It's a Winner! Helwig places first in Leighton's Plein Air Festival 2020

I am happy to announce that my painting, Going Home, was awarded first place in the Leighton’s Plein Air Wet Paint and Competition, Sept 12, 2020.

The event, held as part of The Alberta Cultural Days, launched The Leighton Centre’s In the Open juried group Exhibition.

In the photos above I am holding my painting on the right. From left to right (standing) is Gerald Mulhall 3rd place winner, Chris Iskew (honourable mention), myself. Theresa Williams the 2nd place winner, is kneeling on the ground.

En plein air is from a French expression that literally means, “in the open air”. The practise of painting outdoors dates back to when artists did studies outside to then complete more finished work inside their studios. With the invention of tin tubes paint became portable and accessible. As a result plein air painting developed into an artform on it’s own merit. The French Impressionists of the 1800 made painting on location a popular pastime. In Canada the history of plein continues as the Group of Seven often painted on location.

When I first painted, at the age of fourteen, I hauled my gear into the coulees behind the family home. I thought all painters worked on location. I was a nerdy kid and had read a lot about the impressionists. I first painted on the banks of the Old Man River. I still think it is a great way to learn how to paint. Often in the summer you can find me returning to my outdoor classroom as I haul my easel outside.

I would like to thank The Leighton Centre for organizing this event, the judges for their kind remarks and Swinton Art Supplies for their sponsorship.

Going Home was on exhibit at The Palliser Art Gallery and Frame shop and is now is owned by a private collector.