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Local artists learn from successful plein air painter

By Staff | May 7, 2015

Artist Dave Santillanes took workshop participants through the evolution of a painting.

WEST MAUI – Local artists look forward to the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational’s workshops, which are held the week before and after the main event to give them an opportunity to learn from experienced Mainland painters.

This year, Dave Santillanes from Colorado taught two separate workshops: one 3-day class and a two-day class. Both were sold out.

Santillanes, a successful plein air painter, was introduced to Maui by residents Ann and Dominic Pistillo. He first participated in the 2014 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational and returned this year to participate in the 2015 event and to teach MPAPI workshops.

His style is impressionist, and art collectors flocked to the gallery to buy his paintings in 2014 and this year. He’s a shining star in the world of plein air painting and someone to watch.

As part of giving back to the community, Santillanes donated a high school scholarship to attend his three-day workshop, and the West Maui Cultural Council supplied the student with art supplies (including an easel).

Katya Brody, a talented art student at Lahainaluna High School, is in her senior year. She looks forward to pursuing her career in fine arts next year.

“Katya is a great example of someone that the Maui Plein Air Painting Committee wants to help as she pursues her dreams of becoming a professional artist,” said Ann Pistillo, workshop coordinator.