The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine … is simplicity. Walt Whitman

There could have been no finer day for the quick draw Paint Out competition in Bel Air, MD yesterday morning. Easels and artists lined the Historic Main Street and in other locations, scattered throughout town for two hours. A short window of time to complete a painting!

It is always refreshing to see youth jump in on the fun, and work on their painting skills. One participant appeared to be as young as 5. I spoke with a fourteen year old and she has been doing the yearly competition since the age of 8. Her practice is paying off well, I was impressed by what she was bringing to her canvas.

A few collages of photos tell the stories of just some of the plein air painters who participated. Indeed, there were many! And at the end of the two hours, winners of the 2023 Paint Out are selected.

The Paint Out is just one of many other arts events spread out throughout Harford County for a sixteen day period from September 15 to Sept 31, 2023.

Do return in four days time, I will post some of the fabulous paintings on display at the Bel Air Armory from September 15, 2023 reception and awards ceremony which kicked off the arts festival. On September 17th, the exhibit will be moved from the Armory to a space just a stone’s throw away, just behind the Bel Air Armory for a six week period. There are a few events scheduled in October.