"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!

Where will you paint?

Where are you painting this month? Plein Air Washington has a fantastic opportunity to paint with friends new and old at the Winter Paint in and Supply Swap!

Sign up to attend through Eventbrite!

If you've been feeling cooped up and could use some good company while you get warmed up for a year full of paint outs, you should definitely attend. There will be a potluck (so bring a dish to share!) lots of still life setups and TWO professional (clothed) models!

Plus! We all have unused art supplies lying around. Maybe it's a tripod that didn't fit your setup, or a color you just don't use in your palette anymore. Bring them along for the Supply Swap and trade it for something you've been dying to try! You can buy, trade, or give away any art related materials you have.

We hope you'll join us, either way we'd love to hear your comments about where you plan on painting in February!