In the 8th Annual Paint Great Falls: Plein Air Competition, artists will paint the beautiful scenery outdoors in Great Falls, Virginia. The event starts at 9am on Wednesday, September 7th through 3pm, Sunday, September 11th. Painters will be in popular locations such as Great Falls Park, Riverbend Park, Colvin Run Mill, as well as private gardens, a historic farm, Great Falls Village Centre and other places.
Eligibility & Requirements
Participants may paint anywhere in Great Falls (location ideas available) starting Wednesday, September 7th through 3pm Sunday, September 11th. Artists may submit up to two completed, framed and ready-to-be-hung artworks which were painted in the allotted time and done “en plein air” (outside) without the assistance of photography. Requirements for these competition pieces (up to 2): two-dimensional medium up to a 16”x 20” canvas or paper. All submitted artwork must be framed (hook and wire backing) and available for sale. Submissions may be made starting Friday afternoon at 4pm. All art will remain on display through September. Any paintings sold will contribute 25% to The Arts of Great Falls.
Registration
Register online to participate. Artist registration along with a $35 application fee and remains open until the 25 spaces are filled. If space is available, on-site registration is available for $45. All competition paintings are eligible to win prizes that are awarded by our competition judge. Register Now
Quick Paint
In addition to the daily painting, there will be a Quick Paint on Friday, September 9, from 5:30-7:30pm in Great Falls Village Centre. Quick Paint competitions are an exciting event as artists have a short period of time to create a piece of art. Marcia Klioze will judge the Quick Paint entries and select the winning painting for a $150 cash prize.
Paint Great Falls Plein Air Awards – Sponsored by Celebrate Great Falls
Cash awards will be given for 1st Place ($500), 2nd Place ($250) and 3rd Place ($100) and Quick Paint ($150). Honorable mentions (no monetary prizes) will also be announced. Many thanks to Celebrate Great Falls for sponsoring the cash prizes!
SCHEDULE of EVENTS
Wednesday, September 7
9am – 10am – CANVAS STAMPING at The Arts of Great Falls
Paint All day – Open painting throughout Great Falls. Site recommendations will be provided to artists.
Thursday, September 8
9am – 10am – CANVAS STAMPING at The Arts of Great Falls
Paint All day – Open painting throughout Great Falls. Site recommendations will be provided to artists.
Friday, September 9
9am – 10am – CANVAS STAMPING at The Arts of Great Falls.
Paint All day – Open painting throughout Great Falls. Site recommendations will be provided to artists.
5:30 – 6pm – CANVAS STAMPING for Quick Paint Event at The Arts of Great Falls
5:30 – 7:30pm – Quick Paint Event at Great Falls Village Centre. Enter through The Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 Walker Road) where canvases will be stamped starting at 5:30pm. Artists can set up anywhere in the Great Falls Village Centre and paint until 7:30pm. Pieces will be displayed on easels outdoors, where Judge Marcia Klioze will select one prize winner.
Optional: Registrants may submit any finished paintings (up to 2) that are framed & wired with canvases no bigger than 16 x 20 dimensions during the Quick Paint Event. All art will be taken home at the end of the event.
Saturday, September 10
9a – 10am – CANVAS STAMPING at The Arts of Great Falls
Paint All day – Open painting throughout Great Falls. Site recommendations will be provided to artists.
3 – 5pm – Submit up to 2 paintings (framed & wired with canvases no bigger than 16 x 20 dimensions) for judging to The Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 Walker Road)
Sunday, September 11
9a – 10am – CANVAS STAMPING at The Arts of Great Falls
Paint until 3pm – Open painting throughout Great Falls. Site recommendations will be provided to artists.
1- 3:30pm – Submit up to 2 paintings (framed & wired with canvases no bigger than 16 x 20 dimensions) for judging to The Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 Walker Road)
5pm – Judge Armand Cabrera will select the Paint Great Falls Award Winners. Awards will be announced at the reception at 6:30pm and online.
6:30 – 8:00pm – Awards and Collectors’ Reception. Participants will vote for their favorite painting for the People Choice Award.
September 11th to October 1st
Paintings will be on display in the Art School Gallery through October 1st & available for sale through the online gallery.
Saturday, October 1
3 – 5pm – Art Pick Up
Monday, October 3
10 – 11am – Art Pick Up