Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
Long before dozens of painters gathered in the Bjorkdale area with brushes, easels and canvases, Paul Trottier and a small group of artists found a shared interest in painting outdoors.
Nearly two decades later, that interest continues to bring the Men Who Paint together and has contributed to Saskatchewan’s plein air painting community.
Trottier, owner of Hues Art Supply and a member of the Men Who Paint, said the group traces its beginnings to the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus, where he served as director.
During a workshop there, many participants chose to paint indoors, while a smaller group wanted to work outside. A fishing trip helped turn that common interest into something more lasting.
Trottier recalled spending an evening fishing with Ken VanRees and Cam Forrester, with much of their conversation revolving around painting.
“We talked continuously about colour, light, composition and values,” Trottier said. “I mentioned we should be painting in the evening, when the light on the landscape is best, rather than fishing.”
After that conversation, Trottier said he, Forrester, VanRees and fellow painters Greg and Roger adopted an intensive routine, heading out before sunrise and painting until sunset.
“The group had formed, and a year later we decided to start showing our work together,” he said.
The shared interest also developed into lasting friendships. Trottier said members come from different backgrounds but share an interest in plein air painting, which involves working outdoors directly from the landscape.
The French expression “plein air” means “open air.” Painters work on location, responding to changing light, weather and atmosphere.
For the Men Who Paint, Trottier said the practice is also about collaboration.
“When we paint together, we support each other, critique each other’s work, maintain the same rigorous painting schedule in the field and travel very well together,” Trottier said. “Our support for each other goes beyond the field experiences and into the promotion of each other’s artistic journey.”
“After so many years and adventures, we have become family to each other,” he added.
The 2026 Bjorkdale Paint Out also brings Trottier back to familiar territory.
Plein Air Saskatchewan began holding its annual event in 2022. Previous gatherings have taken painters to Waskesiu, Lumsden, Narrow Hills Provincial Park, Eston and the Gem Lakes area. This year is the first time the event has been held in the Tisdale-Bjorkdale region.
Trottier said members of the Men Who Paint had discussed establishing a Saskatchewan plein air event for years, with the idea gaining momentum after the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus closed.
“We likely realized the need for a plein air event shortly after the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus closed,” he said. “We missed being in the field, so we continued to travel and paint together, and as we did, others asked to join us.”
Hues Art Supply took on the co-ordination of Plein Air Saskatchewan in 2021, with the first event held the following year.
This year’s gathering drew 63 painters to the Bjorkdale area, the largest turnout for Plein Air Saskatchewan to date.
“To me, it speaks of the intimate connection between humans and their environment,” Trottier said. “I am humbled that so many want to try, continue or improve their skills painting plein air.”
He said painting outdoors can also document Saskatchewan’s landscapes at a particular moment in time.
“Plein air painting is a documentation of a slice of time in a specific place,” he said. “I love this province and the diversity it encompasses. Plein air painting can expose the stunning province that we live in, showing how intimately bound we are to this land.”
Trottier said the Men Who Paint view the gathering as a chance to paint with other artists, exchange ideas and encourage people interested in working outdoors.
“The Men Who Paint love to share the joy and awe of painting outside,” he said. “For us, painting another beautiful part of Saskatchewan with others gives us the opportunity to share and learn with the participants.”
The fifth annual Plein Air Saskatchewan gathering concluded Sept. 13 with a public art show and sale at the Tisdale Golden Age Centre.
