I have been asked questions from fellow pastelists about traveling and plein air festivals. Rather than answer each inquiry individually I will share with all on my blog. If you are a pastelist and would like to add more of your knowledge, please comment.
I have learned:
1. packing frames, glass and paintings for show is a challenge. Sedona wanted at least 6 paintings for show while we painted. During the week these paintings were to be replaced with new work. I reused my frames (on display) and took out the old image.
What I would do next time for cost efficiency when packing, is to take the pastels (that would be for show) out of their frames, under glassine, wrapped neatly and protected by boards. The frames I would pack separately- either all the same size, stacked or different sizes nested. The glass would be packed separately with gator board and mat board cushioning between the sheets. This method would cut down on the costs that skyrocket when shipping numerous paintings under glass. Driving to the festival is definitely the preferred method...if you can. For Sedona, that was a time impossibility for me.
2. Make certain to bring marketing materials. Most painters carry larger postcards, booklets, books, etc. Be prepared to talk.
3. Bring at least two surfaces for each frame. For me that meant I brought 3 Uart mounted boards for each. That allowed me to pick my strongest work for the show.
4. Many painters now have at least one large work at the festival. Some will even create triptych on location. The unusual format demands notice.There was a talented pastelist at the Quick Draw who painted and framed her piece in the time allowed. She won (and deserved) the award.
5. Make certain to take at least a small break during the day. Painting with this kind of pressure needs a release. Each day I would return "home" and go for a run in the canyon. I felt refreshed and ready to take on the afternoon/evening shift.
5. The people of the West appreciate pastels.
6. Host families are a wonderful way to connect with people. Each time I have been blessed with amazing families and created new relationships. This time my host family had a casita in which they housed both Cindy (from Rhode Island) and me. We each had our own bedroom and bathroom, plus a living room and kitchenette. Their lovely home was right to the National Park/Cathedral Rocks. WOW! Thank you Jeanette and David for taking such good care of us. I was fortunate to have my casita-mate Cindy. Each evening we would tell stories of the day and share a bit of dinner. Painting for me requires solitude and so we would go off in our separate directions during the day. The pictures taken below were from the Jerome Paint out. This time we shared a quieter location a mile outside of town.
my new friend Cindy Baron |
me- making my notans |
I want to send a big thank you to all the warm, hard-working people of the Sedona Plein Air Festival. A special thank you goes to Debbie and Vince who patiently supported all of us. Sedona is a class act...not because of the location, but because of the people.
P.S. If you have a moment check out Cindy's website. Link here.
One other amazing pastelist I had the pleasure of meeting is Bruce Gomez. His work won two awards, including the collector's choice! Here is his website as well. Link here.