Plein Air - RiverArts’ 9th Annual “Paint the Town”

Photography by SG Atkinson: Easton Artist Maggii Sarfaty painting at the Farmer's Market — Easton Artist Maggii Sarfaty painting at the Farmer’s Market.

For two days leading into the Weekend talented artists from throughout the mid-Atlantic region and as far away as Connecticut and New Jersey painted in Chestertown and other local scenes in Kent and upper Queen Anne’s Counties in RiverArts’ 9th Annual “Paint the Town”.

On Saturday the artist were encouraged to work in Chestertown and have their artwork framed and ready to hang in the Riverarts gallery. The Artists themselves voted on “Best in Show” and “Best Body of Work”.

Best of Show – Jane Knighton with Cindy Stafford	Jane Knighton’s Body of Work
Tara Will – Best Body of Work & Merit – Best of Show with Cindy Stafford	Tara Will’s Work
Ray Ewing – Merit Award – Best Body of Work with Cindy Stafford	Ray Ewing’s Body of Work

For Sunday Morning “Quick Draw” the artists had two hours to paint. Most of the artists had their paintings in place long before the judging and voting for People’s Choice began at 11am. The judge for the “Quick Draw” was Sara Linda Poly. Poly is an award winning artist who has participated in many regional and national shows and plein air competitions. She has spent many years living, traveling, and teaching around the U.S., Europe and Mexico.

Poly judged the awards that were given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. The public, including the artists, voted for the People’s Choice Awards, which was sponsored by The Peoples Bank.

Chestertown RiverArts Paint the Town Quick Draw 1st Place & Peoples Choice winner Ronaldo Dorado[/caption]Ronaldo Dorado was the winner of both the Judge’s Award and the People’s Choice Award. In giving the Judge’s 1st Place award Sara Linda Poly said that the painting gave a strong sense of light. Beautiful harmony of Color, Nice composition with a feeling of immediacy. Dorado also won the Judge’s Award at last year’s Pai

Photo: Chestertown RiverArts Paint the Town Quick Draw Judge's 2nd Place - Brad Ross — Chestertown RiverArts Paint the Town Quick Draw Judge’s 2nd Place – Brad Ross

Photography by SG Atkinson: Chestertown RiverArts Paint the Town Quick Draw Judge's 3rd Place - Diane Laird (l) with Judge Sara Linda Poly — Chestertown RiverArts Paint the Town Quick Draw Judge’s 3rd Place – Diane Laird (l) with Judge Sara Linda Poly

Sponsors for the four day event include Cross Street Realtors, Home Mattress Center, The Peoples Bank, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, ACME Markets, and Redner’s Markets.

More photographs by SG Atkinson from the weekend can be seen on our Facebook Page.