Featured next in the Buenaventura Art Association’s downtown Ventura gallery is “It’s All About the Hike,” an exhibition of oils on canvas and canvas panels by plein-air painter Sparkle Taylor set to open June 18.

“I’ve always loved the California impressionists — the great paintings done from the late 1800s through the 1940s,” said the Simi Valley artist and graphic designer. “I like the small, jewel-like color sketches that traditionally were done as information-gathering for a large piece. They are so fresh and immediate! … It was my enjoyment of this work that inspired me to attempt this kind of painting.

“My show is named ‘It’s All About the Hike’ because I paint outdoors in the same envelope of light as my subjects,” Taylor said. “It’s work to get there — I carry a pack with everything I need to make my paintings. I go out at dawn, because the early morning light is my favorite, and very special.”

She added, “I think it’s important to put out this effort. It’s my ‘thank you’ to the universe for this world of beauty we are presented with every day.”

The payoff for viewers is bright, colorful and boldly painted glimpses of “our local natural areas and town scenes,” more than 30 of which will be on display in her solo show that runs through July 13. Sizes range from 6 by 8 inches up to 24 by 30 inches. Taylor will attend an opening reception 4-7 p.m. June 22 and will also be available during Ventura’s First Fridays Gallery Crawl July 5, 5-8 p.m.

Examples of her painting and design work can be found at www.sparktaylorartanddesign.com.

The Buenaventura Gallery, at 700 E. Santa Clara St., is open 11am-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call the gallery at 648-1235 or visit www.buenaventuragallery.org.