The 4th Annual Scotchman Peaks Plein Air Paintout convened in Hope, Idaho, on September 23, 24 and 25, the first weekend of fall, with Kally Thurman’s Outskirts Gallery and the Hope Marketplace at the epicenter of activities.
Twenty-two avid and accomplished artists fanned out in and around our favorite wilderness, bringing 64 fresh paintings back to the Gallery Sunday for hanging, viewing, and judging.
The artists’ choice for Best of Show resulted in a tie between Greg Caudell of Republic, WA, and Patsey Parsons of Spirit Lake, ID. Greg produced a striking spontaneous study of Cabin #2 behind the Hope Marketplace titled “Veracity”, and Patsey produced a beautiful luminescent study of the Clark Fork Delta entitled “Birds and Wetland”.
The formal judging was done by Ben Mitchell, a NW art curator and author of books on Harold Balazs, Ruben Trejo, and Theodore Waddell of Montana. The First Place Purchase Award was given to Aaron Johnson of Moscow, ID, for “Birch Trees on Oden Bay” which captured his passion and reverence for nature and trees. Second prize was awarded to Jared Shear of Thompson Falls, MT, for deftly bringing to life the light falling on shoreline rocks. Diana Moses Botkin of Bonners Ferry, ID, placed third with “Morning Trees by the Lake” showcasing her refined hand in very small works.
In addition to business, Outskirts Gallery and FSPW hosted two evenings of “meet & greet” where the artists had a chance to kick back and share their enthusiasm for art and nature, their expertise, and camaraderie.
Eight paintings were sold that Sunday, and the Outskirts Gallery will continue the exhibit through December inviting the public to view and Buy for the Legacy of Scotchman Peaks with part of the proceeds going to FSPW. The Gallery is open Wed-Sun from 11AM to 5PM. For more information call Kally at (208) 264-5696, or go to www.outskirtsgallery.com. These are Buy Fresh, Buy Local holiday gifts guaranteed to give pleasure for generations.
