Many of the arts can be solitary in nature, and painting is certainly an example. Studio artists and plein air painters often do their work alone, in introverted bursts of creativity. However, many of these creative types do recognize the benefit of peer interaction and make an effort to connect and engage with artists in their field. But they need occasions and venues for such interaction as well.
Local transplant and artist Carol Mariott, who moved to the Central Coast from Missouri within the last couple of years, noticed there is no lack of artists in the area, but there is certainly a deficit of events in which artists can participate. She began an annual plein air painting competition, which has artists work in one area for the better part of a day and then come together for a judging, showing, and reception.
“It just gives people an opportunity to compete with someone who may be better than they are, so it builds their skills,” Mariott said. “And it gives them the opportunity to understand the true art form of working within the light changes. The light changes every minute, so it’s a very challenging way to paint.”
Mariott mentioned that there were a lot more painting competitions where she came from in the Midwest, and that they are a fun way for artists to come together, make connections, and inspire each other with their work.
The first annual Plein Air Competition and Exhibition happened in Old Orcutt, where Mariott has her gallery. This year, she is setting the competition in Guadalupe. Both years have focused on cityscapes, which do lend themselves to landscape work as well, she explained.
“So, moving into this area—there are so many great old structures in Old Orcutt—we had the first plein air event there because of the old architecture,” she said. “The next one is going to be in Guadalupe, where the architecture is older and even more fabulous.”
The competition is April 10, and begins at 8 a.m. with all interested artists meeting at the art gallery Ritter928 in Guadalupe, where artists receive a stamped canvas. This is to ensure that they haven’t already gone out and made sketches of the area they will paint, Mariott said.
The artists are bound by Guadalupe’s main drag, and can’t journey much farther away, Mariott explained. They have until 4 p.m. to create their work, which is plenty of time for the light to change, but experienced plein air artists have a variety of methods to employ in combating this. There’s also myriad challenges other than the changing light, she explained.
“A plein air painter has to contend with all of the elements, and that’s very difficult,” she said. “And what I mean by ‘elements’ is light, wind, traffic, bugs—and no matter where you go to plein air paint, there is always someone who wants to engage you in conversation, so it can be very difficult.”
Mariott is judging the show this year, as she did last year. Judging begins promptly at 4 p.m., she said, and even artists who are a minute late in turning in their work are disqualified. Fair is fair, after all.
The reception, exhibition, and awards ceremony happen at 5 p.m. The event includes more than just awards and snacks, Mariott said. Artists will get valuable feedback because Mariott will go over each piece with its creator. A good judge, she said, is one who will give an artist an honest critique.
“A good judge will get to every artist and say, ‘This is what I see, and this is what you could have done,’” she said. “It could be something as simple as, ‘Look at the perspective, look at the composition, look where the sunlight is coming from,’ and it’s such a good opportunity for people to say, ‘Oh my gosh, I get it.’”
Arts Editor Joe Payne is always trying to ‘get it.’ Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 7-14, 2016.
