(Above: Western Hills, by Kathy Paskey, is part of For the Love of Painting, an exhibit at the Emerald Art Center of work by members of the Plein Air Painters of Lane County.)
By Randi Bjornstad
The Emerald Art Center’s main show for February is called For the Love of Painting, and as center executive director Guy Weese points out, the exhibit of work by the Plein Air Painters of Lane County is “a combination of their plein air paintings plus work that has been done in their studios.”
This being winter in Oregon, even those hardy artists who prefer painting outdoors in classic plein air fashion — it’s the French term for “in the open air” — might find the temperature and precipitation too much too handle, so studio work or even painting from landscape photos can become a more attractive choice.
And then, as Weese says, “There also are artists who enjoy painting subjects other than landscapes. This show represents the wide range of talents in their group.”
Kristi Moomey likens the lives of people to the rings of trees.
Sarah Bloom Kinser paints scenes of rural Oregon, using acrylic paints.
The Plein Air Painters’ show is just part of what’s on display at the Emerald Art Center in February. Two of the center’s member artists, Kristi Moomey and Sarah Bloom Kinser, also have their work featured.
Kristi Moomey’s show, titled Slice of Life: A Journey Through Art and Time, uses resin paintings to show the varying patterns in the rings of the cross-sections of tree trunks as an analogy to “cross-sections” experienced by people in their own lives. Just as the rings of tree trunks show the times when rain was plentiful and growth abundant, in contrast to times of privation because of drought or fire, good and bad times also leave signs on human lives.
Sarah Bloom Kinser’s Celebration of Oregon is a selection of her acrylic landscapes, some painted from her boat along local rivers. She also uses her art to offer Mobile Paint and Maker Parties throughout Lane County as well as teaching art classes.
The Emerald Art Center also exhibits new work by members of the center. Selected artwork from the center’s collection also will be on display and for sale.
On the walls at the Emerald Art Center
When: Through Feb. 28, 2025; reception and Second Friday Art Walk 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14
Where: 500 Main St., downtown Springfield
Regular gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
