BAYarts Annual Artistic by Nature Plein Air Festival, Oct. 2–4

My fascination with plein air painting (French for “in the open air”) began when I traveled to Monhegan Island in Maine several years ago. As a longtime studio painter, I was looking for inspiration and ways to improve my painting. I longed to paint on location, immersed in nature. I took a workshop with a wonderful group of people, in a beautiful place, and created some terrible paintings. I became hooked on plein air painting, and it continues to inspire and frustrate me, although my paintings are gradually improving.

As a result of my experiences, four years ago we created the Artistic by Nature Plein Air Festival at BAYarts. This year the competition will be held from October 2 through October 4. The judge for the competition will be announced in early September. Prize awards will include $800 for Best in Show. Pieces for a Nocturne Painting prize and a Quick Paint prize will be judged separately. Artists from the competition will be invited to display their work in the Sally J. Otto Gallery through October.

Registration for the Artistic by Nature Plein Air Festival will be in person starting the morning of October 2. Painters can choose where they wish to paint within the Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. A map will be available at registration, and the cost to paint in the competition will be $45, with an additional $10 each for the Nocturne and Quick Paint competitions.

Whether you are an experienced plein air painter or just starting out, we hope you can join us this fall for a weekend of painting based on this rich tradition. More information is available on bayarts.net.

BAYARTS
28795 Lake Road
Bay Village, Ohio 44140
BAYarts.net
440.871.6543

EVENTS:

Moondance Annual Fundraiser, September 12

Artistic by Nature Plein Air Festival, October 2–4

Holiday Shop Open House, November 21