24th Laguna Plein Air Invitational Results ~ The Art's Big Glass Of Wine

Tuesday, October 24, 2022

24th Laguna Plein Air Invitational Results

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From the organizers of the 24th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, held earlier this month:

What an amazing nine days as the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) and our Laguna Beach Community stood together supporting one another and celebrating the plein air legacy. Together we continue to keep LPAPA strong!

This year we presented our 24th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational at our Invitational home, the Festival of Arts in the heart of Laguna's arts district. LPAPA continues to be excited and grateful for the overwhelming support.

LPAPA's mission, as a nonprofit art organization, is dedicated to preserving the area's rich artistic legacy established by these early plein air artists – whom we honor today with our mission and dedication to the plein air painting tradition in Laguna Beach, across the nation, and around the world.

This year 30 of the top plein air artists from across the United States along with our very first international artist from Great Britain joined us. We were thrilled to welcome our invited artists and guests for our in-person outdoor events. In addition, with the new technology we've embraced, we were able to include virtual access along with our live events, providing opportunities for art lovers near and far.

Invitational Events included the Quick Draw Competition, a Nocturne event, Plein Talks – Live with Artists and Experts, and it was all capped off with a unique and very entertaining Gala Art Show and Sale. Over $54,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to the artists, with the top prize being the highly coveted $10,000 "Best in Show," awarded to Jeff Sewell. The Best in Show judges were John Cosby, Signature Artist and Founding Member of LPAPA; Celeste Gilles, Vice President of LPAPA; and Julie Perlin Lee, Laguna Art Museum Executive Director.

"The Tides Abide" by Jeff Sewell (18 x 14 oil)

This year's PleinAir Magazine Award was won by Aaron Schuerr for his painting "Keyhole Panorama" with the Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine Award going to artist Kathleen B. Hudson for her painting "Alta Laguna Sunset."

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"Keyhole Panorama" by Aaron Schuerr (12×24 pastel)

"Alta Laguna Sunset" by Kathleen B Hudson (12×24 oil)

The OutdoorPainter.com award went to Durre Waseem for her painting "A Beautiful Afternoon" and the FineArtConnoisseur.com award went to Mark Shasha for his painting "Key to My Heart."

"A Beautiful Afternoon" by Durre Waseem (14×18 oil)

"Key to My Heart" by Mark Shasha (12 x 16 oil)

LPAPA's Signature Artist, Jim McVicker, was recognized with LPAPA's 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary body of work and the contributions he has made to the art community and LPAPA. Longtime friends and supporters of LPAPA, Cheryl & Mike Kinsman, were acknowledged for their support and commitment to the arts with the 2022 LPAPA Lifetime Member Award.

Participating Artists: Geoff Allen – Rebecca Arguello – Richard Boyer – Rick J Delanty – Mark Fehlman – Danny Griego – Catherine Hillis – Kathleen B. Hudson – Debra Huse – Ryan Jensen – Krentz Johnson – Calvin Liang – Tiffanie Mang – Daniel Marshall – David Marty – Judd Mercer – Terry Miura – Michael Obermeyer – Anthony Salvo – David Savellano – Aaron Schuerr – Jeff Sewell – Mark Shasha – Michael Situ – Lisa Skelly – Haidee Jo Summers – Brenda Swenson – Jove Wang – Durre Waseem – Wendy Wirth

See the full list of winners here >

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Plein Air Artists Stampede to Texas Ranches

First-timer Julie Sanderson on the Boster ranch near Kerrville, TX

While the EnPleinAirTEXAS event is annual, this year for the first time, the competition included extended ranch stays for the artists.

Barbara Rallo, Event Coordinator and Co-Chair, said the real stampede is Friday October 28, where more than 300 paintings from the week will be displayed in the historic Stables Building at Fort Concho.

"On Saturday, October 29, artists from anywhere may join in the open morning paint-out at the "Dia de los Muertos" festival," Barbara added. "The colorful Hispanic cultural event features Folklorico dancers, Mariachi bands, Mojigongo puppets, a lowrider car show and more."

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