Plein Air Santa Barbara is a friendly “quick draw” painting competition held at Casa De la Guerra in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara that celebrates both outdoor painting and our beautiful city. Coinciding with the First Thursday art party on July 7, 2011 and planned for a nice long evening in the heart of summer, hundreds of tourists and locals alike will be on-hand to watch the painting magic as some of California’s finest artists depict the downtown landscape as never before.
The artists will converge on the Casa at 4 p.m. and then quickly depart to begin their paintings. Already signed up for the event is organizer Chris Potter, who’s been painting in this fashion for the past five years, and such plein air luminaries as Ken Christensen and Jamee Aubrey. They’ll be allowed to set up their easels anywhere they desire, but expect State Street, the Presidio, El Paseo, City Hall, and the County Courthouse to be some of the hottest spots. They’ll have about 90 minutes to paint once set up, and all of the completed paintings must be returned to Casa De la Guerra by 6 p.m. sharp for the reception, judging, and sale. As guests marvel at the quickly but masterfully produced paintings, there’ll be wine tastings offered by some of Santa Barbara County’s finest vintners, and live acoustic music.
Based on the decision of a panel of judges, awards will be presented for King/Queen of the Street as well as second and third place. Attendees will also get the chance to vote on their favorite piece, and that popular artist will be presented with the People’s Choice Award. Along with respect and admiration, the winning artists will receive a cash prize as well as goods and services donated by local merchants.
FOR MORE INFO: Please see pleinairsb.com for the latest news and information about the contest. There will be an updated list of artists currently participating in the show with links to their websites.
TO PARTICIPATE: If you’re an artist who’d like to take part in this event, please email chrispotterart@gmail.com or call 805-252-7052.
TO CONTRIBUTE: If you’re a local merchant who’d like to support this event, please email julie@localharvestdelivery.com or call 805-252-7138.
