A new plein air event launched recently in Duluth, Minnesota, under the auspices of the Duluth Art Institute. Who took home the inaugural prizes?
Dan Mondloch, a water media artist from St. Cloud, Minnesota, won First Place at Paint du Nord for his piece “Industrial Charm.” “I remember a quote by Carl Dalio that said, ‘In simplicity of shapes and values I have strength,’” says Mondloch. “I think those large value shapes saved me in this painting, where I was having a lot of fun with lines, details, and specific color notes in gouache. I like pristine and beautiful subjects, but these gritty urban scenes have a lot of character too.”
Judge Andy Evansen, left, and Dan Mondloch
Second Place went to Arna Rennan for “Hawk’s Ridge,” and Third was won by “Liftbridge at Night” by Tom Dimock. Andy Evansen served as juror. The 105 pieces created by the 35 participating artists will be on view at the Duluth Art Institute through September 6.
