Juried artists Kathleen & Mike Kotarba painted Darlington's Grace Memorial Church for last year's festival and returned to have another look at this historic town in northern Harford County.  While Kathleen painted the Victorian rectory of Grace Memorial, which she calls an "architectural challenge," Mike moved down the road to the octagonal chapel at Darlington Cemetery, c. 1885.  Kathleen notes, "The light at the end of the day creates a warm glow and a shady place to paint."

Barbara Stepura shares the progression of her work.  Notice how the light changes as her work progresses, affecting the colors of the scene.

​

This year's Festival features several artists new to Harford County.  Rajendra KC of Falls Church, VA, entered the Quick Draw competition in 2019 and 2020 and was accepted into the juried festival this year.  Here, he creates his impression of a friend's garden.

Matt Fenton escaped the heat of Baltimore at Rocks State Park, Wednesday, July 7.  He says, "It’s a wonderful place to paint the scenic Deer Creek and surrounded rock formations.  Rocks State Park is a nice place for Harford County residents to swim, fish, hike or climb."  We totally agree, Matt!
​

 An artist never knows from where inspiration will come.  Several sites caught Denise Matuk-Kroupa's eye while on a family vacation this week.  

Barbara Stepura of White Plains, MD, painted near her home in Charles County, today.  Juried artists who live outside the metropolitan Baltimore area may submit up to two paintings from outside Harford County for award consideration.

Denise Matuk-Kroupa painted at the Bel Air Farmer's Market on Saturday, July 3, and at sunset on Monday, July 5, at Harford Vineyard & Winery in Forest Hill.

Amanda Milliner of Baltimore shared her painting of a marina in Havre de Grace.  Our painters capture the date and time of their paintings to verify when and where they painted.  This allows them to work without direct scrutiny.

Denise Matuk-Kroupa of Baltimore was up early to beat the rain at the Scarff Farm in Fallston.  See more of Denise's work by clicking on her name.

Artists have been chosen for the 2021 Harford Plein Air Painting Festival and will begin to paint on July 1.  If you see them painting around Harford County, please be sure to stop and watch them and thank them for coming.  Check this blog daily for photos of their work and information about the artists.