For most of the last two weeks 170 artists converged on a smaller historical community just north of Milwaukee called Cedarburg. In it's 13th year I believe this is the largest open plein air competition in the country! I may have a somewhat unique view of this event as I have been one of nine people on the planning committee. We meet nearly all year to create this event which is fun but also a whole bunch of work!! This year we needed to limit the number of artists to 170 as we have run out of space to hang all the art!! How crazy is that??
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The 2013 Cedarburg Plein Air Event planning Committee |
In spite of a deluge of distractions (the usual health issues...water heater going out at home and leaking pipes...of course while the hubby was gone!) I had a great time!!! And I think I produced some of my better work (but you can decide that).
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Turbulence
20x16 oil
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What is absolute gold to me at this event is being able to spend time with artists friends who I other wise only find on social media etc. I value the openings...lunch with friends...painting next to other painters and the talk. Talk about art, color, composition, brushwork, excellence, motivation, other events, edges, form, light and so on all sprinkled liberally with laughter! I crave this interaction with my peers and if I missed seeing you I am sorry. So many established artists are open and willing to help those who have just begun it gives me hope for this state. Time will tell but I think a day may be coming when the good people of Wisconsin will buy art instead of beer (...or maybe buy art while drinking beer!) They certainly showed up seeking art at this event as much art was sold!!
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A bunch of artists talking shop at the Port Washington opening! |
So here is the rest of the work I produced this week...see you next year Cedarburg!!
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