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2009 Hood River Paint Out

NPS Paint Out 2009
September 16 - 21 Hood River, Oregon
Images and Memories

NPS members gathered in the Columbia River Gorge for five days of plein air painting and comraderie. Below are images and comments from Paint Out participants.

Michael Fisher, "Mayer State Park"

Michael Fisher, "Rasmussen Farm, Hood River"

The 2009 Columbia Gorge Paintout was wonderful...very well organized with a variety of beautiful sites. The diversity of landscapes within 20 miles of Hood River is impressive: rolling valley farmland, Cascade foothills, high desert, and of course the magnificent Columbia River Gorge. Thanks to the organizers, Barbara Szkutnik, Gretha Lindwood, and Karen Schroeder, and to everyone who traveled near and far to join us. I'm looking forward to an encore next fall. ~ Michael Fisher

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Above is Brenda Boylan's plein air painting, below is a photo of her vantage point.

Two interpretations of a vista near Hood River.
Karen Schroeder top, Christine Knowles bottom.

NPS Hood River Paint-Out Blog by Brenda Boylan:

This past week I've been fortunate enough to make my way on a day by day basis to the NPS Hood River Paint out. This group of pastelists paint with a well-planned agenda of beautiful scenery.

Driving east from Portland down the Columbia River Gorge is spectacular, but what really caught my eye was how clear the sky is and how the greens are much warmer against the sky.

My first stop is at Rasmussen Farms in the Hood River valley just 5 miles from Hood River. The orchards are so plentiful and the sweet smell of the fruit filled my senses as I painted this scene of the farmer's shed and garden of dahlias.

"Rasmussen's Garden" 12x9"
Pastel on sanded paper

The warmer colors of the pre-autumn weather dictated the bright orange underpainting of all of my work. The moment I put a swipe of light blue into the sky, my eyes wet with excitement to see what would come of this painting. Gotta love that excitement! My second day of travel to the area was spectacular. We took off to Parkdale, 13 miles south of Hood River, to this small farmer's community with a tool shop, pump station, & antique store. A typical small town community. Parkdale hosts a turnaround destination for the Hood River Railroad, offering day trips through the fruit orchards and views of Mt. Hood.

Hood River is well known around the world for Wind Surfing because of it's strong breezes. Thankfully there was barely a breeze to blow down my easel. Sorry windsurfers, it's our turn now!

"Hutson Barn" 6x9"
Pastel on sanded paper

My intension with this barn was to quickly block in the color and keep it simple. I'm liking the simplicity and conservation of stroke on this one. "Gorge Colors" 6x9" Pastel on sanded paper

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Karen Schroeder and Gretha Lindwood

Thanks to Claire Ridlon for sharing these images of a great time (despite the wind!)

Michael Fisher with his exceptional clean pastel tray all lined up according to color and value.

Also, happy, happy painters during happy hour. A lot of good ideas floated around regarding more paint outs in Hood River and Oregon in general. A glass of wine brought out the best in everyone. - Karen Schroeder

NPS Paint-Out Network

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