16th Annual Salon Art Prize Monthly Awards Awards

May 2026 Awards

By kstoberJune 22, 2026No Comments

MAY FINALISTS

The judge for the May 2026 Salon Art Prize was Master Artist Cindy Baron.

Each month all the entries are reviewed and scored by a judge. The paintings with the highest scores become the Finalists. The awards for the monthly competition are selected from this group of finalist.

A red brick Victorian-style townhouse with ornate trim, tall windows, flower boxes, and a mansard roof, sits on a sunny street corner near old-fashioned street lamps and green trees. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A watercolor painting of an old, rusted pickup truck parked on grass, with trees and a fence in the background under a bright, partly cloudy sky. The scene evokes a sense of nostalgia and rural tranquility. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A landscape painting of an open field with tall grasses, a reflective waterway, distant trees, and a wide, cloudy sky with soft pastel hues. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a rustic lakeside shack with signs, a green rocking chair, and fishing gear outside. Birds fly and perch near a white birdhouse on a tall pole under a clear sky. The scene feels calm and inviting. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Two California quails rest among snow-covered wildflowers and grasses in a winter landscape, blending into the surroundings. The light is soft, and the scene is tranquil. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Close-up of vibrant purple irises with ruffled petals and yellow accents, clustered together among green leaves, set against a blurred background of greenery and trees under a clear blue sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Clear water flows over and around smooth rocks and boulders in a shallow stream, reflecting the sky and surrounding nature, with ripples and bubbles visible on the water’s surface. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A serene beach scene at sunset with tall grasses on sand dunes in the foreground and colorful clouds in a blue and golden sky over calm ocean water in the background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A blue and white porcelain jar sits on a white lace tablecloth beside a peeled and segmented orange, with two bright orange peels draped over the table’s edge. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Abstract painting with swirling shades of green, yellow, and black on the left, blending into vibrant red and yellow tones on the right, creating a fluid, organic pattern reminiscent of cells or flowing liquid. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A still life painting featuring scattered vintage sheet music, two old portraits, a string of pink beads, a pair of glasses, and a pocket watch arranged on a soft brown surface. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

An elderly Native American man wearing a traditional feathered headdress and beaded clothing stands in front of a faded American flag, looking thoughtfully into the distance. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A wide landscape at sunset with a vast, open sky painted in soft pastel hues of pink, orange, and blue, with gentle clouds above a flat, brown horizon. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Foamy ocean waves crash onto a sandy shore under a cloudy sky, creating swirling white patterns in the water. The image captures the dynamic motion and texture of the waves as they meet the beach. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A classic red convertible is parked outside a retro diner with glowing neon Cafe signs on a rainy night, with reflections of lights on the wet pavement. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Impressionistic painting of a waterfront scene with boats, docks, and white wooden buildings reflected in calm blue water. The image features loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a tall blue heron standing in shallow water, with its reflection visible. The background features green foliage and water, creating a serene, natural atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Large turquoise ocean waves crash dramatically near the shore, while several birds fly above the surf under a partly cloudy sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A colorful, impressionist painting of a white house with red shutters, surrounded by trees and greenery under a bright blue sky. Broad brushstrokes capture sunlight and shadows, creating a lively, vibrant scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A young woman with long dark braids stands against a textured background, wearing a dark dress and holding a bouquet of flowers and greenery. She gazes calmly at the camera, with a neutral expression. The image is in black and white. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A white egret stands alone in a misty, muted landscape with soft, diffused light and a hazy background. The bird faces slightly left, with its body and long orange beak highlighted against the serene scenery. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A close-up view of intertwined, fallen tree trunks and branches in a forest, with bark in shades of brown, gray, and green, showing detailed textures and patterns. Blurred trees are visible in the background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Sepia-toned pencil drawing of a person wearing a patterned headscarf and traditional clothing, looking slightly to the right. The background is softly shaded, and the artists signature is at the lower right. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Impressionistic painting of a pond with dark blue water, highlighted reflections, and several small orange fish swimming beneath the surface. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A realistic painting of red grapes, some in a small clear glass bowl and others resting beside it, set against a softly blended gray background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a large bronze bell hanging in a stone tower, with sunlight casting shadows and a clear blue sky in the background. The artist’s initials “J.D.” are in the lower left corner. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A rainy city street at night with people holding umbrellas, a streetcar with bright headlights, and reflections of lights on the wet pavement. Tall buildings and glowing street lamps illuminate the scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A white horse is harnessed to a white carriage parked on a sunny street. Two people sit in the carriage, talking. Other carriages and leafy trees are visible in the background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A rocky shoreline with flat, light-colored stone slabs extends into a calm, blue ocean under a clear sky. Shallow water covers parts of the rocks, reflecting the skys blue hues. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A minimalistic painting of a simple white church with a light blue roof, set against a light blue sky and brownish trees in the background. The brushstrokes are rough and the style is impressionistic. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Painting of a desert landscape at sunset with rugged mountains in the background, orange light on the peaks, tall cacti, yucca plants, and evergreen trees in the foreground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painted portrait of a woman with dark hair, wearing a white blouse, gazing to the side with a relaxed pose. The background is abstract with shades of gray and blue. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A polished silver teapot reflects strawberries placed on a white lace tablecloth, which is draped over the edge of a wooden table. The background is dark, highlighting the vivid red strawberries and intricate lace. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A person in a small rowboat paddles on water reflecting warm yellow and orange hues, with a large yellow ship named Buckeye docked in the background. The scene is painted in a realistic, impressionistic style. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a green pear in a red-rimmed cup on a saucer, with two strawberries and a fern leaf on a blue and white checkered cloth. Sunlight casts soft shadows across the fabric. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting depicts a red brick building on a street corner with visible power lines, a sidewalk, and shadows cast by the sun. The scene appears quiet and somewhat empty, with a soft, painterly style. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

View of the Golden Gate Bridge over blue water, seen through a framework of rust-colored steel beams and girders from underneath the bridge, with sunlight casting shadows. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

An impressionist painting of a sunlit forest with dense green foliage, tall trees, and dappled light on the forest floor. The colors are vibrant, with hints of blue, green, and earthy tones blending together. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A young person with voluminous curly hair wears a textured blue and purple sweater and gazes thoughtfully to the side, set against an abstract, colorful red and gray painted background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A winter landscape painting shows snow-covered ground with blue and purple shadows, and dense green and brown bushes dusted with snow beneath a soft, pastel sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A towering rocky mountain, partly covered by clouds, rises above pine trees and boulders in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A colorful, detailed painting of an urban scene featuring graffiti-covered walls, pillars, and sidewalk. Green foliage is visible on the left, and sunlight casts shadows across the concrete ground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

An impressionist painting of a vibrant sunset with orange, yellow, and purple clouds over distant hills and a dark green field in the foreground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A serene lake at dusk with floating logs in the foreground, misty evergreen trees along the shore, distant snow-capped mountains, and a single glowing light reflected on the calm water. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A scenic landscape with a farmhouse and barn surrounded by green fields and rolling hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Neatly mowed lines can be seen in the foreground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vibrant painting of an outdoor market scene shows a yellow canopy over vendors selling produce. People are visible among colorful stalls with various fruits and vegetables, creating a lively, sunlit atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A glass plate filled with bright red strawberries sits on blue-and-white striped fabric, with a few strawberries placed beside the plate. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

An impressionistic painting of a vibrant outdoor market stand, with colorful fruits and vegetables displayed under a turquoise awning. The scene is depicted in bold, expressive brushstrokes. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A city street scene at sunset, with people crossing the road, cars stopped at a crosswalk, and tall historic buildings bathed in warm golden sunlight, casting long shadows on the ground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a large longhorn cow standing in a sunlit grassy field, with a small calf beside her. Trees and a blue sky fill the background, creating a peaceful rural scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a womans face looking upward, partially obscured by abstract, rectangular brushstrokes in beige, brown, and gray tones against a light blue background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A stone archway is partly hidden behind lush green bushes and yellow-flowered shrubs, with a weathered stone wall in the background and a pathway in the foreground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A pastel painting of a desert landscape with red rock formations, green vegetation, and a blue sky with wispy clouds. The scene features large, rugged cliffs and mesas in warm, earthy tones. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A person draped in a lace shawl holds a lit candle in the dark. Soft light from the candle illuminates their face and clothing, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A frog partially submerged in shallow, clear water, with its head above the surface and body below. Brownish-green colors and tree reflections are visible on the water’s surface. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A woman with dark hair in a loose updo and an off-shoulder white dress reads a book, surrounded by soft white flowers, with a textured, painterly background in muted tones. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A snowy forest scene painted in soft, muted tones, featuring two large trees with a rustic wooden ladder or steps attached. The ground and branches are covered in snow, creating a peaceful winter atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Tropical foliage with dense green leaves and several hanging clusters of red and yellow heliconia flowers amidst the lush vegetation. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A still life painting featuring a mounted antelope skull, a wilted plant in a vase, a black candlestick, a feather quill, an apple, a glass of whiskey, an old book, and a parchment on a wooden table. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A still life painting of four oranges, three stacked inside a shallow decorative bowl and one placed beside it, resting on a light blue-green surface against a neutral background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a small waterfall cascading over rocks into a foamy pool below, surrounded by greenery and bathed in soft sunlight. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A sunlit forest scene with tall, slender trees casting shadows. Dense green bushes and dry grasses cover the forest floor, and sunlight filters through the trees, creating a peaceful, natural atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A serene mountain lake with clear water, a cluster of fallen logs in the foreground, tall pine trees on the right, and snow-capped peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A young woman wearing a white blouse and pink skirt stands in a shallow stream, lifting her skirt to keep it dry as she looks down at the water, surrounded by rocks and natural scenery. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A young person crouches, wearing a sleeveless top and a fur headdress with an animal skull on top, staring intently at the camera against a dark background. The image is in black and white. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Sunlight streams through tall trees, illuminating dense green ferns and foliage on a forest floor. Warm, golden light creates a vibrant, glowing atmosphere with colorful highlights on the plants and tree trunks. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vibrant watercolor painting depicts a grand building entrance with ornate columns and warm orange lighting. A single figure walks toward the open doorway, casting a shadow in the dramatic, colorful scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A still life with red flowers in a basket, old books, an open book, a magnifying glass, glass bottles, seashells, and a lace cloth on a wooden table, set against a red patterned fabric backdrop. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a woman in a flowing, light-colored dress holding a vase of white and green flowers. Soft light highlights her serene face and hands against a dark, blurred background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a brown duck with a blue bill swimming in greenish water, creating ripples around it. The ducks head has white and dark markings, and the tail feathers are pointed upward. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Dense clusters of pink oleander flowers with long, narrow green leaves, filling the frame with vibrant blossoms and lush foliage. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vast desert landscape with red rocky cliffs under a blue sky, sparse green shrubs in the foreground, and a lone cow grazing near the center. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A person on a donkey rides along a rocky riverbank, pouring water from a jug. The scene is lush, with trees and mountains in the background, evoking a peaceful, rural setting. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Bundles of vibrant red peonies with green leaves are wrapped in white paper. Purple flowers and green foliage appear in the background, creating a fresh and colorful market scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vibrant painting of a rose bush with lush green leaves and clusters of large, pink flowers in full bloom against a light blue sky background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of tree branches or driftwood partially submerged in clear blue water, with green leaves and ripples visible on the surface, creating a fluid and natural scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A sunlit field with tall grass and patches of shade, featuring a large tree at the center. Cacti grow at the trees base, and sunlight filters through the branches, casting shadows on the ground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A young girl with long hair sits indoors, resting her head on one hand. She wears a striped sweater and looks directly at the viewer with a serious expression. Ornate patterns are visible on the window and wall behind her. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Watercolor painting of a city scene with a tall, domed building in the center, trees with autumn foliage, a streetlamp, people walking, and a white tent or canopy in front of the building. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vibrant landscape painting of a grassy field with a fence, large green trees, distant mountains, and a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A serene, misty night landscape with a full moon illuminating a quiet river surrounded by dark, shadowy trees and bushes. The moonlight reflects softly on the water, creating a calm, tranquil atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A watercolor painting of an old building with weathered walls, an open doorway, and several yellow wooden pallets leaning against the exterior, bathed in soft sunlight. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A serene mountain landscape with a calm lake surrounded by tall, rocky mountains and scattered pine trees, bathed in soft sunlight under a partly cloudy sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A coastal scene at dusk with gentle waves, dark rocks in the foreground, and a hillside town in the distance glowing with warm, colorful lights under a deep blue night sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Sunlight reflects on clear, rippling water flowing over smooth rocks and pebbles in a shallow stream, creating shimmering patterns and vibrant colors. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Impressionistic painting of a lake with a tree-lined shore, reflecting earthy greens, golds, and soft lilacs in the water. The sky and clouds are visible, with brushstrokes creating a textured, abstract effect. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Two horses with long, wavy manes stand close together, gently touching their heads. Both wear halters and appear calm and affectionate in a softly lit setting. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A desert landscape with tall red rock formations glowing in the warm sunlight, set against a pale sky. The foreground features patches of snow and sparse vegetation. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A sunlit meadow bordered by trees, with tall grasses and wildflowers in the foreground. The scene has soft, impressionistic brushstrokes and warm, natural colors, creating a peaceful, late-afternoon atmosphere. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A black and white, textured portrait of an older man with curly hair, glasses, and a goatee, wearing a light shirt and vest, set against a dark, abstract background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Close-up view of dense green grass blades overlapping each other, creating an abstract pattern with differing shades of green and natural light reflections. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Two old, rusty tractors sit abandoned in a dimly lit, open-sided shed. Sunlight filters through, casting orange and red highlights on the metal and scattered leaves covering the ground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Sunlight filters through tall trees in a dense forest, casting warm, golden light and shadows onto a winding dirt path; lush green foliage surrounds the tranquil scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A wide landscape with a vast, open sky filled with fluffy white clouds and blue patches above a flat, brownish terrain. The scene feels peaceful and expansive. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a woman in a white dress sitting sideways on a chair with her hair in a bun. She gazes thoughtfully ahead. Behind her is a vase filled with white flowers on a table. The scene has a soft, impressionistic style. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A charming cottage with a weathered wooden fence is surrounded by blooming pink roses and lush greenery, basking in soft sunlight. A white gate and trees add to the peaceful, idyllic garden scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A golden, curly-haired dog sits on a textured red surface against a black background, looking upward with an alert and gentle expression. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Sunlight streams through the cracks and gaps in the wooden walls and door of an old, empty barn, creating warm, glowing lines of light across the shadowy interior. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vintage streetcar stopped on wet tracks in a rainy city. Reflections from streetlights and the tram are visible on the pavement. People with umbrellas wait on the sidewalk near bare trees and buildings. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A snow-covered tree stands in a wintry forest, with thick snow blanketing its trunk and lower branches. Sunlight casts soft shadows on the snow-covered ground and surrounding foliage. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A close-up painting of a prickly pear cactus with clusters of bright yellow flowers and pink buds, set against a blurred, sunlit desert background with hints of blue sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A rural scene with a green field in the foreground, several red and white farm buildings in the middle distance, and a dramatic, colorful sky filled with clouds above. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A rocky landscape bathed in warm sunlight, featuring rugged terrain with jagged stones and scattered shadows. In the distance, there are hints of water and soft light from the horizon. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Watercolor painting of an ornate church entrance with detailed stonework, statues, and a cross on top. A lone figure in red stands at the doorway, and birds fly in the pale blue sky above. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a flowing river with white water splashing around large rocks and boulders, surrounded by lush green trees in the background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A sunlit meadow filled with wildflowers in bloom, featuring pink, white, and yellow blossoms. Tall grasses wave in the foreground, with green trees and a blue sky in the background, creating a peaceful, natural scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Close-up black and white photo of two cows standing outdoors. One cow is in the foreground facing the camera, while the other stands slightly behind, partially visible. The background is softly blurred with cloudy skies. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a rocky beach with waves crashing on the shore, sunlight reflecting on the water, and green cliffs in the background under a partly cloudy sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a calm sea at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon and its reflection shimmering on the water. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds in shades of blue, gray, orange, and yellow. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Several colorful boats rest on a muddy shoreline at low tide, with larger red boats alongside smaller blue and white ones. Other boats float in the water in the misty background. Buoys and ropes are scattered around. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A painting of a deep canyon with steep, rocky cliffs and a winding blue river below. Sunlight highlights the rugged landscape, with sparse vegetation on the cliffs under a partly cloudy sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Oil painting of a rocky outcrop on a green, grassy hillside with mountains and trees in the background under a pale blue sky. The scene is painted with visible brushstrokes and soft, natural lighting. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Watercolor painting of sailboats docked at a marina, with soft reflections in the rippling blue water and trees in the background under a bright, clear sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Tall pine trees silhouetted against a dramatic sunset sky, with clouds tinted in shades of blue, purple, and orange, creating a peaceful yet striking landscape scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Tall cypress trees with hanging Spanish moss stand in shallow, rippling water near a large lake or bay. Sunlight reflects off the water, and a bright blue sky is visible in the background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A vivid sunset sky with vibrant red, pink, and orange clouds above a dark, hazy landscape. The scene has a soft, painterly texture, blending warm and cool tones across the horizon. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A woman in a flowing, long-sleeved white dress stands confidently against a backdrop of dramatic, cloudy sky, her hair gently blowing in the wind as she looks slightly upward with a determined expression. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A waterfall cascades over rocky ledges surrounded by green trees, with sunlight illuminating the rushing water and mist at the bottom. Mossy rocks and a fallen log are visible in the foreground. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A scenic landscape painting of a mountain stream flowing over rocky terrain, with pine trees and distant snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky. Sunlight illuminates the rocks and water, creating a peaceful, natural scene. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Watercolor painting of a Victorian-style house partially hidden by lush green trees, featuring a pointed roof and ornate architectural details under a bright sky. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A watercolor painting of a snowy park with a curved bridge, bare trees, and distant tall buildings under a pale sky. The scene feels tranquil and wintry, with long shadows cast across the snow. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A black and white image showing two horses standing close together, with their heads gently touching. One horse is light-colored and the other is dark, creating a contrast in their coats. The background is soft and blurred. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

A brown and white boxer dog sits on a dark blue couch next to a large rawhide bone, with sunlight streaming through window blinds in the background. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

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