Prominent plein air artists from around the country are gearing up for another exciting installment of the Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Annual Plein Air Festival.Over 30 juried artists congregate in Palm Beach and Martin counties, Florida, to paint local landscapes, coastlines and landmarks, and compete for cash and other prizes.
Artist Matt Lively in action from the 2023 Plein Air Festival.
“Their paintings capture everything from ‘Old Florida’ found in places like Jonathon Dickinson Park and Riverbend Park, to iconic landmarks such as Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse,” says Lighthouse ArtCenter’s executive director, Jeni Licata. “The only requirement is to paint outdoors. Plein air painting allows artists to express their creativity without constraint on subject or medium.”
Lighthouse ArtCenter education and program director, Serin Leas, adds that the festival has several free opportunities throughout the week, “starting with the kickoff at Harborside Place, featuring artists painting in our quick paint competition [on Sunday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.],” she says. Directly following the event, paintings are judged, awards are announced and works become available for sale.
Natalia Andreeva, Cool Shadow, oil, 24 x 18"
From March 4 through 7, artists compete yet again by painting plein air throughout Tequesta, Florida. “Then you can immerse yourself in the creative process as eight skilled demo artists showcase their talents at various locations,” says Leas. “You’ll be able to witness the beauty of live painting and connect with the artists.”
For instance, on Monday, March 4 from 9 to 11 a.m., artist Lon Brauer demonstrates his oil painting talents in expressive realism landscapes. Mary Hertler Tallman follows from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., illustrating her unique plein air vision in pastel. Visit the Lighthouse ArtCenter website for a detailed schedule of events throughout the week of the festival.
Rounding out the festival is the anticipated Collectors’ Party & Sale on Friday, March 8 from 5 to 8 p.m., where visitors can mingle and engage with featured artists. Prior to the party, pieces are judged by the esteemed Michele Usibelli, honoring and awarding artists in categories like Best Marine, Best Seaside, Best Architecture, Best Nocturne and Best of South Florida.
Ralph Papa, Lakeside at Paradise Palms, oil on panel, 12 x 16"
A highlight from last year’s event—and participating this year—artist Natalia Andreeva presented her plein air oil painting Cool Shadow, a beach scene with palm trees taking center stage, found in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. “…As I strolled along the shore, I was captivated by the profound beauty of a new day unfolding—imbued with hope and love,” says the artist. “The narrative emerged organically as I observed the steadfast resilience of old palms resisting the violent winds of storms, the resourcefulness of life manifested in the marsh grasses and the ever-continuing story etched in the sands. It was the interplay of the cool shadows against the warm light that served as the catalyst, seamlessly uniting the disparate elements of the scene into a cohesive and evocative narrative.”
Marc Anderson, Old Yeller, oil, 16 x 20"
Finally, on Saturday, March 9, the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery hosts another competition called the Live Battle of the Brushes alongside a small works sale that offers paintings no larger than 8 by 8 inches. While this is also the last day to purchase any festival paintings, the gallery will display available works throughout the week of the event.
Licata shares that ultimately, “Our greatest wish is that those who join us carry away not just the beauty captured on canvas but also the uplifting energy of creativity. We encourage our attendees to share the magic with their friends, spreading the word about this wonderful festival in our local community.” —
Lighthouse ArtCenter's 11th Annual Plein Air Festival
March 3-9, 2024
Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery/Various Locations
373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469
www.lighthousearts.org/pleinair
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