Do I need to be a professional painter to register? Do I need to have painted in the Plein Air style before? Is there an age restriction?

All artists at any level are welcome.

What level of student can apply? 

High school or college students may participate at the student level. When student artists check-in for the festival at OMA, they must show a valid photo ID for the spring, summer, or fall 2023 terms to qualify for free registration.

Can I get the surface on which I will create art stamped before the festival starts? 

No. Stamping begins at 8:00am on July 15, 2023.

Can I get more surfaces on which I will create art stamped after I’ve checked in?

There is no limit to the number of surfaces you may have stamped. You may get all surfaces you will need for the festival stamped at one time, or you may return to the stamping station multiple times, July 24–29, 11:00am-5:00pm.

Are there limitations on where I may paint?

There is no defined painting area. However, at least one artwork must be painted in Oceanside. (View a map of suggested painting locations here.)

I don’t want to participate as an artist in the festival, but I’d like to see artists painting. Do I have to pay?

It is free to observe! Anyone is encouraged to visit Oceanside, hang out where there are scheduled events, and learn about Plein Air painting. Non-artists can also attend easel sales at OMA on Sunday July 16, 6:00-8:00pm and Saturday July 22, 11:00-5:00pm (both free) and purchase tickets to the Awards Ceremony on July 22 (details to be announced).

Can I participate in the Quick Paint Challenge or painting events even if I am not registered for the festival?

No, only registered festival participants can take part in Paint Outs, Workshops, and the Quick Paint Challenge. Registered artists must present their Festival Badge to participate in programs. However, everyone is invited to watch, chat with an artist (if they are open to it), and fall in love with a painting – there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase work throughout the week!

May I sign my artwork?

Yes, you may sign your artwork on the front or back.

What kind of gear and clothing should I bring?

Artists will be painting outdoors, possibly in natural or wild areas. Consider sturdy, protective shoes and casual, comfortable clothing. Make sure you are protected from the sun with long sleeves, sunscreen, a hat, or a portable umbrella. Bring all your art-making supplies, including your easel or drawing board. Insect repellent and cash for parking meters is recommended. Drinking water is essential!

If my artwork is chosen for the exhibition, does it need to stay in the exhibition if it sells? 

Yes, all artwork chosen for the exhibition must remain at the museum until the exhibition closes in January, 2024. 

How do I get my artwork back at the end of the exhibition?

Artwork selected for the exhibition may be picked up from OMA after the close of the exhibition. Further details for artwork return will be shared with exhibiting artists when selections are announced. 

If artwork sells from the exhibition, the buyer will be responsible for arranging transportation. 

Are there any hotels close to the museum? 

There are a number of stunning hotels within walking distance of the museum. Connect with our partners at Visit Oceanside: Click here to view current lodging deals, see insider tips, and learn about all things Oceanside.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?

Click here to email Katie Dolgov with any further questions.

Check-In And Canvas Stamping

• You must wear identifying badges while painting and to any scheduled event. (Badges will be provided in your Welcome Swag Bag.)
• You must check in and have the surfaces on which you would like to create artwork stamped prior to beginning your artwork.
• You may get all surfaces stamped at one time, or return multiple times with no limits to the number of surfaces you may have stamped.
• Festival stamp MUST BE VISIBLE on the back of the finished artwork
• If the stamp will be obscured after framing, please provide photos or video of the work with the stamp visible being framed

Check-In And Canvas Stamping Hours

• Saturday, July 15-Thursday, July 20, 11:00am-5:00pm at OMA
• Tuesday, July 18, 10:00-11:00am, at Mission San Luis Rey (before the start of the Quick Paint Challenge)

Artwork and Supplies

• Bring your own art supplies and surfaces on which to create artwork. (There are limited locations to purchase supplies near Oceanside.)
• Maximum 2D size: 24" x 36" not including frame, Maximum 3D size: 24" x 24" x 24".
• We encourage participants to create small works (under 10" on each side), which are often collector favorites.
• Printed names must be on the back of the artwork, whether you've signed or not.
• Artwork may be in any style (Impressionism, Realism, Abstract, etc.)
• Artwork in any media is allowed—non-traditional is encouraged! Contact Abigail Goodman, abigail@oma-online.org, to discuss your non-traditional submissions (media other than painting, drawing, or sculpture).
• There is no defined painting area. However, we request that at least one artwork must be painted in Oceanside.
• At least 80% of the artwork must be completed out of doors. If there is any concern that a larger percentage of your artwork was completed in the studio, you will be asked to provide progression snapshots of your work being completed en plein air.

Jurying

• Only two (2) works can be submitted for awards and jurying.
• Artwork submitted for exhibition jurying must include hanging hardware (wires or D rings attached to frames or a sturdy substrate). Unframed canvases must be trimmed or be wrapped with finished edge.
• A specific time-window for submitting artwork for jurying and judging will be assigned on your name badge.

Sales

• To participate in easel sales, artists must provide their own easels.
• Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work.
• Tax of 8.25% will apply to all sales at check out, to be paid by the buyer.
• Artwork does not need to be marked for sale, NFS is allowed
• All artwork produced during the Festival may be sold throughout the week if you choose to. You may sell any artwork created “off the easel" during independent free painting.
• We rely on the honor system; please send buyers to OMA with a purchase ticket provided in your Welcome Pack or report any sale transactions to OMA staff that are not conducted onsite at the Museum.
• Please send the buyer to the Museum to process sales.
• All sales are to take place at OMA or through an OMA staff member at painting events
• No sale of merchandise or street vending is allowed at any time or at any location
• If artwork for sale on OMA premises does not sell, it must be picked up by the artist at the end of the sales opportunity. If the artist is no longer in the area, they will be responsible for shipping fees. Any artwork remaining at OMA more than 60 days after the close of the art sale or auction it was included in will be considered an unrestricted donation to the Museum.
• OMA will aim to disburse all artist commissions earned during the festival within the month of August. Commissions for sales from the exhibition will be disbursed in October.

Plein Air Painting Health And Safety Tips

• Stay hydrated and have water with you at all times
• Wear a sunhat, use an umbrella, or set up in a shady place
• Wear sunscreen and insect repellent
• Report any serious incidents to an OMA team member
• First aid kits will be available at the Museum and check-in tables at all scheduled painting events
• Please Respect Your Environment
• Do not block trails, sidewalks, or other areas of foot/bike traffic
• Do not dump your paint, water, turps, or any other substance
• Everything you bring in must leave with you
• Things You Might Need
  • Parking funds/quarters
  • A chair
  • A hat
  • Art supplies and surfaces to create artwork on (such as canvas or paper)
  • Sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing

Quick Paint Challenge Guidelines

Join us for the Quick Paint Challenge, a timed open-air painting event open to all festival registrants taking place on Tuesday, July 18, 10:00am-12:00pm at Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057.

• All canvases must be stamped prior to the beginning of the event. Check canvas stamping hours listed above.
• Particpants will be set up within a designated area with their supplies.
• The public will be invited to observe, but walk-on participation is prohibited.
• Maximum size: you are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to create artwork no taller than 12"
• Judging will take place immediately after the painting concludes. If you would like to have your work considered for the Artist Alliance Quick Paint Award please plan to stay after the event through the judging.
• Artwork does NOT need to be framed
• Artwork created during the event may be taken to the Museum for inclusion in the Quick Paint Sale scheduled for Wednesday, July 19 through Friday, July 21, 2023
• You must pick up their work by the end of the festival.

By registering, artists acknowledge and authorize the use of photos taken throughout the event, which may include artists and their artwork, for promotional use online and in printed materials for future events.

Artists acknowledge and agree that Oceanside Museum of Art will retain 50% of the sale price of individual art sales generated during the event.