Sure, there are other plein air competitions held in the winter. But in Mineral Point, the average low temperature in February is 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Who bested the sub-zero elements and painted award-winning paintings about 10 days ago in Wisconsin at the Paint the Point — Winter Edition plein air competition?
Best of Show was won by Lisa Stauffer for her painting “Winter Creek.” First Prize went to Diane Washa for “Midday Survey,” and Second Prize was won by Thomas Dimock for “Old Darlington Road.” Third Prize went to Thomas Buchs for “February Morning -15 Degrees.” Honorable Mention was won by Lori Beringer for “Favorite View.”
“Midday Survey,” by Diane Washa. First Prize
“I was struck by the variations in the warm sun/cool shadow patterns playing on the snow on both sides of this small creek that was running — despite the fact that it was -14 early that morning,” Stauffer says about her prize-winning piece. “The creek was showing off its muddy bottom, contrasting a warmer dark value with all that high-key snow. The painting challenge was to capture that scene, which was nearly a complete reversal of the color and value relationships of the summer scenes that most of us have more experience observing and painting.”
“Old Darlington Road,” by Thomas Dimock. Second Prize
“February Morning -15 Degrees,” by Thomas Buchs. Third Prize
“Favorite View,” by Lori Beringer. Honorable Mention
Pieces from the event remain on view at the two sponsoring galleries in Mineral Point — Longbranch and Wantoot.
