Bluff Strokes Paint Out
What is a Plein Air Paint Out?
Plein Air (French for “in the open air”) painting went out of vogue with the advent of abstract art in the early twentieth century. In 1985 a group of artists began painting landscapes on Santa Catalina Island, California. Following a successful showing, the plein air movement was revived. There are now tens of thousands of artists painting plein air in the US and around the world. The movement blends artistic skill, environmental mindfulness, community, and travel tourism. It has fostered painting groups, paint outs, workshops, conventions, and a national magazine.
Dubuque is ideal for outdoor painters: historic buildings, industrial structures, Driftless area topography, rural landscapes, and, of course, Mississippi river views. Bluff Strokes Art Center hosts 48 jury-selected artists each fall to paint the Dubuque area for one week. Like other paint outs, this is a competition. Artists create up to 10 new paintings that week. A guest judge then selects winning paintings in many categories. Artists display their art for sale over two days at the beautiful Steeple Square Community Event Center. What you see here are the grand prize winners, the Purchase Prizes, bought by Bluff Strokes Art Center and graciously displayed by GDDC.
MEET OUR JUDGE: Bill Suys
Bill Suys holds Master Status with the Oil Painters of America and Signature Status with the Portrait Society of America. His work has graced magazine covers of Art of the West and Fine Art Connoisseur’s Museum Guide and has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur, Southwest Art, Plein Air, and more. Suys won Best in Show at the Salon International and has won medals and awards from the OPA, Richeson75, the ARC Salon, the Portrait Society, et al, and the Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship Award. Suys has also won top awards at plein air invitationals, including Best Body of Work at The Olmsted. He is seldom happier than when he’s standing behind his easel painting dappled light on a great old barn or lighthouse.
Bill loves bringing life to ‘people and other animals’ and is known for his sensitive treatment of both. His ready appreciation for the nuanced personalities of individuals – human and otherwise – has brought him inspiration as well as recognition, and his passion for lifelong learning keeps him devoted to building a body of work that will stand the test of time. Bill takes a ‘no excuses’ approach to both life and career, and works hard at continual improvement in order to make grateful use of the gift he was given. Suys sits on the Board of the Oil Painters of America, he teaches, lectures, judges, coaches, critiques, and nurtures.
Bill Suys and wife Kristin live in Wisconsin’s picturesque Kettle Moraine and often visit their cabin on Door County’s Washington Island as well as other parts of the US and the world where they find inspiration.
