Inspired by Gold

If Claude Monet were painting today, he might well have been drawn to the Yampa Valley’s warm light. Especially in autumn, when the aspens add their own brilliant hue to the daylight, the colors are extraordinary.

That may, in part, explain the popularity of Steamboat Art Museum’s annual Plein Air event, Friday, Sept. 22-Friday, Sept. 29, with the resulting works on display at the art museum from Friday, Sept. 29, through Saturday, Nov. 4.

Fifty artists from throughout the country spend a week painting outdoors – en plein air –in the Yampa Valley. Event organizers point out a few favorite haunts, with new locales added each year. Some artists choose to follow the suggestions while others explore the area on their own, finding their own personal, inspirational spot.

“I go every year,” says Denver artist David Harms. “For me personally, there’s a couple different reasons. First and foremost is the staff at Steamboat Art Museum. I just love the event because of the people. I also love to be up there, especially in the fall. It just doesn’t get better than that.”

Artists are everywhere during the plein air workshop: pulled over alongside the road near a patch of golden aspen trees, down by the river where fall’s low waters make river rocks gleam, at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp in Strawberry Park, or in the studio reserved for the occasion.

Alpine Mountain Ranch & Club hosts the annual Sunset Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Tickets are a hot commodity for this evening of cocktails and art, alongside the pond at this exclusive property.

Plein air artists set up at scenic locations throughout the Yampa Valley to capture the fall colors.

Artists start the week on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Farmers Market in Old Town for the Quick Draw event. Easels are erected among the vendors and at the end of the allotted time, artists’ works are put up for sale at the market. The pieces go fast, with buyers hovering nearby, waiting for sales to open.

All pieces in the Steamboat Art Museum plein air exhibit are for sale. Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.steamboatartmuseum.org. ■