“Let’s get this whole province painting!” was the theme of an outdoor painting challenge this past weekend by Opus Arts. The event welcomed artists of all ages and levels of skill and encouraged participants to try something new. For some that was working outdoors for the first time. For others it was simply to challenge themselves within the limitations of the rules. Each participant had from 10am to 3pm to complete your art work.

Several locations were set up all throughout the lower mainland. Each location had a designated “painting zone” with a variety o
f subject matters to choose from. You could try a cityscape, a waterfront view, the flora and fauna around you, or something creative. Painters work in acrylics or oils, watercolour or pencil, collage or assemblage, or all of the above! All mediums and points of view were w
elcomed!

I met one of the participants in Crab Park. She was painting an image of the waterfront and nearby docks. She had chosen a lovely location and was busy creating a beautiful image. I was captured by Margaret’s painting and even more by her willingness to talk to me about her gift of painting given an approaching 3pm deadline. She enthusiastically declared that “anyone can be an artist!

It made me wonder about the role of business and public spaces and the difference we all make when we all share our gifts. I left inspired by her hospitality and inspired to try some painting myself