Sorrel Sky Gallery is excited to be hosting the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Santa Fe Plein Air Juried Paint Out Competition and Show. The opening reception and award presentation will take place from 5:00-7:30 pm on May 4, 2018, at the gallery’s downtown location, 125 W Palace Ave. An exhibition of award winners and other participants will continue through May 18, 2018.
"Plein air painting has experienced a real resurgence in popularity. People are realizing that it’s not just a historic art movement, but it’s current and enduring." - Shanan Campbells Wells
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Sweet Blessed Rain by Tobi Clement[/caption]
Popularized in France in the mid-1800s, plein air painting has found a loyal following in New Mexico, where beautiful weather, light, and landscape offer close to idyllic surroundings. However, shifting light or a change in climate means every aspect of a scene is constantly changing. Simplification, stylization and quick decision making must be learned and employed to create a successful outdoor painting. These factors lead many artists to view plein air painting as a “natural classroom,” where one becomes skilled at depicting color and atmosphere, rapidly and accurately. This reactionary style of painting distills the imagery, infusing it with an energy and sense of spontaneity, not always seen in works created and finished in a studio setting. Paint Outs encourage plein air painters to explore a specific region, providing artists the opportunity to paint in groups, on their own. Santa Fe is at the heart of this year’s zone, with a radius that includes Taos, Las Vegas, Albuquerque and Jemez Springs. Artists must submit two plein air works created during the paint out days of April 28th-May 2nd, as well as one studio work. With 50 participants from across the country, upwards of 180 pieces will show. Visit the PAPNM website for artist paint out schedule - www.PAPNM.org
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McKenzie Street by Carrie Schultz[/caption]
Judge of Awards, Stephen Day, represented at Sorrel Sky Gallery, is a full-time artist living in the Southwest, renowned for his plein air paintings of the local landscape. Jurors of Selection include: Stephanie Hartshorn, a member of Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Plein Air Artist Colorado and Women Artists of the West, among others; Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery; and Charles Iarrobino, a signature member of Oil Painters of America and American Impressionist Society.
From May 4-6, Stephanie Hartshorn, represented at Sorrel Sky Gallery, will teach a 3-day workshop, Architecture in the Landscape. Having practiced architecture, Hartshorn continues to engage structures as an art form. Learn to enjoy the experience of weaving an image together, using the dynamic lines of architecture in the landscape. This class, held at Sorrel Sky Gallery, is for beginners to intermediate. Call 970-247-3555 to register.
Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery is a proud advocate of plein air painting. “Plein air painting has experienced a real resurgence in popularity. People are realizing that it’s not just a historic art movement, but it’s current and enduring. Whether actually painting outdoors, or collecting the works of artists that do, plein air painting is here to stay. This show, the attention it’s receiving, give proof of that. It’s a privilege to promote and host this event.”
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Approaching Storm by Richard Abraham[/caption]
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s visionary approach to Western art allows both new and experienced art enthusiasts the opportunity to select from a distinctive collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry. Founded in Durango, CO in 2002, Sorrel Sky Gallery opened its second location in Santa Fe, NM in 2014. Representing several acclaimed and renowned painters, sculptors and jewelers, including Kevin Red Star, Star Liana York, and former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse, among others.