Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational Attracts Prominent Artists

Participating plein air artist Mary Pettis paints on location at Kamehameha Iki Park. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

An annual artistic endeavor on Maui brings together 25 of the top plein air artists from Hawaii and the US Mainland.

Now in its seventh year, the newest edition of the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational will take place February 18 to 26, 2012.

Artists have an opportunity to capture the island’s spectacular vistas, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and historic towns.

There will also be an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to view artists at work, as they soak up outdoor settings around the Valley Isle.

Maui plein air artist Carleton Kinkade paints on location at D.T. Fleming Beach. Courtesy photo.

“The Maui Plein Air Invitational has surely become one of the premier national events of its kind,” said Mary Pettis, a favorite mainland artist and event participant for the past 6 years.

“I truly believe that we are part of something larger – we are creating works of historic significance and value,” said Pettis.  “As the week unfolds, each artist documents his or her singular and varied impressions of this extraordinary island. We also witness how art can function in ways ,” she said.

Kick off Paint Out at D.T. Fleming Beach:

The 2012 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational begins with the Kick off Paint Out at D.T. Fleming Beach on Saturday, February 18 from noon to 3 p.m. The artists then spend the week painting on their own and at special events.

Paintings will then be available for sale at Village Gallery in The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua at 4 p.m. The show will continue daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through February 24.

Jean Stern, the Executive Director of the Irvine Museum in California, and a recognized authority on California Impressionism, is the guest speaker and juror during the event. He will present a lecture titled “Impressionism Made Easy” on Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina.

The Pacific ‘O Sunset Paint Out at Kamehameha Iki Park:

There’s another chance to see all of the artists in West Maui at the Pacific ‘O Sunset Paint Out at Kamehameha Iki Park on Wednesday, February 22. The artists will gather from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the popular beach park next to 505 Front Street Shops and Restaurants to find inspiration in the sunset and beach scene.

Lahaina Harbor Quick Draw at the Pioneer Inn:

By Friday, February 24, the 25 artists will be faced with a time limit to finish a painting that will be sold later that evening.

A horn will sound at 9 a.m. sharp and the artists will have exactly two hours to complete a painting at the Pioneer Inn Lahaina Harbor Quick Draw.

Three of the best paintings from each artist plus the Quick Draw painting will be unveiled and available for purchase at the Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine Gala Reception that evening at The Village Gallery, 120 Dickenson Street in Lahaina, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Awards will be given and art collectors and enthusiasts will have an opportunity to view and purchase these original works.

Last Chance Interaction at The Village Gallery:

The public will have one last chance to interact with event artists at The Village Gallery over coffee, pastries and music from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 25.  The gallery will be open until 9 p.m. that evening.

Then, on Sunday, February 26, the public will have one last chance to view and purchase available paintings at The Village Gallery from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Participating Artists from Hawaii and Afar:

Many of the artists participating in the upcoming Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational are well known local favorites including: George Allan (Kula, Maui); Pierre Bouret (Hanalei, Kauai); Mark Brown (Honolulu Oahu); Mike Carroll (Lanai City, Lanai); Saim Caglayan (Kauai); Michael Clements (Kula Maui); Betty Hay Freeland (Pukalani, Maui); Darrell Hill (Kamuela, Big Island); Carleton Kinkade (Lahaina, Maui); Ronaldo Macedo (Lahaina, Maui); Macario Pascual (Lahaina, Maui); and Marty Wessler (Hanapepe, Kauai).

Prominent Mainland artists who will be participating include: Ken Auster and Jacobus Baas (Laguna Beach, CA);  oGavin Brooks (Owings Mills, MD); Josh Clare(Queens Creek, AZ); Debra Huse (Newport Beach, CA); Clark G. Mitchell (Cotati, CA); Billyo O’Donnell (Eureka, MO); Colin Page (Camden, ME); Mary Pettis (Taylors Falls, MN); Peggy Kroll Roberts and Ray Roberts (Angels Camp, CA); Randall Sexton (Vallejo, CA); and Jove Wang (Alhambra, CA).