Group to host show and garden party

Submitted

Kitnos-Merixas Greece by Lee Eng Khauv

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A small group of amateur artists are hoping to make an impression with their second annual ‘En Plein Air’ show and garden party.

Under the instruction of professional artist Lee Eng Khauv, these painters are eager to display original oil paintings done in one session that capture a single moment in time out of doors.

The entire group consists of impressionist painters after the style of Monet, Renoir and even Van Gogh; a rarity for the local art scene. “We’re a style that’s not really seen in Canmore,” said Khauv.

To paint en plein air is to simply paint while outside. For Khauv, when you feel the environment, the painting starts from the heart. “When you’re out in nature and you can feel the wind, the surroundings… that all goes into your painting,” said Khauv.

While the uneducated eye might not see the technical difference between a painting done in a studio and one done in a meadow, Khauv insists people can feel the difference.

“All of my en plein air paintings sell,” she said. “People can feel the movement in it.”

The group not only painted their works while experiencing the elements, they also completed them alla prima, in one session. “It allows you to capture the moment and there’s no need to go past that moment in time,” said Khauv. “In about two hours, the light changes, the world changes, the beauty changes.”

With spontaneous brush strokes and a limited time frame, Khauv said, “beautiful mistakes happen.” “We’re not Impressionists; we’re imperfectionists.”

All of the artists will be in attendance at the show hosted by Khauv at her home at 1008 Rundleview Drive in Canmore. Everyone is welcome on Aug. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and concertos as they view the paintings placed throughout the garden.

For more information, contact Lee Eng Khauv at 403-609-3784.