~~You most likely know that Garin Baker was Plein Air Easton’s Grand Prize Winner for 2013. He won with his powerful painting, ”A Buck Twenty a Bushel!”.  It seemed somewhat surprising to me that a painting with a figure won the competition but when I saw it I understood why. The painting portrays a waterman sitting at the helm of his workboat, his back to the viewer. He appears to be hot, sweaty and sagging from an arduous day of crabbing. It’s one of those paintings that tell a story simply but deeply and undeniably expressive. Those are the ones that really speak to me. I thought his painting described a profoundly fundamental and honest way of being that is at the heart of life here on the Delmarva Peninsula - a life which intrigues and draws many to our shores for a closer look.

So, why am I blogging today about a 2013 already often-blogged-about painting? Well, let me explain. The Working Artist Forum sponsors the Local Color Art Show & Sale at The Tidewater Inn during Plein Air Easton. The Forum also provides free demos during our Show weekend for the general public. We are always privileged to acquire our five demo artists from the previous year’s list of Plein Air Easton’s Competition winners. The demos are a fascinating peek at how the artist works and if you happen to be an artist as I am, it’s a great resource of information and technique to take back to your own studio.

Garin Baker is this year’s Local Color judge and will also be presenting the first demo on Friday, July 18 (http://www.garinbaker.com/). The demo takes place immediately following the 12:00 noon Local Color Reception and Award Presentation. Garin will be doing a live portrait demo from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. This demo comes with a very special added bonus. YOU could be the model AND at the end of the sitting, the portrait could be yours to keep! The WAF is sponsoring a raffle for just this reason. Tickets will be $20 each and the lucky winner who sits for the portrait will receive their Garin Baker original at the end of the demo! I KNOW! Isn’t that amazing??

Raffle tickets are limited and will be available at the PAE Information Center during Plein Air Easton. The portrait subject must be present for the ticket drawing and ready to pose at 12:45 PM or another ticket will be drawn. Tickets are not necessary for the demo. The purchase of raffle tickets does not guarantee a seat in the audience for the demo. Admittance is on a first come basis and seating is limited.

The Working Artists Forum is delighted to begin our three days of art demos with such a spectacular kickoff!  So I ask? Who wouldn’t be thrilled to own a Garin Baker original?? How about you?

Information on ticket purchase will be available on the PAE website soon at https://pleinaireaston.com/events/local-color-artist-demo-garin-baker. You must be 18 years or older to participate.

Local Color Art Show and Demo Schedule
Opening Reception and Award Ceremony – Friday, July 18 12:00 Noon
Show Hours
Friday, July 18, 12 Noon – 6:00PM
Saturday, July 19, 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Sunday, July 20, 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Demonstrations by Plein Air Easton’s 2013 Competition Award Winners:
2013 Grand Prize Winner - Garin Baker (Friday 1:00PM-3:00PM)
2013 2nd Place Award - Nancy Tankersley (Friday 3:30PM-5:30PM)
2013 Artists' Choice Award - Ken DeWaard (Saturday 2:30PM-4:30PM)
2013 Vanishing Landscape Award - Charlie Hunter (Saturday 5:00PM-7:00PM)
2013 3rd Place - Robert Barber (Sunday 9AM-11AM)
To learn more about The Working Artists Forum go to http://www.workingartistsforum.com/ .