An artistic celebration: Plein Air competition returns

In a picturesque celebration of art and community, the annual Sweetwater Plein Air Competition captivated Green River last Saturday. With artists setting up their easels under the open sky, the event brought together painters of all backgrounds to capture the beauty of the local landscape.

Among the participants was Amanda Romero, a lifelong artist and resident of the area.

"I grew up in Green River and have been passionate about painting my entire life," Amanda explained. "Although I began seriously painting in high school, I have always been interested in all forms of art."

Amanda's passion for painting outdoors developed over time, particularly from an outdoor painting experience three years ago.

"We were on a pack trip, and I painted outside. I really enjoyed it," she recalled. This enjoyment led her to participate in the Plein Air painting competition for the third year in a row. "I just love being outside and capturing the scene as it unfolds before me. It's quite different from painting indoors."

Amanda compared this event to other local competitions she had participated in, such as Art on the Green.

"Art on the Green is similar in that it also has a time constraint, but it lasts 24 hours compared to six or seven hours for Plein Air. Each has its unique charm and challenges," she noted.

Painting outdoors, however, comes with its own unique set of challenges.

"One of the primary difficulties is the heat, so I ensure I have plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray," Amanda shared. Despite these obstacles, she found joy in the process. "One of my favorite parts of the competition is finding unique perspectives and deciding what to paint," she added.

Interacting with the public and fellow participants added another layer of enjoyment.

"People often come up to me and inquire about my painting and why I chose a particular scene," Amanda said.

This interaction not only enriched her experience but also provided insights for those interested in art.

Amanda reflected on how the competition influenced her work.

"The competition encourages me to paint more freely and quickly. One challenge is the changing light throughout the day, which requires me to constantly adjust and solve new problems," she explained. Despite these challenges, Amanda appreciated the opportunity to grow as an artist.

Courtesy photo

Robin Avery was one of the artists who participatd in this year's Plein Air Competition.

The Plein Air Competition's impact also extended beyond the artists themselves. Debora Soule, the Community Fine Arts Center director and event organizer, shared the history and origin of the competition.

"Plein air painting has been a crucial tool for artists for many years. It began as a method to sketch landscapes outdoors and later complete detailed paintings in the studio," she explained. The resurgence in popularity of plein air painting led to the formation of competitions. "Three years ago, both the Green River Arts Council President Bryce Castilian and I began discussing the possibility of developing a competition for our area. We decided to pool our resources and collaborate on this initiative," Deb recalled.

The competition's location and subject selection were collaborative efforts.

"We have an advisory board at the Fine Arts Center and the Green River Arts Council board. We brainstorm ideas and agree on a location," Deb said. This year, the competition returned to Green River, specifically the Scott's Bottom Nature Area, which provided ample inspiration for the artists.

Organizing such an event comes with its challenges.

"Finding a weekend that doesn't conflict with other events is always a challenge," Deb said, laughing. The third weekend in June seemed to be a safe choice. "In the first year, we scheduled it right after Art on the Green, but both artists and volunteers agreed it was too exhausting," she explained.

Inclusivity is also a key feature of the competition.

"The event is open to everyone," Deb stated. However, there were considerations for future events. "It was suggested that we create categories for different experience levels, as it can be challenging for beginners to compete with professional artists," she noted.

Despite this, the experience of painting outdoors was valuable for all participants.

"Many people participate simply for the joy of it," Deb added.

For those interested in participating in future competitions, Deb suggested, "Check our website for updates and reach out to the Green River Arts Council for more information. We welcome artists of all levels to join us."

Deb also emphasized the importance of community involvement in the competition, not just as painters but also as spectators.

"We encourage everyone to come out and watch the artists at work. It's a fantastic way to support local artists and gain an appreciation for the artistic process," she said.

Amanda also reiterated the event's significance, saying, "It supports local artists and allows the community to see art being created in real-time. It's wonderful for people to witness the process and then see the finished piece."

Amanda encouraged aspiring plein air painters to get involved.

"Get out there and participate in competitions. Engage with other artists and learn from their experiences. It's a rewarding endeavor," she advised.