It’s all about location at this year’s plein air event
Renowned landscape artist David Harms keeps coming back to Steamboat Art Museum’s annual plein air event for three reasons: friendly people, fall scenery and, to quote that old realtors’ adage: location, location, location.
“First and foremost, the staff of Steamboat Art Museum are some of the best people. They’re just great in every respect,” he says. Secondly, the fall colors are often at their height during the event, which begins this year on Friday, Sept. 22. and runs through Sunday, Sept. 29. Finally, the Yampa Valley offers great vantage points from which to paint.
“Honestly, you just can’t go wrong. The Yampa Valley is a wonderland,” David says. “But there are a handful of places that I think are really cool.”
First on David’s list is the Elk River, especially north of Steamboat along County Road 129. “It’s one of my favorite places on the planet,” he says.
Strawberry Park runs a close second. ‘Anywhere, just off the road (County Road 36, aka Strawberry Park Road),” David says. Colorful shrubs add red hues to the golden aspen leaves and the deep green pine trees.
There is one spot above all that appeals to David: the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area, just east of town. The meandering river, tree-covered hillsides and mountain backdrop combine to create an idyllic setting. Alternatively, each year the museum staff searches out a handful of especially dramatic places for plein air participants and provides them with directions to their chosen sites.
Since David started coming to the plein air event in 2016, his career has taken off. He was named a signature member of Oil Painters of America this year. His work was juried into the Masters Show in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which wrapped up at the end of August, and he was also featured at Legends of the West Fine Art in Santa Fe this summer.
To see David’s newest work, make plans to attend the Plein Air Sunset Reception at Alpine Mountain Ranch on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online. The plein air artists will also be painting on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Farmers Market in downtown Steamboat, with the paintings going on sale at 12:30 p.m. Or, stop by the Plein Air Exhibit at Steamboat Art Museum, Saturday, Sept. 30-Saturday, Nov. 4. David’s work can also be viewed online at www.davidharms.com.
For more information about Plein Air 2023, visit steamboatartmuseum.org.