Hector Acuna's winning painting "The Flower Station."
Congratulations to Wisconsin Artist Hector Acuna on winning two awards at Paint Grand Traverse 2024!
Paint Grand Traverse is an annual plein air painting festival and competition located in Traverse City, Michigan. The event started on June 15th and ran through June 22nd. This year Hector Acuna won 1st place in the Small Wonders category and the Merit Award (2nd place) at the overall main event. Here's what the artist had to say on creating the work and attending the competition:
"Thank you to Steve Stannard for awarding First Place to my painting “The Flower Station” at last night’s Small Wonders event with Paint Grand Traverse I appreciate the comments he shared on his selections during the presentation.
I had a blast making this small 8” x 8” oil painting from the corner of this unique building on Front St. I started it on Saturday afternoon for the sunset paint out and then returned to make some adjustments on Monday. I’m not sure whether my paintings will fit the new frame styles I’ve been making, but I like how this painting fit with the frame after I darkened the metal leaf with raw umber paint.
After walking around Front Street for an hour I passed this shop and turned around to head back to my car. When I saw the corner of this triangular building with its peeling textures and air conditioner I knew I wanted to paint it. I had a lot of fun working with the perspective and details of the handrail and sidewalk.
A highlight while painting this was meeting Pete Buttigieg, his husband Chasten, and their bodyguard. They walked past me and then watched me paint for a moment before we chatted. Since they were out for a casual walk it took me a minute to realize I was talking to a successful and famous politician! You never know who you’ll run into when painting.
I was thrilled to see that the painting sold at the start of the reception and will be in a beautiful home. Thank you to Crooked Tree Arts Center and their volunteers for a wonderful evening."
The artist's easel setup at Paint Grand Traverse.
Hector Acuna (left) and the collector who
purchased The Flower Station (right)
Judge Steve Stannard (left) and
Hector Acuna (right)
Acuna with "The Bageris Wave Wall Keeps Dancing Sunlight and First Kisses”
which earned the Merit Award (2nd place) in the overall main event.
"The Bageris Wave Wall Keeps Dancing Sunlight and First Kisses”
AVAILABLE PLEIN AIR
PAINTINGS BY HECTOR ACUNA
On Seminole Looking Towards St. Lucie
Night Owls at the Old Colorado Inn
Chadbourne at Dusk
Back Seat Driver
Stop by the gallery to see Acuna's work hanging in the gallery or view the work online by clicking below.