Local artists can now enter Outdoor Creations Plein Air Art Show

Boulder County Parks & Open Space is currently accepting entries for the 2021 Outdoor Creations Plein Air Art Show. This juried art exhibit will run from November 12 through December 30. Submitted artwork will be displayed at the Great Frame Up in Longmont.

The 2021 art exhibit will focus on en plein air art or art created from observation in the outdoors. The en plein air technique or "working in the open air" is a style of painting where an artist leaves behind the four walls of the studio and heads into the outdoors while directly observing the subject. Perhaps you've seen such artists with an easel in a field or a portable work table full of paints by the side of the road.

2021 marks the tenth year since Boulder County Parks & Open Space hosted its first art exhibit featuring county-owned open spaces. Since 2011, the department has held five en plein air exhibits, four photography exhibits, and two woodworking exhibits.

Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to submit their work, and they can utilize a variety of mediums including oil, watercolor, acrylic, ink, pastel, or pencil, as well as cloth, wood, or clay. The work does not have to be created within a specific time frame, so participants can submit prior pieces that they have completed or worked on in the past. Photography will not be accepted at this particular art show.

Unique to this exhibit, artists must submit works that depict Boulder County Parks & Open Space properties. With more than 20 properties and over 110 miles of trails to choose from, they have plenty of material to work with. Boulder County additionally provides a courtesy map of recommended properties if artists are looking for places to find inspiration.

If you're completely new to en plein air techniques (or art more generally), Boulder County is also offering an early morning painting session with artist Marcio Correa at the Walker Ranch Homestead on August 20.

Submissions will be judged by Susan Steven, Lindsay Jane Ternes, and Clare Scott. A "Best in Show" winner will be selected by these three jurors. and other cash prizes will be awarded. Artists can submit up to four pieces for a $30 entry fee. The submission deadline is August 25, 2021.

For more information and to submit your artwork visit: http://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/activities/art-show/