SAN ANGELO, Texas — If you're driving down the streets of San Angelo this week, don't be surprised to see painters set up on sidewalks, easels on display and paintbrushes in hand.
These artists are participating in En Plein Air, an annual competition celebrating its 10-year anniversary with contestants from across the country.
Painter Orville Giguiento traveled from Colorado to West Texas to pursue his long-lasting pastime. The self-proclaimed impressionist avoided the rain Wednesday by setting his equipment up inside a downtown store.
"It's an international event and a very reputable event so I come to join these artists, to challenge myself," he said.
This is Giguiento's first time participating in San Angelo's event, though he has been involved in competitions in the past.
Standing in the store, he painted a rendering of a vintage black car with undefined figures in the background including an older man with a cowboy hat, of course.
"I like old cars, old structures, I think most artists love junk stuff," he said with a laugh.
At his day job, Giguiento works as an architect, which often involves the creation of realistic blueprints. For that reason, he prefers to provide "the impression of existing" in his works.
Giguiento utilized watercolor paint in his piece, which is set to be judged from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at The Stables at Fort Concho, 210 Henry O. Flipper St.
Nearly 300 paintings will be on display and tickets go on sale at $100 each.
For Giguiento, he often feels like his own self-critic. That doesn't stop him from participating in his passion.
"You never know," he said. "We're the worst judge of our work."
Some artists work downtown while others can be found along with Concho River. Each piece tells a unique story of West Texas culture.
Go to enpleinairtexas for more information.
