Veteran painter Robert Burris is considering a cool idea of sorts a couple of weeks from now: Capturing the Hamilton Center Ice Arena on canvas.
Noted architect Harry Weese designed the original, outdoor structure that was on the site.
“I really like the angle of the roof line,” Burris said, referring to one of Weese’s defining features. “And I like to try to include some architectural aspects and details in some of my work.”
Some of Columbus’ most well-known beauty — and maybe lesser-known, eye-catching locales as well — figure to be a part of Columbus Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Paint Columbus Plein Air Paintout Sept. 20-22.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
Plein air painting simply means leaving the art studio to create landscapes outdoors. Perhaps the most noted plein air painter in this area was the late, celebrated T.C. Steele, who lived and worked in Brown County from 1907 until his death in 1926.
“I think he would very much approve of this,” said Jane Kennedy, co-chairing the local event along with Brigitte Halvorsen.
Twenty-five paintout artists had their literal days in the sun last year, according to organizers. Planners hope for at least that many participants this year in an event that raised $12,000 for the club’s wide-ranging community work. The event began last year by following on the heels of local photographer Bob Anderson’s plein air paintout that was a part of the now-defunct ArtFest for a few years.
Kennedy figures the current Exhibit Columbus architectural exhibition featuring 18 creative and whimsical creations will offer artists more than enough inspiration.
“I’m sure some will (paint those),” Kennedy said.
During last year’s paintout, Burris painted The Commons, a structure that has been a part of one of his best-known works.
Though younger painters are welcome to be a part of the event, kidscommons children’s museum also is organizing its own outside painting activity for the younger set on Sept. 21.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About the event” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
What: Columbus Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Paint Columbus plein air paintout with area artists painting a variety of local scenes.
When: Sept. 21-22.
Where: All around Columbus. Awards ceremony, complete with cash prizes, is 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at The Commons.
Entrants: Artist wishing to participate should contact Jane Kennedy at [email protected] or call 812-764-5082.
Information: columbussunriserotary.org.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
