PAINTERS INVADE OGLEBAY: ART SHOWS & SALES PLANNED FOR THE PUBLIC

WHEELING, W.Va. (August 24, 2009)- En plein air is a French expression that means in the open air, and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.

Area residents can view and learn more about this exciting style of painting September 12 -13 as dozens of regional artists bring their paint boxes and easels to Oglebay to paint outdoors throughout the resort.

This is the 4th annual Paint Oglebay: Plein Air, which is organized through a joint effort between Oglebay Institute and ArtWorks Around Town. The public can watch individual artists at work, moving from painter to painter throughout the weekend event. Public receptions and exhibits are planned each day for guests to meet the artists, view the completed art and purchase works that capture the visual feast of nature’s beauty and wonder.

Oglebay Institute president Kathleen McDermott said the Plein Air weekend is a great opportunity for artists and the public.

“For artists, this event is a weekend of camaraderie where they can share inspiration, experiences and encouragement. For the public, it’s a chance to see art in progress. There's just something about seeing an artist at work that makes people extremely inquisitive,” she said.

An avid plein air painter, Wheeling resident Liz Neumann travels the world to paint with other outdoor artists and is delighted to have this annual event in Wheeling.

“As an artist, plein air painting is very challenging. It’s part of gaining confidence in your work- putting it out there for others to see while it’s still in progress,” she said. “It’s also a wonderful way to bring art to people who might otherwise never see it.”

Plein air artists tackle heat, cold, wind and rain to complete their works entirely outdoors. They may begin a painting in the early morning and finish at dusk. During that time shapes, patterns and colors shift in the changing light.

“Painting on location directly from nature challenges the artist to capture on canvas the stunning effects of light,” Brad Johnson, Oglebay Institute director of exhibitions, said. “The resulting work is a vivid impression of a scene the conveys authenticity of nature and a sense of place and mood.”

Encompassing a variety of media, from oils to watercolors and pastels, plein air painting originated in 19th-century Europe and has roots in both Realism and Impressionism. It's a familiar concept today, but in the late 1800s when artists ventured out of their studios into nature to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject, it was quite revolutionary.

The concept of gathering groups of artists together to paint outdoors in a central location is a fairly recent phenomenon that is gaining international popularity.

“Oglebay Institute is pleased to partner with Artworks again this year to continue the annual plein air painting event in Wheeling,” McDermott said. “This event is a great example of how both organizations are dedicated to bringing visual arts opportunities to our community.”

An opening reception takes place from 5:30- 8 p.m. Friday, September 11 at Artworks Around Town and is open to all artists as well as the general public.

Plein Air artists will paint throughout Oglebay from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, September 12 and 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13. Any painter, regardless of experience or education, is invited to participate. The public can watch individual artists at work throughout the weekend event.

Receptions and exhibits of the weekend’s work take place from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, September 12 and 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13 at Wilson Lodge in Oglebay Resort. The public is invited to come view the art and meet the artists. Food and beverages will be provided, and artwork will be available for purchase.

For more information on “Paint Oglebay” www.oionline.com. Artists wishing to participate should call 304.242.6855.