Plein air artists paint against the clock

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 4:30pm

    Painters from around the country set up their easels and programmed stopwatches to compete in a “Quick Draw” competition at the Farmers’ Market at the Boothbay Common on Thursday, Sept. 7.

    According to organizer Mary Phelps, artists had two hours to complete a painting that would be available for sale that evening at a reception at Harborfield’s Boat Barn Gallery in West Boothbay Harbor.

    Phelps said the 19 entrants came from as far as St. Louis, Missouri to take part in the events that are part of Harbor Fest week.

    Missouri artist Jodie Lee Maurer was one of two artists to focus on a golden retriever as her subject. “It is one of my favorite events,” said Maurer.

    Renee Lammars, the other dog painter, from Bucksport said she felt her model would want a treat for posing. She thought a farmer’s market cookie might work. Lammers paints on copper, which she said lasts longer without cracking than on canvas.

    Plein air painter Ed Buonvecchio of Readfield has been coming to the event since 2011. “I have never won the first prize,” he said.

    Jessica Frigg of Winthrop said she has to work fast to finish in the allotted time. “I have to keep the brush moving,”she said.

    Oil painter Roberta Goschtke of Waldoboro said it was unlikely her work would be dry before the artists reception.

    Proceeds from works sold at the reception are split 60/40 between the artists and the Stroke of Art/Harbor Fest program, said Phelps. Many of the artists are members of Plein Air Artists of Maine.