Hike a trail, paint a picture at the end: Peak Northwest podcast

Peak Northwest Landscape Painting

Oregon artist Yong Hong Zhong takes his art to the outdoors, painting Pacific Northwest landscapes while immersed within them.

You’ve probably stopped to snap a photo at the end of a beautiful hike, but have you ever thought to break out an easel and paint a picture instead?

That’s how local painter Yong Hong Zhong likes to spend his time outdoors, connecting with nature through the tip of his paintbrush by employing a technique known as “plein air” painting in which he makes his art outside.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, Zhong discusses his techniques, his love of the Pacific Northwest and how anyone can get started making art while out in nature.

Plein air painting is an act of slowing down, Zhong said, and for many of us that can be a wholly different, and richly rewarding experience.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

  • Yong Hong Zhong brought his experience working on Disney films to his Pacific Northwest landscape painting.
  • Painting outside is a great way to slow down and discover smaller details in nature.
  • How do you get started with landscape painting?
  • You don’t need to consider yourself an “artist” to begin doing art.

Here’s the full episode:

Follow Yong Hong Zhong’s work on Instagram and find out more about him on his website.

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Follow Peak Northwest on Instagram at @PeakNorthwest.

-- Jim Ryan and Jamie Hale

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