By Mollie Riley, Manager, Donor and Business Records
In September 2024, a unique artistic journey unfolded as 20 talented Western Canadian artists and a team of staff from The Whyte gathered at Lake O'Hara for a weekend of En Plein Air painting.
This event, held as part of the summer 2024 exhibition J.E.H. MacDonald: The O’Hara Era, gave participants an extraordinary opportunity to paint, connect, and immerse themselves in one of Canada's most stunning alpine settings. Open to both emerging and professional artists, this open-call event attracted participants from across the country.
Inspired by the legacy of renowned artists like J.E.H. MacDonald, our founders Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte, and John Singer Sargent, the artists were captivated by the same breathtaking landscapes that had once inspired these trailblazers a century ago.
With its pristine wilderness, Lake O’Hara has long been a source of inspiration for many, and events like this help honour the rich tradition of En Plein Air painting while paying tribute to the museum's founders and artists who inspired them, all who made their own mark on Western Canadian art. Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte, avid hikers and En Plein Air painters themselves, spent much of their time capturing the beauty of the Bow Valley region. As we stood by the shores of Lake O’Hara, we couldn’t help but think of them and the lasting influence they had on the artistic community.
A Snapshot of the Weekend
Day 1:
On Friday morning, artists from around Western Canada headed to the Elizabeth Parker Hut, where we would find comfort for the next three days. Participants dropped off their bags and headed out on their first day of adventure! Rewarded with blue skies, painters took advantage of the lovely environment.
Day 2:
Saturday brought a change in the weather with rain and cloud cover enveloping the valley. Undeterred and eager for the day ahead, the artists donned their rain gear and set out for another day of painting, while others found solace and comfort in the warmth of the hut. By mid-afternoon, the weather cleared, offering the artists a brief but beautiful moment of sunshine. During this break, a grizzly was spotted grazing in the nearby meadow, adding a sense of excitement to the day.
As evening approached, we discovered that the Elizabeth Parker Hut was without lights. Yet, this only added to the charm of the experience. Artists illuminated their works with headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns, and took turns presenting their creations. Gathered around a dimly lit picnic table, I was struck by the incredible talent, resilience, and passion of the group. It was a joy to witness their creative process unfold in real time.
Day 3:
On the final day, another rainy morning greeted us, but the spirit of the artists remained high. After packing up their belongings, participants ventured out once again to absorb the mountain’s beauty before heading home. Each artist, with their unique perspective, captured the essence of the landscape in their own way.
The Lake O’Hara En Plein Air event was a true celebration of art, tradition, and community. It was a privilege to attend alongside such passionate and talented artists, to learn from their process, and to witness the magic of painting in the great outdoors. This weekend was a living tribute to the artists who have shaped the history of Western Canadian art, and an inspiring reminder of the power of nature to ignite the creative spirit.
To learn more about our exciting programming, events, and exhibition at The Whyte, be sure to subscribe to our e-mail communication and become a member to be the first to receive updates, as well as other exciting membership benefits.
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