June 10 was rocking at the Forest & Ocean Gallery as the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) hosted its opened reception for the 13th annual “Best of Plein Air” juried art show. In addition to fine art, cheeses, wine, and fruits, several artists also received awards. Who were they?
Featuring 78 original works representing 47 artists, LPAPA’s annual “Best of Plein Air” is one of the finest exhibitions that contemporary plein offers. Last week, PleinAir Today was pleased to announce the opening of the show. This week, we have the “hot-off-the-press” award results that were just released yesterday!
Taking top honors in 2017 was Pierre Bouret for his stunning oil “Wailua River”, a 12-by-12 inch tour-de-force of color harmony and skilled composition. Second Place was presented to Patrick Saunders for his painting “Riverbend Breeze”. Set among towering palm trees and deep within shadow, Saunders has beautifully captured bright, sun-bathed highlights on their trunks and leaves. The details found within the lower shadow is impressive as well. Third Place was earned by “Vintage B&B”, a delightful architectural piece by Kathie Odom. In it, Odom has taken an ordinary view of trailer homes and turned them into something extraordinary. The play of light as it blankets various textures and the patterns of shadow make for a truly entertaining piece. Honorable mentions were also awarded to Jason Sacran for “Laguna Lights” and Christine Debrosky for “Along Cliff Rose”
The paintings will continue to be exhibited at Forest & Ocean Gallery through July 3.
To learn more, visit LPAPA.
