Review of the Augusta Plein Air Art Event Day 2 - Katy Trail Paint

April 22, 2010 was the second day of the 8^th annual Augusta Plein Air Art Event. The event was held in Defiance where nearly 40 Artists gathered to paint landscapes of and around The Katy Trail in an effort to win a $500 Purse for first prize, $150 for second place and $100 for third.

The morning started with pastries and coffee at the Katy Bike Rental shop in Defiance (See Slideshow). New entrants registered and began setting up equipment from 10 am to 11 am. Each contestant was required to stamp their blank paper or canvas before the event to prove all works were original and done on the day of the event. Painters were not allowed to begin painting until exactly 11 am. Artists were allowed to paint until 4pm when everyone was required to bring their finished works to the courtyard for judging at the Yellow Farmhouse.

Each painter was allowed to choose their own location and subject so long as they could see the Katy Trail or could see their subject from the Katy Trail. Many people were spread out over a 10-mile radius. The sponsors took lunch orders in the morning for a complimentary lunch. A shuttle personally delivered the complimentary meal to each artist in the location where they were painting. Although some painters did not make time to eat until the allowed time was up, the meals were exceptional and included brisket on ciabatta bread, portabella sandwiches, and other tasty meals to choose from.

At 4 pm, the artists gathered in the courtyard with their finished paintings to be judged. The works were as diverse as the people who attended (View Paintings Submitted). The sponsors served wine and cheese while the artists waited patiently for the judges to choose a winning piece.

As the judges were selecting the winner, the sky decided to open up and drop a few pellets of water. Luckily, the umbrellas were opened in the courtyard and everyone quickly grabbed any exposed artwork before they could be ruined. The judges quickly established the prized contestants and announced the winners before it started to rain.

You can see the wonderful works that were produced at the event by viewing the slideshow of the event. Most of the Artwork will be available for sale on May 1^st in Augusta, when the event comes to a close.

Here is the tentative schedule for the entire event:

The tentative schedule is as follows:

Wed., 4/21 Registration
Thurs., 4/22 Katy Trail Paint
Fri., 4/23 Sunset Paint (Balducci)
Sat., 4/24 Augusta (Paint the Town)
Sun., 4/25 Montelle Winery
Mon., 4/26 Private Estate - Picnic
Tues., 4/27 Day in Defiance
Wed., 4/28 Augusta Shores
Thurs., 4/29 Chandler Hill
Fri., 4/30 Artists' Choice & Augusta's Choice
Sat., 5/1 Award Presentation and Sale

For more information visit the website for the event at AUGUSTA ART EVENT 2010