First-Ever Winter Plein Air Painting Festival

For our first entry of the Grand Marais Art Colony's blog, we decided to feature our first Winter Plein Air Painting Festival. Nothing like firsts, here at the Art Colony!

Plein Air is a french term referring to a painting executed entirely outdoors.

For four days, 16 talented artists braved the cold to capture the serene winter landscapes of the Gunflint Trail. Yes, you heard correct, painting outside in the WINTER in northern Minnesota!

To give you a sense of the high adventure check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr80ZtK7mLw&sms_ss=blogger

Artists retreated in the evenings to YMCA Camp Menogyn where they were treated to 3 delicious hot meals a day, cozy twig leather furniture and a warm wood stove. Staff was even willing to model for an after-dinner painting session.

Capturing the beauty of winter was a main topic of conversation amongst festival participants and ultimately, it was decided that the element of light was most essential to a compelling painting. Painters relished the warm afternoon light as the sun-set behind whimsical pines and a vivid blue sky. Each canvas exploded with colors one expected from a scene of summer wildflowers, acknowledging that winter is just as creatively inspiring and boldly beautiful as any warm-breezed day.
Mark your calendars for next year, because you don't want to miss this spectacular event that celebrates art and winter in the best of ways! Paintings from the Festival are on exhibit at the Grand Marais Art Colony Gallery through the month of April, so, stop by and check out these gems.

The Art Colony is located at 120 W. 3rd Ave in Grand Marais, MN