Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to embrace the outdoors and unleash their creativity at a free plein air painting event in Lacombe this Saturday, July 19.
The event, hosted by the Lacombe Art Guild and Come Paint Alberta, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and encourages participants to explore Lacombe and the surrounding countryside while creating original works of art outdoors.
“Plein air” which is French for “open air” refers to the practice of painting outside on location, directly from nature or with urban scenes.
Artists can check in at any point during the day at the Lacombe Art Guild’s registration table, located in the courtyard at Lest We Forget Park beside the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
Once checked in and registered, canvases will be stamped, and artists are free to paint wherever inspiration strikes.
“There are no restrictions on where participants can go,” said Leanne Simpson, President of the Lacombe Art Guild.
“You can paint anywhere in town or even venture out to nearby rural areas. There are no rules about style, subject, or medium.” says Simpson.
Participants must bring their own materials and may work for as long as they like.
Artists take their pieces home, but those interested in showcasing or selling their work will have the option to submit them for a juried show and sale through Come Paint Alberta later this year.
The Lacombe Art Guild is also encouraging artists to return to the registration area before 3 p.m. so they can photograph any of the completed artworks.
“Last year, we hosted a similar event at Ellis Bird Farm and had about 25 people join us, some from as far away as Edmonton, Didsbury, and Sundre,” says Simpson, “Plein air painting is the new golf.”
For those who can't attend this weekend, the Guild is also planning a one-day fall retreat on September 20 at Casey’s Cabin.
The $45 fee for the retreat includes an annual membership, lunch, and a watercolour workshop taught by Red Deer artist Wendy Meeres.
The retreat is open to all skill levels and aims to foster creativity and connection within the guild and the local art community.
For more details and information visit the Lacombe Art Guild website.
**Gallery photos from the Lacombe Art Guild
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