Moraine Valley, by John P. Lasater IV, winner of the Best of Show award. All photos Jim Rogers Photography

 
David Harmes, winner of the quick draw competition.

Plein Air Rockies is a festival of outdoor painting celebrating the inspiration from subjects like Rocky Mountain National Park, forests, river canyons, scenic highways, and people and places in Estes Park, Colorado. Starting with the annual Prelude Show in the CAC Fine Art Gallery on August 4, patrons enjoyed works by the Plein Air Rockies participating artists. Once the painting period ended on August 23, the exhibition and sale of the new works was held at the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park Fine Art Gallery (continuing through September 30). In addition, the 2012 festival included a nocturne paint out, a children's paint out, a miniature show, a Scottish-Irish Festival Paint Out, a fall paint out, and more.


Kelly Kotary, winner of the PleinAir magazine Award of Excellence

Award selections were made by competition judges Susiehyer and Tim Deibler. Arkansas artist John P. Lasater IV took the top award, Best of Show, with his oil Moraine Valley. Earlier in the day, Colorado artist David Harms received First Place in the quick draw competition with his oil landscape Riverside Rocks. The PleinAir magazine Award of Excellence went to Kelly Kotary for Endovalley Aspen, and the Cultural Arts Council of EP/Board of Directors Gold Award was presented to Bill Davidson for his painting Rocking Light -- Bear Lake. The Town of Estes Park Silver Award was won by Richard Prather for his painting Across the Forest Valley. In all, 13 awards with a combined value of $12,175 were presented.


Peggy Immel holding her painting that won the Walsh Garden Award


Sharon Lynn Williams working during the Nocturne Paint-Out

The Plein Air Rockies 2012 Exhibition & Sale will continue through September 30. For more information, visit www.EstesArts.com.