Every year, artists gather their supplies to attend the largest painting event held in Utah. Wasatch Plein Air Paradise is put on by the Midway Art Association (MAA) in Midway, Utah. The event consists of several painting competitions and art exhibitions where artists paint “en plein air.” This year, it took place from June 22-July 6.
Bryce Samuelson was born in Arizona, raised in Washington, and has spent the last decade living in Orem. Anything that ties him back to “the grounding reality of the incredible earth we live on” inspires him. His piece “Morning at Blood’s Lake” took first in the Main Professional category. This was his first year participating in the event, and he enjoyed the many opportunities to explore and describe the landscape.
Louisa Lorenz grew up in a rural area in California’s Central Valley. She married two years ago, moved to Bountiful, and recently bought her first house in Roy. Louisa’s parents have always inspired her to find beauty in every day and in the imperfect. Her piece “Autumn Apples” took first in the Studio category, and her other piece “Potted Geraniums” took third in the Midway Paint Out. Painting outdoors, she enjoys how well you can see the colors, temperatures, and values.
Wendy Reni grew up in Las Vegas and has lived in Midway for thirteen years. She has attended art exhibitions and has felt inspired by the other artists, as well as the beauty of nature. Her piece “Stolen Seasons” took first in the Amateur category. In describing her piece she shared, “Hard times may steal seasons of our lives away, but we can find healing in these beautiful places that surround us.” This was her first art show and her first time sharing her art publicly. She feels closest to her mom while painting outdoors.
Steve Stauffer is from Murray, Utah, and is 71 years old. He has always been inspired by teachers, family, peers, and the Western landscape. His piece “Golden Light over the Fields” took first in the Heber Paint Out, and his other piece “Passing Times” took second in the Midway Paint Out. This was his 11th year of competing, and it is one of his favorite events. His favorite things about painting outdoors are the spontaneity, the contrasting light, and the location.
Michelle Nixon is from Cache Valley, Utah. She finds inspiration in the subtle beauty of the world around us. Her piece “Morning Sounds” took first in the Heber Paint Out, her piece “However Found” took second in the Main Professional category, and her piece “A Commanding Pause” took second in the Nocturne/Sunrise Paint Out. In her titles, she tries to maintain the depth of the viewer’s original thoughts while making the description more fluid and cohesive. She has participated in the event since 2017. She loves the immediacy of painting outdoors, where the changing light and atmosphere challenge her to capture the scene.
Carol Granger is originally from Indiana but moved to Utah in 2018. She moved to Heber in June of this year. She is inspired by the beautiful Western landscapes. Her piece “Haying Season” took second in the Heber Paint Out. While painting her piece in the North Fields, memories flooded back from her teenage years. She has been attending the event since her first event in 2019. She explained that painting outdoors is essential for any artist who wishes to study how light affects the landscape.
Kevin Wallace is originally from Boise, Idaho, but has lived in Heber for four years. While painting, he tries to capture feelings others will identify with through their memories. Those connections inspire him and make art in any form so impactful. His piece “Coyote Shadows” took third in the Main Professional category. This was his first year competing in the event and his first art competition. He loves that painting outdoors combines his love of painting with his love of being outside and experiencing nature.
Sarah Wilson grew up all over Europe, spent her high school years in Mount Pleasant, and currently lives in Spanish Fork. She is inspired by the beauty and rich biological diversity of her home. Her piece “Timp at Sunset” took third in the Nocturne/Sunrise Paint Out, and her piece “Path to Paradise” took third in the Heber Paint Out. This is her second year participating in the event. She loves being out in nature and witnessing many remarkable things. She shared, “I think in today’s age it is so easy to be distracted and not be present to see the beauty right in front of us.”
Wasatch Plein Air Paradise has, once again, successfully showcased outstanding artists and their remarkable work.
Missed out on the June Event?
Paint ‘en plein air’ with other great artists and mentors or exhibit and sell your art at Plein Air Utah’s 2024 Rendezvous and Retreat September 18-21 in Midway.
pleinairpaintersofutah.com
2024 Winners
Main Professional
- Bryce Samuelson | Morning at Blood’s Lake
- Michelle Nixon | However Found
- Kevin Wallace | Coyote Shadows
Studio
- Louisa Lorenz | Autumn Apples
- John Poon | Last Light on the W
- Katie Snider Ricks | Golden Roses
Amateur
- Wendy Reni | Stolen Seasons
- Carol Grundmann | Evening Sunglow
- Heather Johnson | Evening Glow
Nocturne/Sunrise Paint Out
- William Houston | Last Light
- Michelle Nixon | A Commanding Pause
- Sarah Anne Wilson | Timp at Sunset
Heber Paint Out
- Steve Stauffer | Golden Light over the Fields
- Carol Granger | Haying Season
- Sarah Anne Wilson | Path to Paradise
Midway Paint Out
- Michelle Nixon | Morning Sounds
- Steve Stauffer | Passing Times
- Louisa Lorenz | Potted Geraniums
