In one of the most inspiring and beautiful painting spots in the country, some of the most talented plein air painters compete each fall for close to $30,000 in prizes. It’s the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational in California.
Jim McVicker won Best in Show, worth $10,000, for his piece “Morning at Main Beach.” The $2,500 Award of Excellence went to Charlie Hunter for “Los Rios, Capistrano.” Jennifer Diehl won Artists’ Choice, while Michael Obermeyer won the Collectors’ Choice award.
McVicker (right) accepting his award, with Toni Kellenberg and Jean Stern
Jennifer Diehl (right) accepts the PleinAir Magazine award from Krystal Allen.
The PleinAir Magazine award, which earns the artist a full-page ad in the magazine, went to Jennifer Diehl for “Return at Sunset.” Gil Dellinger won the Fine Art Connoisseur Award (worth a full-page ad) for “My Favorite Place,” and Suzie Baker won the OutdoorPainter.com Award for “Fleeting Moment.”
“Return at Sunset,” by Jennifer Diehl. PleinAir Magazine Award
Ray Roberts
“Fleeting Moment,” by Suzie Baker. OutdoorPainter.com Award
Other award winners included Shelby Keefe (Distinctive Merit Award), April Raber (Spirit of Laguna Award), J. Ken Spencer (Edward Boseker Award), Cindy Baron (Artistic Palette Award), Zufar Bikbov (The Irvine Museum Prize), Peggi Kroll-Roberts (Architectural Award), Jane Hunt (Director’s Choice Award), and Ray Roberts (Founders Award).
Participants at the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
Jennifer Diehl
In addition, Calvin Liang was honored with the LPAPA 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Sandy Sewell was acknowledged with the 2016 Lifetime Member Award.
Michael Situ
“Los Rios, Capistrano,” by Charlie Hunter. LPAPA Award of Excellence
See the full list of winners here.
