On September 8, painters around the world, including those on Texada Island, will take their easels outside to capture the scenery by painting ‘en plein air,’ or ‘in the open air.’
“It’s our fifth year of participation under the umbrella of the International Plein Air Painters,” said Texada Paint Out coordinator Kathleen Scott.
The Paint Out takes place from 10 am to 2 pm at Erickson Beach, Van Anda as local artists join those in more than 20 countries as part of the Great Worldwide Paint Out, now in its 16th year. Natural light and landscapes have captivated artists throughout history, however the plein air movement really took off in the mid-19th century with artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh immortalizing the style.
The stunning views on Texada island make it an ideal spot for this style of painting, according to Scott. “Texada is scenic everywhere you turn; there’s ocean and forest views. It’s a natural fit for the kind of island scenery we have.”
The Texada event was originally started by artist Marilyn Timms and for the past two years Scott has coordinated it with the help of painter Alfred Muma. It continues to grow in popularity, she added. “Every year so far it has ended up being a few more people.
People on the island are very supportive.”
The event is open to artists as well as the public who are welcome to observe the activity during the day or see the finished work between 7 and 8:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion in Van Anda.
“We have a dinner get together with the artists and then open it up to the public to come and see what we did and talk to us,” said Scott.
Though the event is called a paint out, Scott said any artist is welcome to join. “You don’t have to call yourself a painter. If you want to join and capture scenery with us, do so,” she said.
Artists interested in participating in the dinner must register by August 25. Contact Scott at 250.720.3857 or at [email protected].
