A Paint-out on the Florida Panhandle

Happy artists with the day's work done, awaiting the judge's decision

Did you miss yesterday's 4th Annual Bagdad and Milton Plein Air Paint-out? We had a fantastic time. Each year this event has become bigger and better. This year it was extended to a full days paint and each participant was allowed to submit two paintings for exhibition. Also new this year, the artists could choose sites anywhere within a two town area.

75 degrees and sunny, the weather couldn't have been more perfect! 25 artists gathered at 8 in the morning to begin a day of painting. Coffee and breakfast pastries were waiting as we arrived. After getting our panels stamped, we were given a map of possible sites, a bag lunch and instructions to have our paintings back and framed by 3:30.

The Dragonfly Gallery in Milton was our center of operations for the paint out which was sponsored by the gallery and the Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation. While the show was being hung, the artists and visitors were treated to very excellent music and a delicious catered lunch.

relaxing while the show was being hung

grateful to be honored with Second Place award!

Awards time brought a surprise for me. I received second place for my painting Shoreline Curve! Other winners were Christian Hemme- Best of Show, Fred Meyers- First Place, Esther Ballentine- Third Place and Jill Berry- Judges Choice.

artists and visitors enjoying the exhibit

So, what made this paint out so enjoyable?
- The sponsors went above and beyond to provide for the artist's comfort and enjoyment.
- The decision to not make the event invitational was very deliberate. The organizers
 wanted to encourage participation and create a day of fun and camaraderie.
- Everyone who participated had the chance to see their work exhibited and to gain new patrons. Though the paint- out was only one day long, the paintings will hang at the Dragonfly Gallery for more than a month.
- Plans are already underway to continue to grow and improve next year's paint-out, including the possibility of extending it to a two day event. 

My other entry-Banks of the Brook-©Theresa Grillo Laird- 9x12 oil

Do you want to join us next year? Watch for our 2015 listing in the plein air paint-outs  guide coming out in December's Plein Air Magazine.