Winning artists show the beauty of Overton County

This news story first appeared in Overton County News on October 15, 2024.

Overton County Arts Council hosted its inaugural Paint Livingston “Plein Air” Competition and Quick Draw Competition, sponsored by First National Bank, on Thursday, Oct. 3, through Saturday, Oct. 5, which included 38 artists from around the southern United States.

Thursday morning brought the artists to a welcome breakfast where they received maps and canvases were date stamped, and they were sent out to “paint Livingston.”

Artist and judge Connie Erickson said, “Plein air painting is challenging at any time. Changing weather conditions, bugs, sun, wind, and being in an unfamiliar location can test the best artist. The addition of a competition can make it even more challenging, so kudos to all of you.”

Artists’ works were all judged on Saturday and presentation of winners was held that afteroon at 1:30 p.m. at Millard Oakley Public Library.

“I want to especially encourage the new plein air painters. Even if you did not receive an award this time, I encourage you to keep up your practice and find joy in being in the outdoors absorbing and appreciating the magnificence of nature,” Erickson said. “Competitions can be your teacher. They inspire you to improve. Keep entering competitions and shows. Be inspired by your fellow painters.

“Painting from nature is the best way to learn to really see. The more you paint, the better you will become. You will remember every place you have painted with much more feeling than just taking a photo can provide.”

All the painters were also expected to participate and enter art into the two-hour Quick Draw Competition held Saturday morning around the downtown courthouse square.

Spectators were given an opportunity to be immersed into the creative process of the artists during this event.

“I tried to be as fair and objective as possible as I evaluated the quality of composition, value, color, edges, drawing, paint application, and your special vision displayed in each of your paintings. It was very difficult to choose among the winners the order of the awards. All of the award merited paintings were excellent. Thank you to all the participants for sharing your beautiful art with the community,” Erickson concluded.

Paint Livingston was hailed a success by the art community, setting the stage for Livingston to become a destination for art lovers for years to come.

“Competitions can be your teacher. They inspire you to improve.” - Connie Erickson, Paint Livingston Art Judge