Dave Santillanes, 9th Annual PleinAir Salon Grand Prize winner, has revealed his selections for the May 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. Scroll down to see the winning paintings and read Dave’s comments on his top picks.
1st Place Overall: “Sunburst Upon a Tranquil Silence”
John Buxton, “Sunburst Upon a Tranquil Silence,” Oil, 24×22 in.
“This painting is masterfully executed,” Dave said. “The light and atmosphere in this one immediately draws you in. Then the design takes over – moving the eye deftly through the scene ultimately to reveal the hidden story. The design, concept, and execution are all fantastic.”
2nd Place Overall: “A Fleeting Glimpse”
Jen Starling, “A Fleeting Glimpse,” Oil, 16×20 in.
“I love this painting. It’s a masterclass on edges, color, and drawing. And the harmony of this piece goes well beyond color – the incredible textures also fit harmoniously with the rest of the painting. Fantastic.”
3rd Place Overall: “Frosting in the Field”
Christine Code (Canada), “Frosting in the Field,” Oil, 6×8 in.
“Beautiful and brief… this painting is pure poetry.”
Plein Air Category Winners:
Best Plein Air Acrylic & Gouache: Barbara Tapp, “Rock and Roll Splash,” Gouache, 4.2×6.5 in.
Best Plein Air Landscape: Toni Williams, “Olivenhain,” Oil, 12×12 in.
Best Plein Air Oil: Daria Molostnova, “Big Storm,” 24×32 in.
Best Plein Air Pastel: Mary Ellen Goetz, “County Line,” 14×14 in.
Best Plein Air Watercolor: Al Kline, “Serenity,” 14.2×18.9 in.
Enter the PleinAir Salon Art Competition Today
All winners in the PleinAir® Salon will be entered into the judging for the annual cash prizes, including the Grand Prize of $15,000 and their painting on the cover of PleinAir® Magazine. Could you be the next winner?
The next round of the PleinAir Salon has begun so hurry, as this competition ends on the last day of the month. See the rest of this month’s winners and enter your best art in the PleinAir Salon here.
