Stems Plein Air 2015

This year was my first year participating in Stems Plein Air Paint.  After four years of being asked if I would participate, I finally did.  With so much rain, I spent two of the nicer days painting three pieces, just enough work to be entered into the competition.  Two of those paintings a fought off swarms of mosquitos, forgetting my bug repellant.  Note to self---the palette knife does nothing.

 

For those who don't know, Stems is an annual plein air painting competition that takes place in Overland Park, KS (Kansas City metro)---primarily in the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  Of all the annual plein air painting events in the KC metro, it is the longest and oldest.  From May 23rd to June 7th, artists were able to paint within three locations (Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Deanna Rose Farmstead, and/or Historic Downtown Overland Park).  That's enough time to get out and create a good body of work.  Artists are then able to choose three of what they think are their best paintings to be entered and judged.  Prize winners are given multiple opportunities to exhibit and sell their work.  Special painting challenges throughout the time of the event are also organized, as well as a plein air painting workshop that kick-starts the event.  Stems is a fundraiser for the Arts and Rec. Foundation of Overland Park.

I am honored to find that two of the three paintings I submitted have been accepted, both winning 4th Place in oils, but in different categories.  Prize winners will be exhibited for a VIP event at the Rice Gallery of Fine Art.  Selected entries will be on display for the public in the Art at the Center Feature Show from June 19 - July 19 at the Tomahawk Ridge Community Center in Overland Park, KS.  A reception is scheduled for June 19, at 6pm. 




Art at the Center Feature Show
June 19 - July 19, 2015
reception Friday, June 19th, 6-8pm
Tomahawk Ridge Community Center
119th and Lowell, Overland Park, KS




"Warm Afternoon"
12x16 oil on board
2015 en plein air

 

"Peonies Along a Stone Path"
11x14 oil on board
2015 en plein air
4th PLACE OIL - CATEGORY 3



"Fork in the Path"
12x16 oil on board
2015 en plein air
4th PLACE OIL - CATEGORY 2