Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the area that inspired American Impressionists such as Daniel Garber, Edward Redfield, and William Lathrop, continues its tradition of fostering the arts with “Local Color Weekend,” a plein air event in its second year. The paint-out, which is hosted by the Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art, will be held August 6 through 11.
This painting by Larry Moore won Best of Show at last year’s event.
Aside from the appealing farmland and covered bridges, Bucks County has long drawn artists because of its proximity to the art markets of both New York City and Philadelphia. The director of the Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art, Howard Cooperman, decided to boost awareness of working artists in his stable and reaffirm the area’s reputation as an art haven by putting on the event last year — just three months before the event itself, and with only his wife and one volunteer to help. Its success inspired Cooperman to make it an annual competition.
“Stormy Saturday,” by Kirk Larsen, won last year’s quick draw competition.
“Last year’s event featured 30 well-known artists from across the United States,” says Cooperman. “It was a tremendous success. The one complaint I heard from the artists was that they didn’t have enough time to paint the area — four days. For that reason, I opened up this year’s event to include six days.”
Ray Ewing painted in pastels during last year’s “Local Color Weekend.”
For more information, visit the gallery’s website.
