My painting “Arcady Barn at Deer Harbor” was awarded First Place in the San Juan Preservation Trust and Plein Air Washington Artists annual juried paint-out, yesterday on Orcas Island.

The event was well attended with over 300 people, all of whom share a common ground in helping to preserve open spaces in the San Juan Islands. Beautiful live music, wonderful fresh-grilled salmon and island garden bounty all made the event live-up to its name “Summer Social”. A live auction of artwork was also held, with nearly every piece sold from artwork done during the “quick draw”. 40% of those proceeds go directly to the San Juan Preservation Trust. My quick draw piece “Arcady Barn in Soft Light” sold for $850, netting $340 for the SJPT.

Other artwork done for this event has been entered into Crow Valley Gallery on Orcas Island and will be exhibited through the month of August. I will be joining other selected artists to participate in doing new plein air pieces around Orcas Island next week. A big grand opening event will be held next Friday, August 14th at Crow Valley. Be sure to visit their web site for details www.crowvalley.com .