The vivid colors of California’s landscape make their way onto a blank canvas. The eager artist expresses, with his or her paints, their interpretation of the moment at hand.

The artists attempt to capture the beauty of light when it hits the earth and reflects; a beauty that seems to attract many people to California.

Gathered in San Luis Obispo, artists from all over the country are ready to unleash their artistic skills and contribute to the Plein Air Festival of 2009 which runs from Sept. 27-Oct. 4.

SMHS teacher, Mr. Larry Kappen, was selected to join as an artist in this event. This year will be his third year as a participant.

As an artist, Kappen paints what he enjoys seeing. The end result doesn’t really matter to him. “I do it for the experience of the moment. Each painting is a challenge.”

The Plein Air Festival is a fundraiser that supports San Luis Obispo Art Center. Over the course of a week, many different events take place. From reading poetry to listening to music, the festival is sure to be fun and lively for the bystanders and artists.

Bystanders will be amused dancing to musical imagination, and artists who will, at the end of the festival, have submitted six paintings, will keep interested by engaging in conversation with people that appreciate their talents.

One particular event that is fast and entertaining during the Plein Air Festival, would be the “Quick Draw Paint Out,” followed by a live auction. Kappen explains this event as “grueling.”

The fifty artists are under pressure to complete a painting in two hours, rain or shine. When the hourglass sand is no longer pouring, a live auction begins.

Everyone is welcome to view and place bids on the paintings which are still wet and on the easel. All the while, you are able to observe the artists at work by walking up and down the city block. You’ll be able to see some of California’s greatest places all in one area.

“We live in such an amazing place. There’s variety in the land. I like painting landscapes because it gives us better appreciation for where we live,” said Kappen. “We’re lucky to have so much beauty in our own backyard.”