Borrego Springs Plein Air – 17 Years Strong

Borrego Springs Plein Air - Margaret Larlham won the Quick Draw event in 2022 with her pastel painting, — Margaret Larlham won the Quick Draw event in 2022 with her pastel painting, "Golden Oldie."

Once again 13 premier plein air artists have been invited to capture stunning vistas in oil, pastel, and watercolor for the 17th Annual Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational. The event is taking place despite recent damaging storms that hit the area in California.

Artists are not restricted to location or subject matter so may be found painting throughout the area. The public is welcome to watch them work, view each day’s paintings in the Borrego Art Institute Gallery, and purchase their favorite pieces.

Jim Wodark painting during the Quick Draw. His oil painting, "Coyote Creek" won the Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational in 2022. — Jim Wodark painting during the Quick Draw. His oil painting, “Coyote Creek” won the Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational in 2022.

“It’s a great place to paint – one of the quietest places I have ever been,” Jim said. “I was painting up the trail towards the spring that the town is named after when a group of 30 borregos (big horn sheep) came grazing up the canyon, probably 20 yards away. They are really beautiful animals and made it a special memory of that event.”

Jim Wodark, "Desert Heat," 8 x 16 in., painting at Borrego Springs, California — Jim Wodark, “Desert Heat,” 8 x 16 in. Editor’s Note: Jim’s video workshop, “Composition for Painters” proves that the answer to ‘What makes a good painting good?’ is great composition. Learn more here.

17th Annual Plein Air Invitational Schedule

March 6-10: Artists out painting. New work will be hung in the gallery daily (open 10:00 -7:00).

March 8: Quick Draw Competition, Noon to 3:00 at The Palms at Indian Head, 2220 Hoberg Road. The public is invited to watch the competition. A Quick Draw winner will be selected at 3:00.

March 11: Juror Rick Delanty will select the winners of the paint-out. The public is encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice award. The Reception and Awards presentation begins at 3:00 at the Gallery.