The organization known as Bluff Strokes held its 6th annual Paint Out in Dubuque, Iowa, September 17-23. Dubuque offers a rich variety of subject matter for painters; panoramic river vistas and riverfront scenes; historic buildings and neighborhoods dating back to the mid-1800s; industrial, rail, and riverboat infrastructure; an extensive arboretum and world-class parks.
Located in the Driftless Area, which was not scoured by glaciers, the surrounding countryside features rolling hills and valleys and many beautiful woodland and rural scenes. All of this inspired a group of resident art activists to develop what has now become a premier midwestern paint out.
At this year’s Paint Out, awards were judged by Carol Strock Wasson. The Grand Prize winner was Todd Schabel. First place in the Main Event was Troy Tatlock, Second was Sherri Thomas, and Third was John Preston. Diane Washa won the Artists’ Choice award.
Bluff Strokes’ mission is to attract artists to the Dubuque region, to develop local artists, and to create art lovers in the community. A highlight of this event was a meetup and structured conversation with six younger artists from Bluff Strokes and fourteen young artists from the community to create connections and to generate interest in outdoor painting.
Learn more about Bluff Strokes and their upcoming events at www.bluffstrokes.org.
