The awards for the December 2025 PleinAir Salon Art Competition were announced on January 29th. The selections were made by judge, Master Artist Debora Joy Groesser. The overall and category winners will now be included in the judging for the 13th Annual PleinAir Salon Competition being awarded in May 2024.
FIRST PLACE
Fernando Micheli, Lovrijenac Fortress Overlook, Dubrovnik
Oil, 18×14 in.
“As I was reviewing the entries, this piece grabbed my attention immediately. It reminded me of some of Claude Monet’s impressionist paintings of the cliffs at Etretat. The composition is simple and powerful. The texture of the rocks, the reflected light and the atmospheric perspective are spot on. The execution of the water is simply stunning – the sparkle and patterns of the brilliant sunlight, the beautiful transparency and layering of color in the foreground water. You can almost feel the sunshine, smell the sea air and hear the gentle lapping of the water. This painting is an impressionistic delight for the senses – absolutely stunning!?“
SECOND PLACE
Ben Walter, Rocky Mountain Lake
Oil, 40×50 in.
“This painting is beautifully rendered, from the water, the submerged logs and the tree patterns to the strong design of the vertical mountain faces and snow patterns. The artist’s skillful drawing and understanding/use of values helps make this difficult subject into a successful painting. It feels as if you are standing right there – a wonderful, breathtaking sense of place.“
THIRD PLACE
Richard Carter, We Always Do
Oil, 42×33 in.
“This painting was another that immediately struck me and stuck with me. Not only is it a beautiful painting, but the mysterious, moody, almost voyeuristic quality of it leaves the viewer wanting to know the story behind it. The lone lighted window in the foreground building, the suggestion of figures in that window – these draw the view in and lets them imagine what that story may be. The suggestion of moonlight on the roof and the distant lights of the city are perfection. I love everything about this exquisite piece.“
CATEGORY WINNERS
Each category award winner is now entered into the Annual Competition. Judges will review all the winners from the 13th Annual PleinAir Salon, and we will award over $22,000 at the Annual Competition held in May 2024.
CATEGORY HONORABLE MENTIONS
The category honorable mention recipients are eligible to re-enter their paintings into future competitions.
TOP 100 FINALISTS
Each month all the entries are reviewed and scored by a judge. The paintings with the highest scores become the Top 100 Finalists. (In the event of tied scores, there may be more than 100). The awards for the monthly competition are selected from this group of finalist.
