2021 Plein Air Festival

2021 PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL

Festival: July 24–31, 2021

Exhibition And Auction: August 1–October 10, 2021

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

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.


Festival Featured Artists And Jurors

Click Here To View The Featured Artist Pop-Up Auction

The Pop-Up Auction will close at 5:00pm on October 10

This is a time-limited opportunity to view and bid on five selected artworks, one from each of our featured artists. Want to see the work in person? The artwork will be on display at OMA through Sunday, October 10.

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.


Many Thanks To Our Generous Event Sponsors
And Community Partners


Presented By


Vermilion Skies Title Sponsors


Pthalo Waves Premier Sponsor

Deena and Ken Altman


Ochre Bluffs Program Sponsor


Cerulean Seas Award Sponsors

Deena and Ken Altman

Chris Clevering


Media Sponsors


Program Partners


Plein Air Locations

Visit Oceanside has created a map of recommended painting locations with suggestions from a variety of local experts. We hope this inspires you to check them out for yourself.

Featured Artists

Click Here To View The Featured Artist Pop-Up Auction. The artwork will be on display at OMA through Sunday, October 10.

Mark Fehlman
Danny Griego
Margaret Larlham
Shuang Li

 

Exhibition Jurors
And Awards Judges

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


TITLE SPONSORS

AWARD AND PREMIER  SPONSOR

PROGRAM  SPONSOR

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