"Valleys to Vineyards"

Anna Lancaster enjoys the show

Once again Plein Air Washington Artists and the American Art Company teamed up to put on an amazing show! The American Art Company is a beautiful venue and the paintings seemed to glow on the walls. While there was no shortage of paintings of row after row of vineyards, the creativity in the compositions our members came up with were astounding.

Siren Song Winery by Valentina Voronkova

Chelan Fire Haze by Kathryn Townsend

Valentina Voronkova painted a charming winery interior with vineyard rows in the background, a scene not unfamiliar to Pacific Northwest wine lovers. Kathryn Townsend used a vineyard as a lead to pull the viewer into the Chelan Valley, but the real star is the hazy atmosphere from this summer's fire season.

The Abundant Valley by Christine Troyer 

Glacier National Park by Yong Hong Zong

The Valley scenes in the show also featured a range of compositions and ideas. Yong Hong Zong's studio piece, Glacier National Park, captured an expansive valley vista with bold and seemingly effortless brushwork. Christine Troyer gives us a more intimate valley scene, with a flowing stream and a hint of mountains off in the distance; the pastel strokes exude grace and  serenity.

These are only a few of the great works in the show, this is not one to miss! Here's a look at the winners:

Jane Wallis introduces the judge!

The reception was well attended by PAWA artists, and judge Tim Deibler gave a thoughtful talk on each piece to which he gave an award.

Tim Deibler explains his thought process

PAWA painters listen carefully

 

Best in Show: Jan Wall, "Valley Homestead"

First Place: Jane Wallis, "View From Chelan"

Second Place: Jim Lamb, "Westfork October - Bitterroot Valley"

Honorable Mention: Robin Weiss, "Hedges Vineyard"

Honorable Mention: Donna Trent, "Sonoma Vineyards, Sonoma, CA"

Best Plein Air: Jan Jewell, "Tonquin Valley"

Best Use of Light & Color: Patricia Clayton, "Sunrise on the Sandbank, Wenatchee River Valley"

Congratulations to all the winners! If you're looking for an inspirational book, you may consider purchasing the exhibition book here! Not only does it have all the paintings in the show, but it also includes each entry, accepted or not, and a bio about the artists who entered, along with pictures from our 2017 paintouts. Get yours today!

A National Park Salute Closing Reception

Janice Wall - Big River Afternoon - 18x24 - People's Choice

The 7th of January brought to a close PAWA's annual exhibition of member work. With winter storms threatening to make roads hazardous attendance wasn't as high as for the opening, but it made for a more cozy and personal event. We all gathered around to hear our fearless leader Karen Bakke announce the winner of the People's Choice Award. And the winner is...

Janice Wall! For "Big River Afternoon," a moody and mystical piece.

If you weren't able to make it, here are a few photos and videos from the evening.

I hope everyone is excited for the next plein air season to start, bring on the valleys and vineyards!

A National Park Salute

Paradise Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Iryna Milton

If you need any convincing that our National Parks were indeed America's Best Idea, you may want to start planning a trip to Tacoma now. The Plein Air Washington Annual Show, themed A National Park Salute to celebrate the NPS Centennial, showcases the diverse beauty of our public lands along with the incredible talent in our little corner of the country.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park- PLEIN AIR
Joanne Shellan

While the award ceremony has come and gone, the show is still on display at the American Art Company in Tacoma. If you have a favorite painting you want recognized be sure to visit during the Closing Celebration on January 7th, 2017, from 3pm-5pm! You will be able to cast a vote for the People's Choice Award and congratulate the winner! It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet with your fellow art lovers.

Grand View, Grand Teton NP
Paula Ensign

 Jane Wallis has edited a beautiful compilation of the work included in the show, along with all the entries our members submitted. Each artist has written about their experience painting in National Parks, making the book an inspirational collection.

Light Play on Saddle Rock - Scotts Bluff National Monument
Laura Gable

Judge Jim McVicker had quite the job judging this show, there was no shortage of deserving work!

Best of Show: Ned Mueller
"St. Mary River, Glacier National Park"

1st Place: Melanie Thompson
"Clarno Dawn"

2nd Place: Jim Lamb
"Morning Shadows Over the White River"

3rd Place: Jan Jewell
"White Mountain From Tioga Pass"

Best Plein Air: Ned Mueller
"Study from Glacier National Park"

Honorable Mention: Jan Jewell
"White Mountain at Yosemite from Tioga Pass"

Honorable Mention: Yong Hong Zhong
"Broken Arch Study"

Gamblin Sponsor Award for Best Use of Color: Robin Weiss
"Forest Light, Olympic National Park"

Rosemary & Co Sponsor Award for Best Use of Light: Lou Hurlbut
"Grand Staircase, Escalante National Monument"

If you're interested in seeing the show, stop by the American Art Company at 1126 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma. They're open from 10:00am-5:30pm Tuesday – Friday, and 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturdays.

If you can't make it to the show, or want a little preview before stopping in you can see it on the American Art Company website.