Some people may visualize artists working outdoors as a laid-back, leisurely effort.
Columbus artist Oksana Pickens chuckled at such a notion, as if someone had suggested creating in a downpour.
“You have to work fast,” Pickens said. “The sun changes, shadows move. And it can be very tricky.”
She is tickled to be among more than 27 area artists of all skill levels slated to be a part of the juried Paint Columbus plein air paintout Friday through Sunday around the city. The gathering, organized by Columbus Sunrise Rotary, serves as a mix of highlighting the arts and a tool to show off the community’s signature architecture.
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Pickens still struggled to decide last week what she might be depicting in an acrylic work, though she leaned toward the Eos sculpture at the entrance of Mill Race Park.
“She’s just so gorgeous,” Pickens said.
Bob Anderson, a well-known local photographer who organized two previous plein air events as a part of the now-defunct ArtFest, emphasized that all artists’ work will be available for purchase from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Factory 12 Event Loft at 12th and Washington streets downtown.
A 5 p.m. dinner will follow that display to present a $1,000 top award and other cash prizes to entrants.
Anderson had organized two previous plein air paintouts that were a part of the now-defunct ArtFest event that he founded. But the upcoming event already has generated approximately double the artist interest than the previous gatherings.
“But we have a lot more help now,” Anderson said, praising the work of the local Rotarians.
Besides local artists, painters are coming from Indianapolis, Greenwood, Bloomington and other areas. Plus, one category will be devoted exclusively to artists in the 18 and younger category to encourage budding creative sorts. Generally, organizers aim for the effort to be rain or shine.
“They’ll just have to have an umbrella,” Anderson said.
At the earlier plein air events, artists painted everything from the Robert N. Stewart Bridge to The Commons. Anderson mentioned that if the weekend paintout is a success, organizers ideally would move their date next year to coincide with the Exhibit Columbus exhibition.
“There will be a lot more going on,” Anderson said. “And that would give artists even more to paint.”
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What: Paint Columbus plein air paintout.
When: Friday through Sunday throughout the city.
Art: Available for sale by 3 p.m. Sunday at Factory 12 Event Loft at 12th and Washington streets downtown.
Awards dinner: 5 p.m. Sunday at Factory 12.
Dinner tickets: $35 for adults and $10 for those ages 6 to 18. Anyone younger will be admitted free.
Information: Facebook page for Robert Anderson.
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