Santa Maria Sun / Art

Brushes at high noon

BY SHELLY CONE

One day a year for 26 years, artists have been strutting into Los Olivos and proving their quickness on the draw—drawing board that is. They converge on the tiny wine and art town for the annual Los Olivos Quick Draw and Art Auction.

In the warm Los Olivos air, in plain sight of onlookers, artists up to the challenge create a beautiful piece of art almost out of thin air.

The day will feature silent and live auctions, food and entertainment, and, of course, the art competition, which tests skills by allowing artists an hour to complete a piece of work. Each artist will work in his or her respective medium, developing the art from a live model, photo, or imagination.

The event brings approximately 25 artists from all over the United States, not just California. They come ready to enjoy the challenge of it—and it is a challenge.

“It used to be 45 minutes, but the artists wanted that extra 15 minutes to put the finishing touches on it,” said co-organizer and Los Olivos Busine Organization Executive Director Sylvia Remmenga.

Judith Hale, former owner of the Judith Hale Gallery in Los Olivos, is once again co-organizing the event. She said the Quick Draw used to be strictly Western themed, but it’s evolved to include a variety of styles and media, including plein air and sculpture.

“It keeps fueling itself, I think,” Hale said. “It’s always featured really good artists; the art has consistently been at a good level. And people still want to buy the pieces, people want to get them.”

The artists are asked to participate in the event by invite only. This year’s list of participating artists includes Vicki Andersen, Betty Carr, Howard Carr, Ken Christensen, Camille Dellar, Lorna Dillon, Kelly Donovan, Jim Farnum, Mark Greenaway, Ron Guthrie, Suzan Hamilton-Todd, Gary Johnson, Sheryl Knight, Lee Kromschroeder, George Lockwood, Joe Mancuso, Joe Milazzo, Vel Miller, John Modesitt, Linda Mutti, Richard Myer, Richard Rice, Ray Sevilla, Marilyn Simandle, and BJ Staphen.

Each artist has his or her own method for preparing for such a fast-paced challenge. Some begin prepping early, which Hale suggests. Others decide to attend and let inspiration strike them.

“It’s tough,” Hale noted. “These artists are professionals, and they know people are coming to see them, so there’s pressure on them to produce something excellent in a short amount of time.”

 “It’s great that this area has become known for its wine, but this event does a lot to keep the minds of the community on art as well as wine,” Remmenga said.

During the day, Arts Editor Shelly Cone’s mind may be on art, but in the evening it’s all about wine. She can be contacted at scone@santamariasun.com.