Exhibit shows world through the eyes of the artist

The cameras in our phones allow us to document what inspires us at any given moment. An unbelievable sunset can be captured and shared on social media in under a minute. Alternatively, it can live as a digital file in the cloud forever, never to be appreciated again.

There are those among us, though, who opt to record what inspires them through creation of art. An artist who stumbles upon a grand view sees potential others would not. To turn a moment into art, one must be fully present, notice the details, and spend more than a minute observing the view. A work of art created with skill and intention can transport viewers to a moment in time. Seeing an image on our phone screen cannot compare.

The “Landscapes Real & Imagined” exhibit shows viewers the world through the eye of an artist. The display ranges with scenes from Schweitzer Mountain to Mykonos, Greece.

Plein aire painting is the practice of painting from life in the outdoors. Douglas Jones shares memorable travel moments with his four plein aire watercolors.

"It is a challenging practice that involved many years of perfecting the process. The time spent is like a time-lapse, meditative experience with the added urgency of efficient speed to capture the changing light, weather elements, and essence of a chosen viewpoint. Then, one must balance the artist’s intention against the real-life, practical concerns of location choice, safety, and comfort during a typical painting period. Observing and anticipating disruptions of a potential viewpoint is just as important as an inspiring scene choice. Some of the challenging aspects one considers are as simple as a vehicle carelessly parking between you and your view, or more urgent like ever-changing tides or even rockfalls!” Jones said in his artist statement.

Candace D. Hultberg-Bennett submitted a landscape photo that stops viewers in their tracks. "Ddhäl Ch'él Cha Nän is the traditional name from the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation for Tombstone Territorial Park. This “rugged mountain land” is located near the Arctic Circle and the last high elevation mountain range before turning into the tundra. The remoteness and vastness of this place are mesmerizing, especially during the solitude of the changing seasons."

Tessema C. was inspired by the ocean waves when she created Sea Light.

"Light has been with us since the beginning of time. It brings our hearts and eyes to the subject. This painting told me how to paint it. I could not ignore where the light wanted to go, and also it told me what colors it wanted me to use. I only followed the force this painting was directing. All I could do was to follow its instructions as I went along.”

Corene Jones' fond memories at Trestle Creek are expressed through her painting.

"I like to paint what has meaning to me, that is special to me, or that has touched my heart. We used to water ski, have picnics, and enjoy friends around a campfire. I think the view there is so beautiful. It changes with the seasons and the light. While painting this painting, I wanted to capture the light reflections on the water. It is always amazing to me how reflective water is with all kinds of influence."

“Landscapes Real & Imagined” is on display at the Old Power House, 120 Lake St., Sandpoint, now through Dec. 30. POAC is hosting a reception on Friday, Nov. 12, from 5-7 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to meet the artists and view the work while sipping complimentary wine. All ages are welcome. Stop by to take a world tour through the eyes of an artist.