On your marks, get set . . . paint.
Easels will be loaded with blank canvasses at high noon. At the sound of the starting pistol, brushes will be drawn and painting will begin for the Great Painters Challenge.
It will all go down on Sunday, Aug. 5 in the beautiful gardens at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery in Fort Langley.
In total, 13 well-known B.C. artists, many residents of the Fort, will compete for the HSBC gold, silver and bronze medals. The artists will have only until 3 p.m. to complete their masterpieces, and the short time frame can be a challenge.
“Some of the artists have been practising,” said Birthplace of B.C. Gallery co-owner Kurt Alberts.
“Some are used to painting plein air, but it’s not easy to complete a piece of art in three hours.
“Painters like Alan Wylie use tiny brushes while an artist like Brent Heighton has an easier time because he uses big brushes.”
Participating artists include Wylie, Heighton, Allan Hancock, Amanda Jones, Carmel Claire, Dianna Ponting, Heidi Lambert, Jack Turpin, Janice Robertson, Joyce Trygg, Linda Muttitt, Lyle Longstaff and Perry Haddock.
All the paintings will be framed at 3 p.m. and hung in the Pine Room of the Birthplace Gallery where they will be judged.
A jury of 10 art collectors will select the top three painting at 4 p.m. and present the artist with the medals. But the public is being asked to pick their favourite, too, for the “People’s Choice” category.
“This is our way of celebrating B.C. Day here at the Birthplace of B.C. Gallery, in Fort Langley which is the Birthplace of B.C.,” said gallery owner Brenda Alberts.
There are no rules for the competition, only that each artist must start with a blank canvas. There aren’t any themes. Artists can paint whatever catches their eye and they are welcome to paint from a photograph they bring, said Alberts.
“They are welcome to paint the garden or anything they wish,” said Alberts.
Hard Times Blue Grass Band will perform from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other artists will be doing demonstrations in the garden at the same time and on Monday as well.
