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A little less paint at this year's Plein Air Paint Out

Paint event in Sidney draws fewer artists than in years past, but more art sold, says organizer
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Ron Wilson from Victoria checks the inspiration for his work of art at the Plein Air Paint Out held on Saturday

A smaller group of artists turned out for this year’s Plein Air Paint Out in Sidney, but event organizer Odette Laroche said the event was still a success.

“We did have [fewer] artists participating this year, but the ones who came are the ones who come consistently every year,” Laroche said. “We also sold more paintings than ever before so that was great.”

Laroche said participation was down about half, from last year’s attendance of 45 artists to 25 this year.

Laroche cited personal difficulties, travel plans and illnesses among artists as the main interferences with participation.

“It’s common in the art world to cancel classes and workshops due to [low] registration, however the Paint Out goes on as scheduled no matter what the numbers are,” she said.

Sidney Mayor Larry Cross was on hand to award prizes to the winning artists at the bandshell in Beacon Park.

First place went to Judy McLaren from North Saanich who produced an oil painting of children. Second place went to Victoria’s Jim McFarland and third went to John Hofman of Nanaimo.

Select paintings from the Plein Air Paint Out are on display at the Mary Winspear Centre until Aug. 22.