The winners have been announced in the monthly PleinAir Salon. Judge Michelle Dunaway chose two oils and a graphite drawing for the top first, second, and third place prizes. 

The winning paintings will be featured in the November/December digital Fine Art Connoisseur and the newsstand print version of PleinAir(TM) Magazine.

Judge Michelle Dunnaway commented on the merits of the works she chose as follows.

First Place: Mark Daly, “The Schooner Stephen Taber” 

 ($600 Cash Prize)

(Pictured at the top of this page)

“I was struck instantly by the luminosity emanating from this painting. It captures a sense of realism and light that goes far beyond anything a camera could record. The artist’s sensitivity to color and color temperature in the sails coupled with the simplification of water, highlighting only the essential functional movement compliments the dynamic composition. This painting exudes an old master quality, and I could see it hanging in a museum next to Winslow Homer or Turner and holding its own. The touch of red off center hits right where the smallest square and spiral of the golden mean would overlay which adds for a harmonious balance and movement to the painting. The technique and brushwork is subtle where it needs to be and powerful and bold in necessary areas. When a painting is executed so well that it makes me interested in a subject that I’m not normally drawn to, it is a testament to the artist’s impressive skill.”

Hiroshi Hayakawa, “Summer,” Graphite, 16×17.5 in.

Second Place: Hiroshi Hayakawa, Summer, Graphite, 16×17.5 in.

( $400 Cash Prize)

“This drawing shows both a mastery of skill coupled with a storytelling, emotive quality. It exudes a hint of narrative that draws the viewer in while simultaneously showcasing the unique beauty and characteristics of the subjects – the woman, her environment and the sea shell. All of the elements of this piece integrate into a moment of subtle movement and seeming stillness all at once. A successful portrait to me draws the viewer into the story, seeking to understand something of the subject in a particular moment in time. The work is both timeless and contemporary, and the arrangement of values, her dark hair against the light of the clouds transitioning down to her white dress against the dark trees makes for a lovely atmospheric effect.

Maxwell Miller, The Journeyman, oil, 9×14 in.

Third Place: Maxwell Miller, The Journeyman, Oil, 9×14 in. ($200 Cash Prize)

“A strongly designed arrangement of values is at the foundation of any successful painting, and the way the artist orchestrated these elements, as well as a limited punctuation of chroma, creates a powerful design and tone to the piece. It is more than a self portrait depicting a likeness but a self portrait that encompassed many varied aspects of the subject from observing the studio elements presented throughout the painting. The triangular design of dark and light and color overlaying each other creates a powerful image that is compelling to look at. It is a self portrait that opens a doorway into a story of the person, which is to me the highest goal of any portrait.”

The monthly PleinAir Salon rewards artists with over $50,000 in cash prizes and exposure of their work. A winning painting, chosen annually from the monthly winners, is featured on the cover of PleinAir magazine. The deadline is ongoing, so visit PleinAirSalon.com now to learn more.