning landscape. There are so many fantastic location options, artists will likely create multiple entries as they select from ocean bluffs, tidepools, sunsets, beaches, forests, pastures, old structures and new. Artists may paint as many as they wish, but may submit a maximum of 8 works, and each entry—canvases, boards, watercolors—may not exceed 24” x 18”. Submissions are due on September 7.

Trained and untrained artists are invited to meet their inspiration, and the main roads and backwoods from the Russian River to the Navarro River will have plenty to inspire them. While the exhibit does not open until September 9, the artist sign-up deadline for the Plein Air Affair, August 15, is fast approaching. Winners will be announced before the silent auction in October. Prize Winners will be announced on opening day September 9, with an ongoing silent auction during the entire exhibit, culminating in a Champagne Brunch on closing day, October 2.

Image: Thomas Prosek's "Stump Beach.