Plein Air Art Contest Returns to St. Charles

A local artist is bringing a new plein air painting competition in St. Charles this May. 

Rebecca McGuire enjoys painting "en plein air" or in the open air, and used to participate in the annual St. Charles Plein Air Competition, which was run by St. Charles Riverfront Arts. 

However, the group didn't host the contest in 2011. McGuire decided to start a new outdoor art contest called 2012 Riverfront Paint Off, which will be held May 26-June 2 in St. Charles. is sponsoring the event which is open to artists working in a plein air media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil and pastel. 

Artists will have a chance to participate in four timed painting events and compete for prizes. Chris Schulte, owner of Picasso's, will offer a purchase prize. 

"We're trying to get businesses involved," she said. "We're trying to get people involved with the event. People have been very encouraging." 

The community is welcome to attend the judging and to purchase art directly from the artists. McGuire said a few well-known professional artists have signed up. 

Registration

Registration is $20 and can be done here. 

Schedule:

May 26: Opening day and free paint

May 27: Free paint 

May 28: Timed painting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., theme "Street Scenes"

May 29: Timed painting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., theme "Water"

May 30: Timed painting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., theme "Something alive"

May 31: Timed painting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., theme "Katy Trial"

June 1: Free paint around St. Charles. Turn in one or two paintings for final judging at Framations at 1 p.m.

June 2: Artists' reception at Picasso's form 6-8 p.m., live music 8-11 p.m. Awards start at 6:30 p.m.