“Virtuosos of the OPA (Oil Painters of America)” has long been one of the most prestigious art competitions for traditional representational art in America. Leading OPA member Daniel Keys judged this year’s top painters. Daniel Keys shares his master-level techniques in a still life teaching video titled “Hydrangeas and Oranges.”
Daniel Keys, “Hydrangeas and Oranges,” oil. Daniel Keys breaks down the technique behind this painting in a professional step-by-step video titled
The work of more than 50 Master Signature and Signature members of the 3,500-member OPA are currently on exhibit in the “Virtuosos of the OPA Exhibition of Traditional Oils” at Ballard’s Fine Art Gallery in Sheridan, Wyoming, through December 19, 2025.
“We’re thankful they will show here and open the doors for more shows in the future,” says the Gallery. “This particular show brings in so many options for collecting various painting styles from artists we don’t carry in the gallery.”
During the show’s opening reception, Keys awarded the Gold Medal to John Michael Carter for his oil, “Woodland Rapids” (top of page). Carter received a $1,000 cash award and media promotion for his work.
Carolyn Jeanene Lindsey, “The Empty Chair.”
The Silver Medal ($750 and a full-page ad sponsored by Fine Art Connoisseur went to Carolyn Jeanene Lindsey’s painting titled “The Empty Chair.”
Diane Frossard took the Bronze for “The Broodmares,” her luminous painting of three horses gilded by warm, slanting sunlight. Broodmares are female horses of strong stock kept for breeding healthy foals.
Diane Frossard, “The Broodmares”
The nonprofit organization’s President’s Award of Excellence was awarded to Mark Shasha for his painting, “California Color.” Mark Shasha teaches his techniques in two high-quality teaching videos from the “Landscape Masters Series,” which you can view here.
Mark Shaha, “California Color”
James E. Tennison, “Raspberry Swirl”
Additional Awards of Excellence went to Julie Davis, for “Tethered to the Land.” John Taft, for “Day Awakening,” Blair Atherholt, for “Drift,” Jeff Legg, for “Copper and Turnips,” John Budicin’s “November Morn,” and James E. Tennison’s “Raspberry Swirl.”
