The sound of the wide Missouri flowing was the background noise for artists visiting Callaway County on Thursday.
"It's relaxing," said Rhonda Richter of West Plains. "It's a timeless feeling being out here with the power of the big, wide river."
From Thursday until Sunday, the Fulton Art House is hosting 50 artists for a plein air painting competition.
Made popular by French impressionists such as Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh, plein air is a style of painting focused on capturing the moods and feelings an artist experiences while painting outdoors.
"You feel the mood much better," said Jill Mccallie, owner of Countryside Pet Retreat in Fulton, speaking about plein air painting. "I'm a little freer with the painting, which usually turns out to be a better painting."
The Callaway Plein Air Competition aims to celebrate the rich plein air history in Missouri.
"You are part of the Missouri tradition," said Richter. "What bigger tradition is there than river painting in Missouri?"
This year, competition officials gave contestants suggestions for places to paint. In past competitions, artists were given free range to paint anywhere in the county, without much direction. Some of the artists said they appreciated the information.
"You can drive around and not ever know the insider tips of where to go, but this morning they gave us a list of potential locations," said Richter.
The experience level of the artists ranged from advanced to beginner.
"This is the first time I've done plein air," said Betty Schramm of Jefferson City. "I took the classes (at the Art House) last year; it's a friendly group."
Schramm, like other artists, were introduced to the event also while taking classes at the Art House.
"A year ago, I saw an article in the paper about the Art House and decided to take some classes," said Mccallie.
Although competition officials hope to help develop the art scene in Callaway County, the competition is focused on bringing together the community of local artists.
"I like the extra activities they have for meeting other artists; that's the reason I did this," said Mccallie.
The event will continue until Sunday evening. The public is invited to attend an exhibit, 5-7 p.m., at the Art House, 531 Court St. in Fulton. More details about the event can be found at arthousefultonmo.org.
The plein air competition is one of many programs and events that are put on by the Art House.
"The Art House is wonderful for Fulton," said Mccallie. "It's great for the community."