2nd Annual Plein Air Plus Paint Out & Exhibition

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences announces the second "Plein Air Plus" Competition and Exhibition on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Juror Stewart White, President of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters of America (MAPAPA), will select approximately 35 artists to participate in the Paint Out and exhibition.

The Paint Out takes place over a 2-month period from July 1st through August 31st, allowing artists to visit and paint the scenic seashore environment of Long Beach Island on their own schedule, choosing their own time of day, weather conditions, and locations. Finished paintings will be exhibited in the "Island Life" exhibition from September 8 through October 27, featuring selected artists' Plein Air works and/or studio paintings developed from their Plein Air studies. The opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 3-5 pm (artists are not required to attend).

Eligibility is open to all artists 18 years and older in the continental US. Entry fee is $35.00 (non-refundable) for 3 entries. Artists must submit 3 images of previous work painted in the past two years. Painting media can include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. Images must be JPEGs up to 5MB with a minimum of 1920 pixels on the longest side at 72 dpi. An artist statement is required with the application. Accepted artists will be notified by email and posted on the LBIF website by May 30.

For the exhibition, artists may choose between two submission types: Classical "Plein Air" (up to four paintings completed on site without photography) or "Plein Air Plus" (two classical Plein Air paintings and one studio-completed painting inspired by a specific location, with studies). All work must be made during July 1-August 31, 2017. Subject themes include beaches, salt marshes, Barnegat Bay, island towns, water sports, surfing, fishing, boating, and family entertainment venues.

Cash awards include First Prize of $500 for both classical "Plein Air" and "Plein Air Plus," Second Prize of $250, Third Prize of $100, and three Honorable Mentions. Additional prizes include Passport to LBI Award, People's Choice Award, and LBIF Art Committee Award. The LBIF retains 40% of the retail price of work exhibited. Submitted work must be available for the duration of the exhibition and remain until the close on October 27. Work must arrive in sturdy condition and be suitably prepared for hanging.