Plein Air Easton is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States. Celebrating its 18th year in 2022, the competition is held in Easton, Maryland each July. Plein air painters produce art from life (as opposed to in the studio). Artists from all over the United States and beyond apply to this competition beginning December 1st of the previous year.  Fifty-eight artists will be juried into the competition by a unique juror each year. Once selected, competing artists will travel to Talbot County to paint throughout the week. Next July’s competition will take place July 17th through the 24th. Many of the world’s most accomplished artists have Easton at the top of their wish list of competitions and we will continue to set the bar for excellence in the coming year.

Some quick facts about Plein Air:

Art sales for Plein Air Easton 2021 event topped $495,000 with 400 paintings sold over the course of the week.

The usual sales pace for the Collectors’ Preview Party sees a painting sold every 45 seconds during a 90 minute period.

Plein Air Easton’s Quick Draw is open to any artist (any age) with $10 and ambition. Nearly 200 artists paint for 2 hours in downtown Easton and the event culminates in an outdoor exhibit and sale along South Harrison Street.

Plein Air Easton, privately-owned galleries, and arts organizations program demos, workshops, exhibits, and lectures throughout the week.