Master Artist Debra Joy Groesser has revealed her selections for the December 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. Scroll down to see the winning paintings and read Debra’s comments on her top picks, as well as her advice to those entering their work.
PleinAir Salon Art Competition Winners Preview:
1st Place Overall: “Lovrijenac Fortress Overlook, Dubrovnik”
“As I was reviewing the entries, this piece grabbed my attention immediately,” Debra said. “It reminded me of some of Claude Monet’s impressionist paintings of the cliffs at Etretat. The composition is simple and powerful. The texture of the rocks, the reflected light and the atmospheric perspective are spot on. The execution of the water is simply stunning – the sparkle and patterns of the brilliant sunlight, the beautiful transparency and layering of color in the foreground water. You can almost feel the sunshine, smell the sea air, and hear the gentle lapping of the water. This painting is an impressionistic delight for the senses – absolutely stunning!”
2nd Place Overall: “Rocky Mountain Lake”
“This painting is beautifully rendered, from the water, the submerged logs and the tree patterns to the strong design of the vertical mountain faces and snow patterns. The artist’s skillful drawing and understanding/use of values helps make this difficult subject into a successful painting. It feels as if you are standing right there – a wonderful, breathtaking sense of place.”
3rd Place Overall: “We Always Do”
“This painting was another that immediately struck me and stuck with me. Not only is it a beautiful painting, but the mysterious, moody, almost voyeuristic quality of it leaves the viewer wanting to know the story behind it. The lone lighted window in the foreground building, the suggestion of figures in that window – these draw the view in and lets them imagine what that story may be. The suggestion of moonlight on the roof and the distant lights of the city are perfection. I love everything about this exquisite piece.”
On Entering Art Competitions
“Be sure you have good quality photos of your paintings if you plan to enter a juried competition or exhibition,” Debra advises. “Be sure they are in focus, are oriented the right way for the jurors to view and are cropped to show just the image – no frames, car bumpers, carpeting, grass, walls or any other background. Remember, the jurors and judges can only judge what they see in the photo you submit.
“Also, remember that in every competition or show you enter, you are competing against a completely different group of paintings. If your painting is not accepted or doesn’t receive recognition in one show, or in the case of the PleinAir Salon, one month, go ahead and enter it again in a different month/show/competition. There are countless examples of artists, including many master level artists, who are rejected from one show only to be accepted and win awards in others with the same painting. You never know if you don’t try…so, happy painting and best of luck!”
December 2025 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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