JACKSON, Wyo. — It was a gorgeous day to spend outside when the National Museum of Wildlife Art hosted the 15th annual Plein Air Fest.
Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer was on the scene on Saturday when 44 painters set up shop to work en plein air, French for “in the open air.”
Artists were sorted into “plein air” or “al fresco” categories.
Plein air artists painted entirely from direct observation, capturing only what they saw Saturday morning, while al fresco painters could use reference photos.
Photos: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail
Much of the action was concentrated along the museum’s sculpture trail, overlooking the National Elk Refuge. Works created during the festival were auctioned off that afternoon.
This year, the festival generated over $36,000 in gross sales, according to the museum. Best in show went to local artist Katy Ann Fox. The runner-up was Lewisville, Idaho-based artist Nikita Budkov, a first-time participant. Six new artists joined the festival this year, all of whom sold their work at the auction.
