Plein Air Painting

Painting isn’t normally a competitive endeavor, but in Central Oregon if there’s a way to make a game out of it, someone will. And, while artists are often connected with the terms ‘lonely’ and ‘starving,’ the Smith Rock Paint Out puts artists in the spotlight — inviting them to share their craft in an open-to-the-public plein air painting competition. The event encourages artists to let their work shine, as they compete for cash and sponsor prizes while painting in open air.

The sheer cliffs and soaring rock spires that make Smith Rock State Park a mecca for climbers and hikers provide a stunning backdrop for painters and spectators alike. Park Ranger Matthew Davey has been involved in the event since its inception, three years ago. The park service collaborates with the High Desert Art League to bring the competition to life, in hopes of attracting a different sort of crowd, other than the usual athletes.

“The Paint Out creates a neat atmosphere,” Davey said. “We hope families will come and enjoy it.”

The Higher Desert League’s Vivian Olson sees the competition as a way to entice artists from all around Central Oregon to paint the spectacular rock and river landscape. More than 50 painters are expected to compete on Saturday, June 20th. Artists, each starting with a blank canvas at 8 a.m., will perch at various vantage points around the park — each one seeking a unique perspective.

Unlike other styles of painting, where work can take weeks or months, the Paint Out requires that paintings be completed on the spot and and be framed by 1 p.m. to be eligible for judging.

“Painters can work with the medium of their choice, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels,” said Olson.

Artists range from beginners to professionals, painting in styles that include realism, expressionism, and abstract interpretations.

“The abstract ones are really fun to see,” Olson said.

Several artists will be on hand to demonstrate and explain the nuances of plein air painting to those unfamiliar with the art form.

While the artwork is being juried at 1 p.m., a Park Naturalist will offer a half-hour presentation on Smith Rock’s golden eagle population.

“We’ll have a scope sighted on their nest and hope that the eagles may be fledging,” Davey said. If you’re lucky, you’ll see young eagles being fed and learning to fly. Davey recommends that visitors come prepared for the weather, which can be variable, and bring enough food and drink to stay hydrated and refreshed.

Davey and three members of the High Desert Art League will select four competition winners, awarding prizes for Best of Show, Second, and Third places, plus a special Ranger’s Choice award. Winning works will be displayed and offered for sale at Roberts Field, Redmond Municipal Airport from Tuesday, June 23rd through Sunday, August 23rd. The exhibit space is open to the public and will show off the work to local art enthusiasts, as well as those flying in and out of Redmond.

The Smith Rock Paint Out offers a unique opportunity for outdoor and art enthusiasts to come together and enjoy one of Central Oregon’s most scenic state parks. The park is located off of Highway 97, just outside of Terrebonne and is well worth the drive.

And, for those choose to participate in the competition, the cost is just $10. It’s easy to register online at www.smithrockpaintout.com.