2021 Festival Overview
Open To Artists Of All Skill Levels From Beginner To Professional
Oceanside offers gorgeous coastlines, charming cityscapes, peaceful lagoons, rolling hills with lush flora and fauna, and the historic Mission San Luis Rey, among other visual splendor to capture on canvas or media of your choosing. Plein air painting is a painting completed in the field, on location, and “in the moment.” All skill levels are encouraged. Any artist may participate–they do not need to be members. However, members of OMA’s Artist Alliance group receive a discount on registration rates.
Check-In And Canvas Stamping
Beginning the week-long celebration of outdoor painting, artists make their first stop at OMA for canvas stamping and to pick up their welcome packet, including a full festival itinerary, tips for how to explore Oceanside, and information showcasing local businesses.
Paint Out, Workshops, And Artist Talks
Artists at any level of experience are invited to come to the burgeoning coastal city of Oceanside to paint Southern California in the open air. To explore a variety of styles and techniques that draw from the rich traditions of plein air painting, artists will also have the opportunity to add art workshops, an artist talk with featured artists Mark Fehlman, Danny Griego, Margaret Larlham, and Shuang Li, and a virtual lecture with juror and awards judge Jean Stern.
Quick Paint Challenge
Open to all registered festival participants, this fun, high-energy event brings together both artists and spectators for a two-hour burst of creativity highlighting one of Oceanside’s most iconic outdoor locations, Mission San Luis Rey. With the task of completing a painting in a single sitting, Quick Paint artists are challenged to grab a brush, set up an easel, and paint en plein air for all to see.
Awards Celebration And Art Sale
Celebrate the culmination of OMA’s inaugural Plein Air Festival and the opening of an exhibition of artwork by participants with an awards presentation, art sale, silent auction, and highlights from the week. We are making plans for the event to be even more accessible to art lovers near and far!
Juried Exhibition
This will be a rare opportunity to view and collect artworks from prominent plein air painters at pricing that is approachable for collectors at any level. The exhibition will be on view at OMA August 1–October 10, 2021.
