Who won at the 20th annual Plein Air Artists Colorado Exhibition? Some familiar names and some talented folks — including several pastelists — enjoyed success.
Sabrina Stiles won Best of Show for her pastel piece “Daybreak at Sandstone.” Jeff Legg served as judge, and he commented on some of the award winners. “This convincing, sun-washed hillside demonstrates Sabrina’s beautiful sensitivity to the nuances in nature and make this an outstanding painting,” says Legg about Stiles’ winning piece. “The subtle qualities of color and value combined with the solidity of form to give the viewer a sense of place in this ethereal landscape.”
“Gone to Check the Lobstahs,” by Debra Joy Groesser, oil, 9 x 12 in. First Place — Signature Member
Debra Joy Groesser won First Place among Signature Members with her oil painting “Gone to Check the Lobstahs.” “Debra has captured the intricacies of this scene with a confidant brush,” Legg says about Groesser’s winner. “A beautifully organized and complicated scene that holds together as a whole with its interconnected shapes while being bathed in golden sunlight.”
“Aspen Impressions,” by Jennifer Riefenberg, oil, 11 x 11 in. First Place — Associate Member
The top winner among Associate Members was Jennifer Riefenberg. “Jennifer’s painting has wonderfully organized shapes that make a seemingly simple composition striking,” comments Legg regarding Riefenberg’s piece “Aspen Impressions.” “The color harmonies are beautiful and give the piece a strong atmospheric sense.”
“Lafayette Sunrise,” by Jane Hunt, oil, 9 x 12 in. Second Place
Jane Hunt won Second Place with “Lafayette Sunrise,” and Carol Strock Wasson won Third with “Lingering Snow.”
“Lingering Snow,” by Carol Strock Wasson, pastel, 12 x 12 in. Third Place
Albert Handell won the Master Signature Award for his pastel painting “At Bays Point.” Will Maller won the Allen Award with “Capitola.” Jane Hunt earned Artists’ Choice with “Lafayette Sunrise.”
Some of the winners at PAAC, from left: Ani Espriella, Sabrina Stiles, Susiehyer, Jane Hunt, Debra Joy Groesser, Karen Halbert, Kathleen Lanzoni, Carol Jenkins
Larry DeGraff, Jeanne Echternach, Ani Espriella, Karen Halbert, Carol Jenkins, Kathleen Lanzoni, Susan Matteson, and Susiehyer won Awards of Merit.
“At Bays Edge,” by Albert Handell, pastel, 12 x 16 in. First Place — Master
The event was held at Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder, Colorado, and the paintings will be on display there until Sept. 30.
