2021 Plein Air Festival

View and Bid on the Plein Air Festival Juried Exhibition and Auction

Closing on October 10 at 5:00pm

Painting Southern California in the open air in one of only 14 designated California Cultural Districts.

As part of OMA’s inaugural Plein Air Festival artists at all levels of experience were invited to come to the burgeoning coastal city of Oceanside to paint Southern California in the open air. Oceanside offers gorgeous coastlines, charming cityscapes, peaceful lagoons, rolling hills with lush ora and fauna, and the historic Mission San Luis Rey, among other visual splendor to capture in any artistic media.

The 2021 Plein Air Festival Juried Exhibition is 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. This exhibition is also a rare opportunity to collect artworks from prominent plein air painters through a virtual silent auction. Proceeds bene the artists and OMA’s Exhibition Fund. Click here to see a full list of exhibiting artists and award winners.

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.

Registration Info

Registration Information

Registration Closes on July 29 at 5:00pm

Fees as of July 1:

Standard $75
OMA Artist Alliance* $65
Student** Free

*OMA Artist Alliance members—your membership must be current. Not a member yet? Click here to join and add Artist Alliance.
**A valid student ID must be presented upon arrival at OMA for festival check-in.
Free student registration is generously underwritten by sponsor Chris Clevering.

Check-In And Canvas Stamping At OMA

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 in the competition (including the surface that will be used for the Quick Paint Challenge, should they wish to participate). Get here early so you have more time to paint!

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.
Artist badges and Welcome Packs including all information about the event and our supporters will be provided at check in
Artists will be asked to sign a waiver accepting the rules and guidelines upon check-in

Check-In And Canvas Stamping Hours

Saturday–Thursday, July 24–29, 11:00am-5:00pm at OMA
Tuesday, July 27, 1:00-2:00pm, at Mission San Luis Rey (before the start of the Quick Paint Challenge)

Registration Includes

Entry of up to two (2) paintings into the awards competition and exhibition jurying
- Artwork selected for the exhibition will be offered for auction via a virtual platform
- Artwork not selected for the exhibition will be for sale at the museum on July 31, during the Awards Celebration and Art Sale
Entry of one artwork into the Quick Paint Challenge Sale
Participation in all painting events (ticketed workshops require separate registration)
A 25% discount off ticketed festival events—space is limited and many are sure to fill up quickly, so register early for your favorites!

Waived Registration

Limited funds are available to support waived registration for individuals who are experiencing hardship. Individuals interested in requesting fees to be waived must submit an application by July 20, 2021. Waived fees will only apply to festival registration and will not include associated ticketed festival events and programs. Click here to email membership manager Victoria McKellips with any questions regarding waived registration.

Terms And Conditions

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.

Rules And Guidelines

Festival Rules And Guidelines

Artists should bring their 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"
FRAMES AND WIRES are required for all 2D work submitted for jurying and judging
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
Artists may only choose two (2) works to submit for awards and jurying
Artists MUST PRINT their name on the back of their artwork
Artists may sign the front or the back of their artwork
Artists must wear identifying badges while painting. Badges will be provided in your welcome pack
Artists receive a 50% commission on the sale of their work.
Tax of 8.25% will apply to all sales at check out

Keep In Mind

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.
All surfaces needed for the festival may be stamped at one time, or artists may return to the stamping station multiple times. There is no limit to the number of surfaces that can be stamped.
Artwork in any media is allowed—non-traditional is encouraged! Contact Katie Dolgov at OMA to discuss your non-traditional submissions (media other than painting, drawing, or sculpture)
Artwork may be in any style (Impressionism, Realism, Abstract, etc.)
There is no defined painting area. However, we request that at least one artwork must be painted in Oceanside. (View a map of suggested painting locations here)
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

Plein Air Painting 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 at info stations located at OMA, the harbor, and the pier

COVID Safety

Masking and social distancing requirements are at the discretion of the location where events are taking place
Mask wearing is at the artist's discretion during independent free painting

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

Festival Schedule

Painting Events

In addition to having the opportunity for all-day independent free painting throughout the festival, there are a number of scheduled painting events included with registration, as well as ticketed workshops with the festival’s featured artists. Registered artists must present their Festival Badge to participate in any non-ticketed programs.

july, 2021

Exhibitions:

All

Programs:

Painting Event 2021

Event Location:

All

No Events

Download all events as ICS file

Ticketed Events

Plein Air Festival registrants receive 25% off registration for these ticketed programs as well as early access to sign up through April 30 before they open up to the general public on May 1. Space is limited, so register early for your favorites. Artists must bring all supplies necessary to participate in these workshops.

july, 2021

Exhibitions:

All

Programs:

Plein Air Festival Program

Event Location:

All

No Events

Download all events as ICS file

Quick Paint

Closing Events

Awards Celebration And Art Sale

To close out an exciting week of celebrating art in the open air, artists and visitors are invited to join us for the following events.

july, 2021

Exhibitions:

All

Programs:

Plein Air Closing

Event Location:

All

No Events

Download all events as ICS file

2021 Plein Air Festival Juried Exhibition

Augsut 1–October 10, 2021

Juried By Scott W. Prior and Jean Stern with OMA executive director Maria Mingalone

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 40 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.

This will also be a rare opportunity to view and collect artworks from prominent plein air painters such as featured festival artists Mark Fehlman, Danny Griego, Margaret Larlham, and Shuang Li, as part of a virtual auction closing at the end of the exhibition.

Art Sales

Awards

$2,500 Best In Show, judged by Jean Stern
With inclusion in a half-page ad in Southwest Art magazine (valued at $1,230). Guaranteed inclusion in the 2021 Plein Air Festival juried exhibition

$500 Altman Family Second Place Award, judged by Jean Stern, Scott Prior, and Maria Mingalone
Guaranteed inclusion in the 2021 Plein Air Festival juried exhibition and mention in a half-page ad in Southwest Art magazine

$200 Third Place, judged by Jean Stern, Scott Prior, and Maria Mingalone
Guaranteed inclusion in the 2021 Plein Air Festival juried exhibition mention in a half-page ad in Southwest Art magazine

$300 Chris Clevering Best of Student Submissions Award

Honorable Mentions
Guaranteed inclusion in the 2021 Plein Air Festival juried exhibition

Osider Magazine Award
Artwork Featured in Osider Magazine September/October issue ($1,500 in value)

STRADA Easel Award
$300 gift card towards a STRADA Easel

Trailblazer Award presented by Frontwave Credit Union
$250 Visa gift card for the most innovative use of artistic technique, style, and materials

Visit Oceanside Best Sunset Award
Feature in the Visit Oceanside Instagram Story

Oceanside Arts Commission Best Oceanside View Award
A certificate from the city, announcement in the Oceanside Tide newsletter, and acknowledgement at an Arts Commission meeting

Mission San Luis Rey Artist Alliance Quick Paint Awards
First Place: $250 cash award, 2 Mission museum passes, and OMA Artist Alliance membership. Second and Third places: OMA Artist Alliance membership. Winners will be notified on Tuesday, July 27, following the Quick Paint Challenge at Mission San Luis Rey. Awards will be presented at the Awards Celebration on Saturday July 31.

Awarded at the Close of the Exhibition

Plein Air Magazine Artist’s Choice Award ($3,995 in value)
Full page ad in Plein Air magazine. Will be awarded on October 10, at the close of the exhibition

Royal Talens People’s Choice Award ($130 in value)
Artist will receive a Rembrandt Oil Colour Basic Set, Roc Paper Block 300g Canvas Grain 24cm x 32cm, and Rembrandt Soft Pastel 10 Half Stick Micro Set Southwest Desert Palette. Will be awarded on October 10, at the close of the exhibition.

Judging Criteria

Judging will be based on the artist’s mastery of the medium, quality of composition, and the use of perspective and color. In addition to outstanding ability in those areas, the artwork is assessed on intangible qualities such as its meaning, appeal, beauty, and the overall impact and expressiveness of the work.

All awards, with the exception of the People’s Choice award, will be announced at the Awards Celebration and Art Sale taking place at OMA on Saturday, July 31. The People’s Choice award will be announced after the close of the exhibition to the public, October 10, 2021.

Additional awards are in development. Please check back regularly for updated information.

Many thanks to our awards sponsors:
Deena Altman
Chris Clevering
Frontwave Credit Union
Mission San Luis Rey
Oceanside Arts Commission
Osider Magazine
Plein Air Magazine
Royal Talens
Southwest Art magazine
STRADA Easel
Visit Oceanside

Art Supplies

Lodging

Explore Oceanside

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age restriction to participate?

All ages are welcome and encouraged.

What level of student can apply?

High school or college students may participate. When student artists check in for the festival at OMA, they must show a valid photo ID for the spring, summer, or fall 2021 terms to qualify for free registration.

Can I participate in plein air workshops and attend the SmallTalk on July 29 and lecture on July 31 even if I am not registered for the festival?

Yes, anyone can participate in OMA's ticketed programs. Festival registrants receive a 25% discount on ticketed workshops, artist talks, and lectures during the festival. Workshop participation is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

No, only registered festival participants can take part in the Paint Out: Sunset Sonatas on the Sand, (Monday, July 26, 6:30-8:00pm), Paint Out: Quick Paint Challenge and Art Sale, (Tuesday, July 27, 2:00-4:00pm), Paint Out: Nocturnal Notes (Wednesday, July 28, 6:30-8:00pm), and Paint Out: Farmers Market (Thursday, July 29, 10:00am-12:00pm). Registered artists must present their Festival Badge to participate in any non-ticketed programs.

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

No. Stamping begins at 11:00am on July 24, 2021.

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.)

May I sign my artwork?

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

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 on October 10.

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

Artwork selected for the exhibition may be picked up on Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15 from the museum. Further details for artwork return will be shared with exhibiting artists when selections are announced. Dates are subject to change.

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

I need to cancel my registration for the festival or a program. May I have a refund?

Refunds are not available for the registration fees or program fees associated with this festival. If you are unable to attend the festival or program you registered for, the fees will become a tax-deductible donation to the museum.

Are there any hotels close to the museum?

There are a number of stunning hotels within walking distance of OMA. Click here for details or connect with Dana [(760) 637-9953] and Michelle [(760) 458-6016] for more personal concierge service. They are available to help you find accommodations that suit your style as well as make recommendations for dining and local side trips while you’re in Oceanside.

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

Click here to email Katie Dolgov with any further questions.

Mark Fehlman

Mark Fehlman, Featured Artist

“I love to paint from the life that surrounds me. I paint in an impressionistic style, marked by energetic brushwork, and use thick and thin layers of paint, patterns of light and dark, and a rich palette of colors to capture the moment.

For 30 years, I practiced as a successful architect—half of those years were as a design partner with Fehlman LaBarre Architects. Thanks to my business partner, Mike LaBarre, I was able to leave architecture and pursue my passion, in a second career, as a fine artist.

When I began to pursue painting, I sought out the best teachers. Each has been a tremendous inspiration to me. They include Lela Harty, John Asaro, Ray Roberts, Brian Blood, Ron Hicks, Mark Daley, Kim English, and Jeff Watts. I have been painting for about 15 years, and have made it my career for over 10 years. I paint full time in my studio at my home in the Mission Hills District of San Diego, and travel extensively to capture images throughout the world.”

—Mark Fehlman

Click here to view Mark Fehlman’s resume.

Danny Griego

Margaret Larlham

Shuang Li

Scott W. Prior

Jean Stern

Jean Stern, Juror

A recognized authority on California Impressionism, art historian Jean Stern has extensive experience in the field as an author, curator, lecturer, and teacher. He was the founding director of The Irvine Museum from its inception in April, 1992 until his retirement in 2020. As director, Stern worked to establish a national presence for California Impressionism through a noteworthy series of books, exhibitions, lectures, articles, and video documentaries. In his career, he has presented over 250 lectures and judged and juried more than 100 local, national, and international art competitions. He has authored, edited, or contributed to over 30 books on California art.

Stern has presented tours and lectures on California Art in numerous museums including the International Cultural Center, Krakow, Poland; Mona Bismarck Foundation in Paris, France; El Centro Cultural del Conde Duque, Madrid, Spain; National Academy Museum in New York; Terra Museum in Chicago; San Diego Museum of Art; Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Gibbes Museum in Charleston; Brigham Young University Museum; Autry National Western Heritage Center; the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and many others. He appears in Impressions of California, a 1996 PBS documentary video series on art in California, and on Plein Air: Painting the American Landscape, a 2007 PBS documentary.

He was a consultant to the Fleischer Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is an adviser to the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, in Orange, California. He currently serves on the board of the California Art Club and is a board adviser to the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association. Since its inception in 2012, he has presented lectures in every annual Plein Air Convention, organized by Plein Air Magazine.

In 2017, Stern received the prestigious Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Ministry of Culture. He has also been presented with three Lifetime Achievement Awards—Laguna Plein Air Painters Association in 2013, Plein Air Painters of America in 2014, and Plein Air Magazine in 2014.