Elaine Adams, Director of American Legacy Fine Arts, has revealed her selections for the October 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. Scroll down to see the winning paintings and read Elaine’s comments on her top picks.
1st Place Overall: “Last Light-St. Ives”
Born in Wisconsin and raised in Montana, Ned Mueller has been drawing and painting all of his life. He is one of the few Artists that have been designated as a “Master Artist” by both the American Impressionist Society and the Oil Painters of America.
“First Place is awarded to this painting for its luscious color palette and rich gradations of greens and blues that beautifully illuminate the water,” Elaine said. “The composition and perspective are both fascinating and expertly arranged, drawing the viewer naturally into the scene. Additionally, the anatomy and scale of the lone fisherman are rendered with exceptional accuracy, enhancing the painting’s overall harmony and narrative strength.”
2nd Place Overall: “The Yard at Dawn”
“Second Place is awarded to this elegant interpretation of a simple rural farm scene painted en plein air. The artist’s use of a strong diagonal composition—formed by the cool foreground shadow contrasted with the warm middle-ground light—creates depth and reinforces the quiet narrative. The chickens are thoughtfully dispersed throughout the field, bringing life and movement, while the distant barn imparts a gentle sense of home, safety, and the comforting structure of farm life.”
3rd Place Overall: “Canyon Walls”
“Third Place is awarded to this masterful cityscape for its convincing, natural sense of atmosphere—capturing San Francisco’s softer, distinctly Northern California light with remarkable sensitivity. The artist’s superb use of urban architecture creates a compelling tunnel-like perspective that guides the eye through the layered streetscape toward the brilliant glow over the Pacific Ocean. This thoughtful interplay of light, depth, and structure results in a work that is both immersive and beautifully observed.”
Plein Air Category Winners:
Enter the PleinAir Salon Art Competition Today
All winners in the PleinAir® Salon will be entered into the judging for the annual cash prizes, including the Grand Prize of $15,000 and their painting on the cover of PleinAir® Magazine. Could you be the next winner?
The next round of the PleinAir Salon has begun so hurry, as this competition ends on the last day of the month. See the rest of this month’s winners and enter your best art in the PleinAir Salon here.
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