Beginning the week-long celebration of outdoor painting as a participating artist, make your first stop at OMA for canvas stamping and to pick up your Welcome Swag Bag, including a full festival itinerary, tips for how to explore Oceanside, and information showcasing local businesses.

All participating artists must check-in and have the surfaces on which they would like to create artwork stamped prior to beginning their artwork in order to participate. Get here early so you have more time to paint!

• You only need to check in once - Artist badges and all information about the event and our supporters will be provided at check in
• 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.
• There is no limit to the number of surfaces you may have stamped.
• Artists will be asked to sign a waiver accepting the rules and guidelines upon check-in

• Saturday, July 15, 8:00am-5:00pm at OMA
• Sunday, July 16, 8:00am-5:00pm at OMA
• Monday, July 17, 8:00am-12:00pm at OMA
• Tuesday, July 18, 8:00am-12:00pm at OMA
• Wednesday, July 19, 8:00am-5:00pm at OMA
• Thursday, July 20, 8:00am-5:00pm at OMA

Festival Rules and Guidelines

• Artists may only choose two (2) works to submit for awards and jurying
• Artists may sign the front or the back of their artwork
• Artists MUST PRINT their name on the back of their artwork, whether they sign or not
• Artists must wear identifying badges while painting and to any scheduled event. Badges will be provided in your Welcome Swag Bag
• Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work.
• Artists should bring their own art supplies and surfaces on which to create artwork. There are limited locations to purchase supplies near Oceanside.
• Festival stamp MUST BE VISIBLE on the back of the artwork
• If the stamp will be obscured after framing, please provide photos or video of the work with the stamp visible being framed
• 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 edges.
• To participate in easel sales, artists must provide their own easels
• Maximum 2D size: 24" x 36" not including frame, Maximum 3D size: 24" x 24" x 24"
• Tax of 8.25% will apply to all sales at check out, to be paid by the buyer
• There is no limit to the number of surfaces that may be stamped
• 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

Keep In Mind

• A specific time-window for submitting artwork for jurying and judging will be assigned on each artist’s name badge
• Artists are encouraged to create small works (under 10" on each side), which are often collector favorites
• Artwork does not need to be marked for sale, NFS is allowed
• 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)
• Artwork may be in any style (Impressionism, Realism, Abstract, etc.)
• Parking in Oceanside with signage indicating a 2-hour limit is strictly enforced. There is unrestricted parking on the street in nearby neighborhoods and the structure on Civic Center and Ditmar.
• There is no defined painting area. However, we request that at least one artwork must be painted in Oceanside

Health And Safety Tips

• Personal Safety
  • 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 with the check in table at all scheduled painting events
• 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

In addition to having the opportunity for all-day independent free painting throughout the festival, there are a number of scheduled painting events that will allow participants to explore a variety of styles and techniques that draw from the rich traditions of plein air painting. Registered artists must present their Festival Badge to participate in any non-ticketed programs. Paint Outs are uninstructed, non-judged communal painting events included with registration and taking place at iconic Oceanside locations throughout the weeks. Eight ticketed workshops will be led throughout the week by the Festival's Featured Artists. Tickets and further details to be announced soon!

Artists must bring all supplies necessary to participate in workshops and paint outs.

Further details to be announced soon! Check back for Workshop and Paint Out locations, registration links, and names of the Featured Artists who will lead the workshops.

The Quick Paint Challenge will take place on Tuesday, July 18, 10:00-12:00pm at Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057

Participating artists are invited for a fun, high-energy event bringing together both artists and spectators for a two-hour burst of creativity highlighting one of Oceanside’s most iconic outdoor locations with the task of completing a painting in a single sitting. Artists are challenged to grab a brush, set up an easel, and paint en plein air for all to see. 

Any artist registered for the festival was welcome to participate in this event. The public is invited to observe.

Quick Paint Sale: Artwork created during the Quick Paint Challenge on July 18 may be taken to the museum for inclusion in a lobby sale through Saturday, July 22, 2023

All artwork produced during the festival may be sold throughout the week of the festival. Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work. Sales tax of 8.25% will apply to all sales at check out (to be paid by the buyer).

• Plein Air Juried Exhibition, July 22, 2023-January 2024: Artwork selected for the exhibition will be available for sale to the public.
• Easel Sales: The evening of Sunday, July 16 and afternoon of Saturday, July 22, all artists are invited to set their easels up at OMA with as many Festival artworks as they can accommodate for visitors to admire and purchase. Sales will be processed through OMA staff.
• Quick Paint Sale: Artwork created during the Quick Paint Challenge on July 18 may be taken to the museum for inclusion in a lobby sale through Saturday, July 22, 2023
• Painting Events: A staff member with a mobile payment device will be present to process sales “off the easel” at all scheduled painting events.
• Artists may sell any work they create “off the easel" during independent free painting. Purchase Receipts will be provided for all artists to fill out and send with the buyer to Oceanside Museum of Art to process sales.

If artwork for sale on OMA premises does not sell, it must be retrieved 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 it was a part of will be considered an unrestricted donation to the museum.

• $3,000 Best in Show
• $1,500 Second Place
• $500 Third Place

Celebrate the culmination of OMA's 2nd bi-annual Oceanside Plein Air Festival and the opening of an exhibition of artwork by participating artists with an awards presentation, easel sale, and highlights from the week.

Additionally, artwork created throughout the week will be available for sale in an easel sale, where all artists are invited to set their easels up at OMA with as many Festival artworks as they can accommodate for visitors to admire and purchase.  This will also be a rare opportunity to view and collect artworks from prominent plein air painters.

This is a rare opportunity to view and collect artworks from prominent plein air painters at pricing that is approachable for collectors at any level. 

Each festival participant is invited to complete multiple artworks en plein air during the course of the week, but ultimately, they are only able to choose up to two artworks to be considered for the awards competition and exhibition jurying. Approximately 50 artworks will be juried into what is sure to be a stunning showcase of original plein air works of art representing Southern California's natural beauty and urban environments in a variety of media, all created over the course of one exciting week. 

View OMA's 2021 Plein Air Festival Exhibition for a hint at what's in store!

Jurors to be announced.

Want to be a Sponsor?

Download this packet to see which option suits you best!

Sponsorship Packet

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 lebel. 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 partner’s 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.

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.