Although the competitive festivities for the 2018 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational don’t take place until April 21-29, that doesn’t mean organizers can’t get things started a little early — with these.
Planned for April 21-29, the fourth edition of Olmsted Plein Air Invitational is surely going to be one of its best ever, welcoming a strong lineup of 30 world-class artists in 2018. CEO of the Salmagundi Club Tim Newton, Seth Hopkins of the Booth Western Museum, and master painter Kenn Backhaus will serve as awards judges next year.
However, this year organizers are seeking to whet the appetites of potential attendees, viewers, and collectors by offering a series of Master Presentations with the invited participants. On December 6, artist Stephanie Amato from Milton, Georgia — a new participant in the 2018 Invitational — hosted a presentation and talk in the Buckhead at the Atlanta Artists Center. The presentations began in October with artist Jim Richards, in a talk that was well-attended and well-received. “Jim captivated his audience, teaching about what to look for in a painting, what he tries to accomplish, and why,” co-founder Lillian Ansley said. “He produced a gorgeous painting that was auctioned as a benefit for Olmsted Plein Air.”
Artist Kathie Odom is next on the slate. On January 29, Odom will be hosted at the home of collectors Ann and Frank Critz in Atlanta. “I will be demonstrating techniques which include the necessity of underpainting/wash, the laying on of shapes, how broken and airy marks create interest, when and where to load paint heavily on the brush, and the importance of restraint,” said Odom. “But the over-arching message that will come out as I paint will be about the heart of art. Where does this desire to create come from? How essential is it to love the subject matter that is being painted or purchased? What does it mean to be alive as an artist? Can great technique communicate emotion in a painting, or is the soul needed?
“When I paint I hope to create something more than just a piece that is appealing. I am hoping to tell a story.”
To learn more, visit Olmsted Plein Air Invitational.
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