Mirror Pond Gallery
NPS Show
Page last updated 03/10/2006



The 1997 NPS members' show opened in Bend, Oregon on Friday, August 1, 1997. The show is open to the public through August 31st.

At about 5:30 PM on August 1st, NPS artists assembled at the Mirror Pond Gallery in the heart of downtown Bend. The gallery overlooks the Deschutes River at a point where the river slows, forming a pond with the Three Sisters as a mountainous backdrop. The beautiful view served as the subject of Saturday's en plein air painting.

By 6:30 PM, the majority of NPS artists had arrived, renewing old acquaintances. Peggy Braeutigam called the group together before the large fireplace in the exhibition room to announce the winners of the show. As Peggy noted, with the success and growth of the NPS, the number and quality of entries has increased along with the size of the awards.


Ron Hart and Darlene Morgensen
review Ron's paintings. 		Following the presentation of awards, the members again took time to admire the paintings, discussing them with the artists who were present, and reminiscing about the paintings that "got away." Of 104 entries, only 40 were selected.

As the sun set over the Three Sisters, the gathering moved to the Pine Tavern Restaurant for dinner. Since the number of artists attending was so large, the group was split between two large tables. Between compliments on the food and a good supply of pastel theory to share, the evening continued until well after 10:00 PM.

On August 2, 1997, the NPS en plein air gathering in front of the Mirror Pond Gallery, was blessed with wonderful weather and ideal light conditions. I (John Knapp -- webmaster), being there first, set up in the perfect spot. (Note: when it comes to en plein air in a group, I have discovered that tardiness can mean poor composition -- unless you are bigger than those who came first!) As the artists arrived, the excitement began. Local people gathered on a rock above the artists and a few bold souls came down to talk pastel art. Peggy worked the crowd for prospective pastel artists, handing out applications.
View of Mirror Pond from
John's easel

Admitting he had brought neither pastels nor paper, Clark Elster was invited to help himself to my excursion box. With my extra sheet of green Windberg and a pallet full of pastels, Clark had no escape.

Clark remarks: "This Windberg
scratches easily"		 The view was everything the Bend Chamber of Commerce had promised. The mountain and hills in the background were perfectly reflected in the smooth water of the Deschutes. With nary a discouraging word, pastels were seen gliding over paper, except for Clark, whose first experience with Windberg was marred by the discovery that Rembrandts easily scratch the surface. After the session, Clark donated his painting to the "Under the Stairs Art Group" of Walla Walla. Thank you, Clark.
My painting was just half finished when I glanced at my watch and noticed the Bend meter monitor heading straight for my truck. Pastels flew onto my palette as I warned my cohorts. Fortunately, the suspect vehicles were moved in time to avoid paying a fine.

The view to the right


Mirror Pond by Clark Elster

Soon, however, Peggy and assorted spouses became hungry and urged a retreat to a local lunch room. And so, the Bend event came to an end with sandwiches and soup. As an additional painting opportunity, I suggested Smith Rock, where the buffalo roam, just a half-hour away. Some at the table agreed that the rocks were indeed spectacular, but as for buffalo, there were none to be found. I have included the following photo for those who scoffed.


Buffalo roaming near Smith Rock!!!

Report submitted by John Knapp



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John Knapp -- Webmaster Northwest Pastel Society