NOVEMBER GALLERY
“ Beautiful Northwest” YiJu Miller
Experience the Pacific Northwest Through Watercolor This fall, immerse yourself in the colors and textures of the Pacific Northwest with a watercolor exhibition by local artist YiJu Miller at the Blakely Hall Gallery.
NIKHIL KHATWANI Highlands Youth Advisory Board & Magnolia Park Resident
The exhibition, named “Beautiful Northwest,” will run from Nov. 4-30. Don’t miss the chance to meet the artist during a public reception on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. Miller said her gallery show will feature watercolor of the mountains, oceans, cities, trains and people that we cherish in the lush, green area around us.
While Miller always loved sketching and experimenting with different mediums, watercolor has become her true passion. Her watercolor practice often takes her outdoors, where she enjoys plein air painting. This technique allows her to capture the natural environment through its light, color, smell, sounds and atmosphere in real time. She often paints on site at local landmarks such as Snoqualmie Falls and the nearby railroad, finding inspiration directly from the beauty before her. “I love painting on location,” she said. “It gives me a sense of movement, atmosphere and connections with people and the locations where I’m painting.”
Capturing “natural monuments” through plein air painting, Miller learned to immerse herself fully in her surroundings under the mentorship of artist Alvaro Castagnet. Her exhibition will showcase roughly 20 plein air works, each highlighting her skill in bringing the outdoors to life. Miller encourages aspiring plein air painters to get involved with local groups and workshops. She is currently a member of Northwest Watercolor Society, Mt Si Artist Guild, and a collective member of Snoqualmie Art Gallery. Beyond the joy of painting outdoors, she said, it’s a hobby that fosters community and connection. “Parks, attractions nearby will be somewhere to start. [You will need] a small bag with a watercolor palette and a couple different size brushes,” she said. “I used a Darsie art bag, Windsor & Newton travel palette and Arches watercolor paper.” To get the most out of plein air painting, Miller recommends planning ahead by reviewing the weather and giving yourself uninterrupted time to create. Sharing the experience with friends or family can make it both productive and memorable, she said. View some of Miller’s watercolor paintings at ymillerart.com.
Local artist YiJu Miller paints Pacific Northwest scenes en plein air.
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