Juliet S. Ragan, Central City. It sounds very difficult to paint a picture in two hours while people watch and talk to you. However, that is exactly what happened at the Plein Air Festival September 26th, 2020. The Plein Air Festival, in Central City, Colorado is an annual Fall event that draws a big crowd. This year was the 3rd year the festival was held, and even in the midst of an on-going crisis, the event  was enjoyed by many people. At 11:30 the painters started their “Quick Draw’ paintings.  The artists had 2 hours to complete a painting of something they chose in Central City.  Even in the short time they did a spectacular job.

As the painters worked on completing their paintings, the people  walked around looking at the painters’ progress. The spectators had many questions and compliments for the painters. The artists seem to enjoy the conversations. One painter, David Pyle, even told some  observers jokes as they passed by. The painters were spread along Eureka street and you could see the painting versus the real thing it was based on. The painters could include whatever they wanted in their paintings. One painter even included Patrice LeBlanc who happened to be sitting on the bench in-front of the Stables.

As you watched the painters you could enjoy a lovely meal from J.K.Q. and listen to  live music from the Central City Opera right in the middle of all the activity. After the 2 hours were up, the painters hard work payed off. The winner of this year’s  “Quick Draw” Plein Air Festival was Richie Vios.

In this unique outdoor festival the artists showed not only there incredible talents, but also their adaptability. It is amazing to watch the painting process. The fact that they had to paint a picture in 2 hours with no lack of distractions made it an impressive thing to behold. If you missed this years’ festival Central City hopes you can make it next year.

(Originally published in the October 15, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)