Painters descended upon Moscow, Idaho, recently for Palouse Plein Air 2015. The silt dunes, rolling hills and hollows of the Palouse make for captivating landscapes, and the clouds that form over the open land are justly famous. Who captured the scene — and captured the fancy of the competition judge?
The event, which is sponsored by the City of Moscow, named Jan Vogtman First Place winner for her piece “South View.” Second Place went to Ivy Breen for “Sentry.” Barney Saneholtz won Third with “Tammach Road Truck,” and Michael Session earned Honorable Mention.
The Best Palouse award was given to Michael Session for his painting “Rich.” Sharon Macy won an award for Best Historical for “1912 Moscow High School.” Bobbi Kelly won Best Downtown with her piece “Moscow AleHouse.”
“Very few people involved chose to paint in town,” says Kelly. “Most of the paintings were of the rural landscape. But I enjoyed painting one view of an interesting alley, and another of the outdoor deck and colored umbrellas of a local alehouse. Plein air is always a challenge. I prefer to take a lot of photographs, then use parts and combinations of them for reference back in my studio. Plein air forces me to be briefer and work in a more concentrated fashion. It’s a good way to get me out of my usual comfort zone.”
