PAINTING THE VINEYARD IN FALL COLORS

Rick Reinert's 2009 painting completed on location at the Wills Creek Winery.

Wills Creek Winery hosted artists at the Southeastern Plein Air Festival in spring, 2009 and artists will return for the Southeastern Paint Out, October 11, 2012. The attractions remain the same—trellised vines, winding road, fields, lake, and wooded mountains—but the change in season introduces new colors to the palette. For the plein air painter the winery offers an abundance of choice on location and subject from the distance vista across the fields to the mountains to the close-up of fruited vines. Unlike other locations, the artists can drive into the property, park under a sheltering tree, and set up within a few minutes—a convenience when you have to carry 20 pounds or more of equipment!

The winery is located just north of Attalla in the Duck Springs community. Take Highway 11 (which parallels Interstate-59) and follow the signs—the way to the winery is well marked. On the way enjoy the scenic beauty of rural Etowah County. Parking is no problem for visitors who can walk or drive to the artists’ locations. Visitors will also want to visit the Wills Creek Winery shop for locally made wines and decorative accessories that echo the vineyard motif.

Look for the blue umbrella in the parking lot where volunteers are ready to assist you during your visit. Artists will be on location between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.