Plein air artists get outside for natural light and colour
Under the shade of the gazebo at West Kelowna’s Sanctuary gardens, a gathering of artists worked to capture the sweeping view of Okanagan Lake, the azure sky, the cool greens of the gardens, the warm golds of the grasses and the light sparkling off the lake while painting plein air.
Plein air artists work outdoors to incorporate natural light and colour into their works.
One of the artists, Robert Wood, comes from a line of artists. His grandfather was Robert E. Wood and his father was Karl E. Wood. Primarily known for his Canadian landscapes, Wood’s works include the Okanagan, the Rocky Mountains and the West. His work is on display at Hambleton Galleries in Kelowna.
Wood, is local to West Kelowna and lives near Sanctuary Gardens, is represented by Hambleton Galleries in Kelowna.
Wood said he has known Kelowna artists
Ron Hedrick and his daughter Jessica, also an artist, forever.
Ron Hedrick, based in Kelowna, enjoyed painting as a hobby until he moved to a lakeside cabin where he was inspired to take up painting professionally. Hedrick has his work on display at Tutt Street Gallery in Kelowna.
Ron and Jessica had been at Wood’s place for lunch and commented what a great area it was to paint. Wood suggested he check with the nearby Sanctuary Gardens to see if the artists could paint on her property.
“It’s such a spectacular location, not just the vista and the view, but also the flowers, the pathways and everything,” said Wood.
Kirstin Wakal, owner of Sanctuary Gardens, agreed to share the space with the artists. Along with Wood and the Hedricks were some of the Hedricks’ students from the coast, making a group of professional and amateur artists enjoying the day.