Watch 50 artists paint ‘plein air’

Every August for 18 years, the Art League of Ocean City hosts the “Artists Paint OC Festival,” where for four days, 50 artists spread out across the resort and Assateague Island to paint iconic scenes “en plein air” and create beautiful collectible works of art. The public then gathers to celebrate their art in an on-going festival. Baltimore Magazine recently listed “Artists Paint OC Festival” in their “50 Reasons Why We Love Our Beach.”

So what exactly is “plein air”? It’s not “plain” air spelled wrong! It’s actually a French term meaning to paint “in open air.”

Painting outdoors as the light changes over the hours and the weather is a presence itself is much different and brings much different results than painting within the four walls of a studio. The paintings become more spontaneous and free, capturing the spirit of the place where they were painted.

And Ocean City, its iconic Boardwalk, Assateague Island, and the surrounding marshes provide a wealth of painting opportunities for these 50 professional artists.

On early Sunday morning on Aug. 13, the artists cluster on the Boardwalk for a two-hour painting competition that’s as much fun to watch as waves breaking on the beach.

The five-day competition among the artists is fierce: They’re competing for more than $5,000 in cash prizes made possible by the Peter Glenville Foundation, Worcester County Arts Council, Worcester County Tourism, Ocean City Development Corp. and private donations.

Veteran participant David Simpson of Parsonsburg, Md. paints with intention, often selecting meaningful locations.

“For plein air, I always like to go to places where I spent meaningful time in my life and that have intrinsic value. I grew up in Ocean City, so whether it’s places like Stinky Beach or the inlet, I like my paintings to be special to me,” he explained. “I love when people pass by when I’m painting and have a conversation, and then come back to buy my work at the sale. Then you know what you’re doing is real and successful.”

This year, there are two opportunities for you to buy the just-created one-ofa-kind art that’s already framed and ready to hang. The public is invited to the “wet paint sales” on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 5-8 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 1-3 p.m. Both sales are at the waterfront Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside, and both are free to attend.

The Saturday night party and sale will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash wine and beer bar, and live music. Sunday’s afternoon show and sale will include outdoor music under the tent, a cash bar with Bloody Marys and mimosas, and hors d’oeuvres. The Artists Paint OC exhibition will hang in The Sisson Galleria of the Arts Center after the sales through Sept. 30.

Laura Era, master plein air painter and owner of the Troika Gallery in Easton, Md., will judge the artwork, and has also generously donated a custom portrait as part of a raffle fundraiser for the Art League.

The galleries of the OC Arts Center are open every day with free admission, and we invite you to bring the family for a fun and rewarding experience. Admission is always free, plus you’ll find a unique gift shop, changing art exhibitions, art classes, plus free family art projects every Saturday during the summer.

You’ll find more information at OCart.org or call 410524-9433.