plein air easton

 Yesterday I spent the day in Easton, Maryland, for the Plein Air Easton 2023 Quick Draw competition. This 2-hour event attracts usually attracts about 200 artists from all over the country, but this year the weather was good and about 250 artists took part in the competition, including artists from as far away as Italy. 

I chose a spot that was within a few feet of where I parked my car, and had a great view of this dilapidated house and a cafe garden filled with umbrella tables. A loud horn blew at 10 am, to signal to the artists that they could then start their paintings. 

 

One Way, 12x16 watercolor by Annie Strack

My finished painting, framed and on the easel at the show and sale at 12 noon. Painted with my favorite art supplies -- Sennelier watercolor paints and Dynasty brushes on Hahnemuehle paper. 

My friend and fellow artist Winifred Wray shot this photo of me at the PAE 2023 quick draw show and sale. 

In other news, I just shipped off this painting to the Georgia Watercolor Society annual juried members show. 

Watch your Step, 9x12 watercolor by Annie Strack

And this painting is on it's way to the Kentucky Watercolor Society 46th National Juried Show. 

Point Guard, 20x14 watercolor by Annie Strack

Up next, I have a Solo Exhibition in Laurel, Maryland, in the gallery of the Patuxent River National Wildlife Refuge. It will be on display for the month of August, and feature several of my paintings of coastal shorebirds and their habitats. 

happy holiday! more from Italy

 More happy news! I just found out that my painting "Ever Decreasing Circles" juried into the Rocky Mountain Watermedia Exhibition! I'm framing and shipping this off today. 

Ever Decreasing Circles by Annie Strack

As promised, here's some more pictures of my painting workshop in Italy...

Making paint at A. Gallo in Assisi, Italy. 

My group of artists with me in Rimini, Italy

selection of cured meats at a deli in Fabriano, Italy.

the view down the mountain from San Marino.

Shopping for art supplies with Alina Gallo at the A. Gallo flagship store in Assisi, Italy. 

A typical alley facade in Italy.

marble sidewalks in Bologna, Italy

Frescoes above the marble sidewalks of Bologna. 

Ecclesial garments for sale in many shops in Assisi. 

Breakfast in the vaulted dining room of the Parco Ducale.

One of the large public squares in Assisi 

Assisi, Italy