– Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today –

More than 70 artists went to Snow Hill, Maryland, recently for the Paint Snow Hill event, a chance to depict the beauty of Southern Maryland in the spring.

Lead Image: “Reminiscing,” by Julie Riker, 2016, oil, 12 x 16 in. Private collection

The event has but one award, and it’s one of the most coveted awards in any plein air competition: Artists’ Choice. The assembled painters picked the body of work created by Julie Riker of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, for this honor. The gallery Bishop’s Stock organized Paint Snow Hill, and gallery owner Ann Coates says Riker won the most votes “by a large margin.”

Julie Riker and the award-winning body of work she created at the Paint Snow Hill event
Julie Riker and the award-winning body of work she created at the Paint Snow Hill event

“This was my first year participating in Paint Snow Hill and I loved it,” says Riker. “It’s a beautiful area with lots of great subject matter for painting: lovely Victorian homes, farmlands, old interesting structures, marshes and docks — the opportunities for painting are endless. I loved meeting the other artists and seeing their interpretations of the area. Ann Coates does a fantastic job of spearheading the event and the community is very supportive in hosting the artists and supporting the work.”

“The Old Boathouse,” by Julie Riker, 2016, oil, 10 x 20 in.
“The Old Boathouse,” by Julie Riker, 2016, oil, 10 x 20 in.

It was the 13th year for the event. “The one general comment heard at the show was the quality of the paintings,” says Coates. “This seemed to be the best show yet.”

“Paint Me,” by Julie Riker, 2016, oil, 9 x 12 in. Private collection
“Paint Me,” by Julie Riker, 2016, oil, 9 x 12 in. Private collection

Paint Snow Hill will be held April 13-16 next year.


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