Plein Air Litchfield 2025

Plein Air Litchfield is seeking twenty-five artists to participate in an expanded 6-day plein air painting event in and around Litchfield, CT. The event is hosted by Plein Air Litchfield under the auspices of Art Tripping, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Artist housing is provided on a best efforts basis.

All painting must take place within PAL-defined boundaries and be painted "en plein air." Painting from photographs is not allowed. Accepted mediums include oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache, and acrylic. Artists will be asked to paint in at least one specified location during the week. In case of rain, artists may paint outside under sheltered spaces or indoors at participating retailers, but not in studio settings. Maximum canvas size is 20 x 24 inches. All paintings must be framed and wired for hanging (no sawtooth hangers). Artists may choose three pieces for hanging and judging at the show and reception. All artwork created during the event must remain on display for the duration of the main exhibit (October 4, 2025 at Alofft Gallery), and unsold art must be removed by 3 PM Sunday, October 5.

Entry fee is $40 (non-refundable). Submit three plein air painting images as high-quality JPEG files, at least 1500 pixels on the longest edge, maximum 30 MB file size. Images must be cropped to show only the artwork with no matting, frames, or background distractions, and oriented correctly. Entry deadline is April 1, 2025. Entries may be edited until the deadline. All paintings must be available for sale; artists retain 60% and PAL receives 40%. Off-easel, online, or gallery sales must adhere to the 60/40 commission structure and be processed by Plein Air Litchfield. Artists will attend Saturday evening's Collectors Reception & Sale. Collectors Reception & Sale ticket purchases may be applied toward the purchase of one painting.

Prizes include: Grand Prize - $2,500 plus invitation to return in 2026; Second Place - $1,000; Third Place - $500; Artist's Choice - $2,500; Best Wild Spaces - $250; Best Farmscape - $250; Best Architecture - $250; Best Abstraction of the Landscape - $250; Uplifting Art - $250; and three Honorable Mentions at $250 each. For questions, contact Michele Murelli at [email protected].