Oil Painters of America has been a fierce advocate for artists working in the medium since its founding in 1991. One of the ways they do this for its 3,500 members is through the many exhibitions and competitions they present throughout the year at various gallery venues throughout the United States. September ushers in the Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils,which will feature 100 artists’ work selected from nearly 1,000 entries from OPA members living in the eastern portion of the U.S. and Canada. A selection of the juried works are featured here.
Ann Watcher, Sunlight and Love Songs, oil on gesso board, 12 x 12"
This year, the event will be hosted by Beverly McNeil Gallery in Birmingham, Alabama, from September 14 through October 13.
“Owner Beverly McNeil is long-known and respected in the art industry for her roles and expertise in numerous art companies and organizations,” says OPA president Susan Abma, “including as a founder of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and as co-owner of Portraits, Inc., which is next door to the Beverly McNeil Gallery. Together the two galleries create an impressive art center in Birmingham.”
Fred Doloresco, House Sparrow, oil on gesso board, 14 x 11"; Dot Bunn, Leaves and Gourds, oil on panel, 20 x 23" ; Robert Johnson OPAM, Taos Peonies, oil on linen, 14 x 18"
Jill Basham, Boundless, oil on linen, 24 x 36"
Collectors and art enthusiasts can expect to find an exceptional collection of traditional oil paintings with a breadth of styles and subject matter.
Top: Stephanie Spay, Bourbon, Brew, and Babble, oil on aluminum, 24 x 28"; Jacalyn Beam, Holiday, oil on linen and Baltic birch panel, 11 x 14" . Center: Albert Handell OPAM, A Summer’s Breeze, oil, 24 x 30". Bottom: Jen Spaker, Staying Cool, oil on linen panel, 11 x 14" ; Debbie Mueller, Homage, oil on linen, 18 x 18"
“OPA exhibitions are an exemplary display of many of the best oil paintings in North America,” says Abma. “Acceptance into OPA shows means artists have been juried by the best and have competed against nearly 1,000 excellent paintings for the right to have their work hanging.”
Leah Wiedemer, Eskimo Kisses, oil on panel, 16 x 20"
Nationally acclaimed artist and OPA member Bill Farnsworth will serve as the juror of awards, which will amount to just over $25,000 in cash and merchandise prizes. Oil Painters of America was created to uphold and preserve the practice and appreciation of representational oil painting and, if this magazine is any indication, it looks like the tradition is very much alive.
Top: Mary Hubley, Sand Sailing, oil on linen, 14 x 11"; Susan Jarecky, Teton Valley Respite, oil on canvas, 18 x 24". Bottom: Robert Akers, Desert by the Sea, oil on linen on board, 18 x 24"; Deborah Brees, Gold in the Morning Sun, oil on canvas, 16 x 12"
“There was a time when abstraction took center stage, but traditional, representational art is in a new Renaissance,” says Abma. “OPA has been a leader in advancing and drawing attention to the fine art of excellent drawing, color composition and appreciation of light.”
An opening reception and award ceremony will be held September 14, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Beverly McNeil Gallery. Admission is free and open to the public. To purchase a painting, contact the gallery directly at (205) 328-1761 or via email via info@beverlymcneilgallery.com. —
Clockwise from top left: Gary Gibson, Parallels in Contrast, oil on canvas, 12 x 24"; Jeffrey Wells, Hear No Evil, oil on linen, 18 x 13"; Poppy Balser, Amidst the New Leaves, oil on panel, 9 x 12"
Oil Painters of America’s 2023 Eastern Regional Exhibition
When: September 14-October 13, 2023
Where: Beverly McNeil Gallery, 605 28th Street S., Birmingham, AL 35233
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