The Wild Rivers Plein Air Festival, which was held July 16–21, is a six-day painting extravaganza providing the 80 participating artists not only the opportunity to paint extreme canyons and rivers but also mountains, meadows, and small historical villages. This all occurs in a 20-mile radius of Questa, New Mexico. The painters also participated in numerous workshops, demonstrations, and social activities. The final display and sale included over 230 works of art in a two-day show at the Rail Haus Theater in Red River, NM.
More from the organizers:
This festival is making a name for itself by showcasing exquisitely done traditional plein air style and by opening its doors to a wider interpretation of what plein air is. By choosing two diverse judges, the show combines traditional with experimental. One of Utah’s finest painters, Brad Holt, is an award-winning traditional plein air painter. Our second judge is local plein air colorist Leigh Gusterson. Leigh is a professional painter and gallery owner. Together, these two had to merge their ideas of what plein air means and pick their winners in a completely blind judging process. What they chose is the best of both worlds: the technical and emotional qualities of the traditional plein air artist and the playfulness and expressive qualities of the colorist.
The 2019 Wild Rivers Plein Air Festival included five categories: Architecture, Experimental, Landscape, Wild Rivers Recreation Area, and an artist Quick Draw. Other awards included People’s Choice, Artist Choice, Artistic Excellence, and Emerging Artist. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes was given out to the award winners.
Upcoming travel and art events with Streamline Publishing:
- September 22-29, 2019: Fall Color Week: Ghost Ranch
- October 11-19, 2019: Fine Art Connoisseur Art Trip to France
- November 10-13, 2019: Figurative Art Convention & Expo
- May 2-6, 2020: The 9th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo
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