Plein Air in the Pearl and Newberg

This First Thursday I attended "According to Northwest Light" at Albina Community Bank in the Pearl. It was a juried exhibit of plein air paintings by the Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters, and it was an honor to be selected with this group. Included are two of my paintings of the Columbia Gorge, at Rooster Rock and Benson Lake parks. It was a fun gathering of my fabulous artist friends and other friends of art! Come by through August at Albina Bank, 430 NW 10th Avenue, Portland. To see other images of the First Thursday opening, see http://celestebergin.blogspot.com.

This is another painting of lavender inspired from a photo taken at Stonegate Lavender, West Linn. Two of my plein air paintings from there and one painted at the Blue Heron Herbary in Sauvie Island are on view as part of the Lavender Festival at Cusick Picture Frame, 608 E. First Street, Newberg, open Tuesday through Saturday, through August.

Verdant View

I started this 10" x 10" painting a few weeks ago after a walk through a densely forested trail at Rooster Rock park. It was one of those "can't see the forest for the trees" situations. Suddenly, light was revealed through the "V" of an old tree covered with moss, and luckily my camera was with me. I used different acrylic media to accentuate the textures of moss and bark.

Next month I have several shows! Two of my plein air paintings will be on display at the Hillsboro Plein Air Exhibition August 2-31 at the Walters Cultural Arts Center main gallery. The opening is Tuesday August 2 at 6:00 pm, with music and refreshments!

Next First Thursday August 4, I'll have two paintings as part of "According to Northwest Light" at the Albina Bank in the Pearl District. The reception is 6:00-9:00 pm, and Albina Bank is located at 430 NW 10th Avenue, Portland 97209. Come on by!