Oil Painters of America is dedicated to the preservation of representational oil painting and provides exhibition opportunities for its members. The global health crisis has shifted the organization’s 2020 shows to virtual formats with many of the usual bells and whistles of the in-person events moving online. This year’s Virtual Western Regional Juried Exhibition, featuring approximately 150 juried paintings by artists living in the western half of the United States and Canada, will be hosted by Illume Gallery of Fine Art in St. George, Utah. The works are available to purchase through the gallery until September 12. 
Julie Davis, Transitions, oil on panel, 11 x 14 x ¼"
Joan Drennan, Yes We Have Some Bananas, oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 24 x 36 x 1½"
The exhibition highlights a range of styles and subject matter, which allows collectors to find unique works of art that fit in their collections. This year the show will include Joan Drennan’s Yes We Have Some Bananas, a close-up painting of fresh bananas on its plant; the serene landscapes Transitions by Julie Davis and High Country Lake by Jane Coleman; and Linghui Wang’s figurative painting of a drummer titled The Sound. Along with the juried artists, Master Signature members of the group living in the western region are invited to submit works for the show.
Linghui Wang, The Sound, oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 24 x 20"
Jane Coleman, High Country Lake, oil, 12 x 16"
A virtual awards ceremony will take place Friday, August 21, at 6:30 p.m. central time. Prizes this year include approximately $11,500 in cash and merchandise, including the coveted $4,000 Best in Show. Serving as the juror of awards is OPA Signature member David Dibble.
The works in the show are available to view on both the Oil Painters of America and Illume Gallery websites. —
Oil Painters of America’s Virtual Western Regional Juried Exhibition
When: Through September 12, 2020
Where: Illume Gallery of Fine Art, 29 W. 200 N., St. George, UT 84770
Information: www.oilpaintersofamerica.com, www.illumegalleryoffineart.com
Powered by Froala Editor
