About the Instructor

Christine Debrosky, AIS PSA, is an accomplished plein air painter whose work explores the interplay of light, color, and atmosphere. Her teaching emphasizes direct observation and expressive brushwork, helping students develop confidence in working outdoors.

Visit her website: christinedebrosky.com

Plein air painting is at the heart of what makes this annual competition so special. Artists from across the region gather along the rugged coastline and through the dense forests of the Olympic Peninsula, capturing the shifting light and dramatic landscapes in real time. Working in oil, watercolor, and pastel, participants embrace the challenge of translating nature's fleeting beauty onto canvas or paper. The event not only celebrates individual artistic skill but also fosters a deep connection between creators and the environment around them. Each brushstroke reflects a moment in time, shaped by the weather, the season, and the unique character of this remarkable corner of the Pacific Northwest.

The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center serves as the cultural anchor for this gathering, providing gallery space, educational programming, and a welcoming hub for both emerging and established artists. Visitors to the center can explore rotating exhibitions that showcase the depth of talent within the regional arts community. Beyond the competition itself, the center offers workshops and demonstrations that invite the public to engage directly with working artists. These interactions demystify the creative process and inspire attendees to see the natural world through a more observant and appreciative lens. The center's commitment to the arts strengthens the cultural fabric of the entire peninsula.

Participating artists benefit from a supportive network of fellow painters, jurors, and patrons who share a passion for capturing the outdoors. The competition structure encourages growth through constructive feedback and the chance to see how different hands interpret the same scene. Many artists return year after year, drawn by the camaraderie and the opportunity to refine their approach to light, color, and composition. Workshops led by experienced instructors offer focused study on specific techniques, from simplifying complex landscapes to maintaining color harmony. This collaborative atmosphere elevates everyone's work and reinforces the value of learning together in a shared natural studio.

The Olympic Peninsula provides an inexhaustible source of inspiration, with its misty shorelines, towering evergreens, and ever-changing atmospheric conditions. Artists quickly learn that patience and adaptability are essential tools, as weather can shift from bright sun to soft fog within minutes. This unpredictability is part of the appeal, pushing painters to make bold decisions and trust their instincts. The resulting works capture not just a place, but the feeling of being present within it. Whether painting the rugged coast or the quiet interior of a forest clearing, each artist brings a personal vision to the landscape, creating a rich and varied portrait of one of the most beautiful regions in the country.

Venue & Contact

The workshop was held in conjunction with Paint the Peninsula and the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center.

Port Angeles Fine Arts Center
1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles, WA 98362
360•457•3532
pafac@paintthepeninsula.org