Pages

Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Sedona Plein Aire Festival Week

So . . . now I need to catch everyone up on our trip to Sedona! This past week has been the Sedona Plein Aire Festival. What a blast! I think I have already mentioned a couple of the days . . . but here is a recap and maybe new information.

Saturday there was a “Main Street Paint Out” from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. The artists were all strung out along Main Street on both sides and we walked around and watched them creating artwork that would be for sale in front of the Sedona Arts Center from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. This was the first time for the public to purchase Festival Art. That was a real treat – and we were able to really meet and talk to them while they were working. We met some fantastic new up and coming artists: Joshua Been, Bill Cramer, Michael Chesley Johnson (I already knew him), Linda Dellandre, Greg La Rock . . . and many more!

Michael Chesley Johnson


Joshua Been




















Sunday, the artists were creating artwork along Oak Creek Canyon and in and around Sedona. We did not see any of them that day. I think because of the “public” hoopla on that first afternoon, they were interested in getting off the beaten path and creating in silence on this first whole day of painting. So, we decided to paint ourselves. But, there was a Festival opening and artists exhibit that evening. The artists were allowed to bring several of their paintings (not created here) and hang for the public to see their work – and purchase if they wished. Wine and a few nibbles were provided. It was fun meeting more of the artists and talking art! We met a wonderful wife of one of the artists – Laurie La Rock – and it seemed to be a friendship forming!

Chavez Ranch Road Bush -- Oil 5" x 7"

Chavez Ranch Road View -- Oil 9" x 12"

On Monday, we attended a demo and lecture by Bill Cramer – which was in oil. I took many photos all during the demonstration. I will probably post only one or two of those photos here. He is an exceptional artist, and seems to be a wonderful teacher as well. He was very giving of information about his plein air set up and his process. We visited Windrush Gallery, some other shops, and then drove up Schnebly Hill and took more photographs. The days were quite cloudy and windy and rather cool.

Bill set up and starting the painting

Finished Painting and his palette



Tuesday, we saw our friend Wanda Crane off to the airport by a shuttle. Then we drove out Dry Creek Road and set up to paint the buttes and a beautiful area of yellow flowers and a dry gulch. I created two pastel paintings – I think my best of the trip so far! We left for lunch back at the house, and then set up to paint the view across the road from our rental home. Later that evening, we were invited to meet one of the festival artists and his wife for dinner – Greg and Laurie La Rock. They are a wonderful couple and we have had loads of fun seeing them all week and getting to know them. A truly talented artist, and extremely interesting and nice couple.


Dry Creek Vista - Pastel 14" x 11"
My favorite so far!


Stay tuned – I’ll post the rest of the week in the next one!

No comments: