PleinAir Salon Winner: Clearly, a Piece That Comes to Life

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William A. Suys, Jr. has revealed his selections for the winners in the September 2023 PleinAir Salon.

First place will receive a cash prize, plus all winners will be entered into the judging for the annual cash prizes, including the $15,000 grand prize for the best painting of the year, and they’ll see their painting on the cover of PleinAir® Magazine. Could you be the next winner?

PleinAir Salon Winners Preview:

1st Place Overall: “How Many Beaver?”

PleinAir Salon art competition - John Buxton (Allison Park, Pennsylvania), "How Many Beaver?" oil, 12 x 9 in. — John Buxton (Allison Park, Pennsylvania), “How Many Beaver?” oil, 12 x 9 in.

“This painting has a visceral presence and power,” William said of the first-place winner. “Even though it is presented on a simple background, I sense a real engagement and atmosphere with the subject and all the elements the artist so beautifully selected and rendered. Clearly, a piece that comes to life.”

2nd Place Overall: “Rusty Enamel and Violets”

PleinAir Salon art competition - Carmen Drake (Carthage, North Carolina), "Rusty Enamel and Violets," 24 x 36 in., oil — Carmen Drake (Carthage, North Carolina), “Rusty Enamel and Violets,” 24 x 36 in., oil

Of “Rusty Enamel and Violets,” William said, “This still life is masterfully done. There is an organic, unified feel between the disparate materials presented and the space they occupy.
As I explore this space, I feel a sense of quiet, and I can almost hear the sound of the enameled pan if I were to slide it and pick it up. Well worth spending some time in front of this painting.”

3rd Place Overall: “Creek”

PleinAir Salon art competition - Rukiye Garip (Altieylul, Balikesir, Turkey), "Creek," 30 x 22 in., watercolor — Rukiye Garip (Altieylul, Balikesir, Turkey), “Creek,” 30 x 22 in., watercolor

“This landscape presents a trip through light, color, and texture,” William said. “Even with the myriad of bits and pieces rendered along the way, this does not feel like a busy painting; it’s more like a dance along a creek.

“For artists considering what paintings they would like to enter, I would always suggest entering those that speak to them. For a piece to really speak to the viewer or judge, outstanding execution of the technical elements should be a given, and are a starting point for an award-winning painting.”

Best Plein Air Landscape: “5th & E”

Camille Przewodek (Petaluma, California), "5th & E," 6 x 9 in., oil — Camille Przewodek (Petaluma, California), “5th & E,” 6 x 9 in., oil

Best Plein Air Acrylic: “Sycamores, Casper’s”

Rick J. Delanty (San Clemente, California), "Sycamores, Casper's," 15 x 30 in., acrylic — Rick J. Delanty (San Clemente, California), “Sycamores, Casper’s,” 15 x 30 in., acrylic

Best Plein Air Oil: “Way Back Home”

Haidee-Jo Summers (Grantham, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom), "Way Back Home," 12 x 16 in., oil — Haidee-Jo Summers (Grantham, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom), “Way Back Home,” 12 x 16 in., oil

Best Plein Air Pastel: “Summer Sizzle”

Jill Stefani Wagner (Saline, Michigan), "Summer Sizzle," 12 x 9 in., pastel — Jill Stefani Wagner (Saline, Michigan), “Summer Sizzle,” 12 x 9 in., pastel

Best Plein Air Watercolor / Gouache: “Ready to Board”

Bob Upton (Saint Paul, Minnesota), "Ready to Board," 8 x 10 in., gouache — Bob Upton (Saint Paul, Minnesota), “Ready to Board,” 8 x 10 in., gouache

Enter the PleinAir Salon Today

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.