Arts enthusiasts can enjoy a snapshot of Haliburton County in a new showcase that debuted at Rails End Gallery last week.
The second annual ‘En Plein Air Haliburton’ exhibit opened Sept. 19, featuring 67 works depicting scenes from across the Highlands. The show is a celebration of outdoor, on-location painting, said Rails End curator Laurie Jones.
A juried exhibition, 20 pieces were selected by Jones and fellow artist Rossana Dewey to be displayed at the Haliburton village gallery until Nov. 8, with the remainder featured in a virtual exhibition until Dec. 15.
“Plein air painting captures the immediacy of the moment – light, atmosphere, and the artist’s personal response to the landscape,” Jones said. “The jurors were delighted to see participating artists interpreting our region in so many unique and inspiring ways.”
Billed as a friendly painting competition – though there were other mediums featured, such as embroidery, pastels, and sketches – Jones said this year’s event was all about boosting community engagement. In the weeks leading up, would-be participants were sent regular painting prompts, while there were several in-person and virtual sessions hosted by Jones and County-based artist Dave Kerr, showing people what plein air painting is all about.
The extra effort paid off in a big way, with Jones receiving double the submissions than last year’s inaugural show.
Pieces were judged in five areas, receiving a score of one-to-five in each: composition and design; the use of light and colour; technical skills; interpretation and originality; and overall impression.
Jones said it was a difficult job narrowing down the submissions to the 20 featured finalists, with judging taking place over two days.
“We have a lot of talented artists here and I think the quality and diversity of what we received illustrated that well,” she said. “There were some nice surprises – one of the submissions was done on a canvas that had been buried under a forest floor for some time before the artist brought it up and decided to work from it – there was very delicate stitchery along the layers of soil, it was really unique.”
Another entry used plant matter as a natural stencil, with the artist utilizing spray paint to complete their design.
“It wasn’t quite graffiti-like, but it had elements of that. The treatment of light was really excellent, it was an interesting piece,” Jones said.
The best in show was Kelly Whyte’s Ritchie Falls Rumble, a 12-by-24-inch oil painting on canvas, winning the $500 grand prize. In total, nine artists were awarded for their work.
Jones said the competition was supported by the Haliburton County Development Corporation, Haliburton County Tourism, and Martin’s Framing and Art Supplies.
To see the virtual exhibit, visit www. railsendgallery.com.
Award winners
Best in Show: Kelly Whyte, Ritchie Falls Rumble
Haliburton County Tourism Pick: James Brown, Caboose Bike Hub
New to Plein Air: Donna Lockey, Three Brothers Falls
Best 11-by-14-inch or under: Oksana Baczynsky, Cheong’s Gooderham
Honourable Mentions: Greg McHarg, Trees and Reflection; Ian Ball, Jim Beef at Minden Farmers Market; David Greene, Blockade Series 2025; Ian Varney, Picnic; Carole Milon, The Land Between.
