Art Completed in Nature

The 11th Harford Plein Air Festival opened on August 29 in Bel Air, Maryland. This festival brings together 30 professional painters from across the nation to paint Harford County's landscapes outdoors, competing for thousands of dollars in prize money.

Plein air, French for "outdoor," refers to the technique of painting landscapes outdoors, capturing natural light, weather, and colors exactly as they appear. Because artists must render the scene through observation alone, without photographs or preliminary sketches, it is considered one of the most challenging painting genres.

"Plein air is one of the most difficult painting styles because you have to capture the light, weather, and landscape details in the moment through observation alone," explained Amy Riley, cultural events coordinator at the Maryland Arts Center. "Visitors will be amazed by the caliber of artists participating in this festival."

$100,000 in Prizes and Sales Revenue

Since its inaugural event in 2015, the Harford Plein Air Festival has provided over $100,000 in prize money and sales revenue to more than 100 painters. This year's participating artists can submit works created throughout Harford County from July 1 through September 12, with one piece painted outside the county also permitted.

Visitors can watch artists painting outdoors at Ladew Gardens and downtown Bel Air. Additionally, a free exhibition gallery at the Bel Air Armory operates throughout the weekend, where visitors can view and purchase completed works.

Harford County: An Artist's Dream

Denise McDaniel, participating in the festival for the fourth time, remarked, "Harford County is a painter's dream location. There's an endless array of subjects to paint—the Chesapeake Bay, rural landscapes, historic sites, and picturesque small towns."

McDaniel, who holds a BFA from Moore College of Art and is a member of the Princeton University Art Museum Docent Association, added, "I love painting outdoors and engaging with the public, especially children's reactions are the most enjoyable." This year, she is creating works featuring gardens and sailboats.

Riley noted, "Each year brings a mix of new and returning artists, along with new and loyal sponsors, which maintains the festival's quality while continuously expanding our community of artists and patrons. We're proud to include local artists and youth in the Quick Draw competition and to provide opportunities for art newcomers to interact with professional artists."

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Exhibition Information

• Dates: July 1 - September 12 (artwork creation), gallery open weekends starting August 29
• Locations: Ladew Gardens, downtown Bel Air, Bel Air Armory (exhibition gallery)
• Admission: Free
• Participating Artists: 30 from across the nation + local artists and youth