The artists pose for a photo after the 8th Annual Celebration of Art Quickdraw and Auction
"Inner Warmth" oil on canvas, 16x24 inches, is my studio piece for this year's exhibit.
Well, the 8th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art has come and gone. I had one heck of a great week painting with some of the country's best landscape painters, and it was an honor and a privilege to be part of such an event. The proceeds from this event are split between the artists and Grand Canyon Association, with the goal of funding a permanent art venue on the South Rim, to house the Park's extensive art collection.
https://www.grandcanyon.org/arts-and-culture/2016-celebration-art
The event is hosted by the Grand Canyon Association, the official nonprofit partner of the Grand Canyon National Park. 24 artists were invited to paint in the park for one week. Blank canvases were stamped on the back side at the beginning of the event (Friday Sep. 9th), and artists had one week to paint as much as they like. All completed paintings had to be framed and ready to hang by Friday, Sep. 16th at 5pm, and delivered to the historic Kolb Studio.
Matt painting at Moran Point
Saturday morning, the 17th, was the Quick Draw competition. Artists had to complete a plein air painting in just two hours, from 8am to 10am. The painting then had to be framed and delivered for a live auction at 11am. The public was able to witness the paintings come to life before them, and bid on them just an hour later!
"Smokey Quickdraw" 8x16 inches. Sold at auction. A forest fire on the North Rim caused a lot of smoke to settle in the canyon, which offered an opportunity to really push the atmospheric perspective.
Saturday evening was the sneak preview opening reception. It was great seeing all the artists fresh work, and speaking with the collectors, volunteers, and GCA and Park staff.
Matt at the Kolb Studio opening reception, September 17th 2016. Photo courtesy of Marlene Whitlock
Sunday morning was another sneak preview reception with brunch, followed by the public grand opening at noon. It was a weekend full of buzz and excitement, and "red dots" were flying everywhere.
I managed to paint 24 paintings during the week, including my Quickdraw piece pictured above. Here are the other 23 pieces. To purchase any of these paintings, please contact the Kolb Studio at (928) 638-2481. The show will be up until January 16, 2017.
"First Light at Moran Point" 9x12 inches, $500
"Still Chipping Away" 6x8 inches, $300
"Cloudforms over Mohave Point" 6x8 inches, $300
"Number 237" 8x16 inches, $900
8x10 inches, $400
9x12 inches, $500
8x10 inches, $400
"Far Above the Colorado" 8x16 inches, $800
"Yaki Duality #2" 6x8 inches, $300
"Yaki Duality #1" 6x8 inches, $300
"Hermit's River View" 8x8 inches, $400
6x6 inches, $300
"Sunset study at Hopi Point" 6x8 inches, not for sale.
"Dancing Shadows" 8x8 inches, $400
"Reaching Out over the Edge at Hopi Point" 9x12 inches, Sold.
"Fallen Ancient" 6x8 inches, $300
"Into the Abyss" 16x20 inches, $1600
"In Open Arms" 9x12 inches, Sold.
8x16 inches, $800
"First Light on the Battleship" 8x8 inches, $400
"Last Light at Yavapai Point" 8x10 inches, $400
Sunset Study, 6x8 inches, not for sale
"Ribbon of Silver" 8x8 inches, $400
