Plein air is the most challenging form of painting, and it takes years of dedication and some professional help to get a good grip on. It is easy to see which artists have that grip, and which ones are on the cusp, and which ones are slowly getting there. I respect anyone who has the courage to get outside and try, often to fail, but to push on and keep trying.
-- John Hulsey, The Artist's Road
Harford County's premier Plein Air Festival is comprised of a juried competition and a community-based quick draw competition, which annually draw professional artists from across the U.S. to capture the county's charms. The Festival's unique format allows painters to work at their own pace from July 1 to September 12, competing for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and sales commissions.
Welcoming our 2025 Juried Artists:
Lissa Abrams Misty Letts
Bruno Baran Lynn Lewis
Pamela Betts Zhaobo Li
Christopher Best Denise Matuk-Kroupa
Joyce Blair Matthew Mitchell
Claudia Brookes Denise McDaniel
Jerry Brown Lia Pierson
Ann Crostic Christine Rapa
Ronaldo Dorado Pearl Regmi
Dana Enders Duane Sabiston
Nancy Fine Oleg Shvets
Tarryl Gabel Therese Spadaro
Rana Geralis Barbara Stepura
Laurie Kopec Eliner Tryon-Elgin
Kathleen Kotarba Pamela Wilde
Welcoming Dr. Jacalyn Beam as Festival Juror: Plein Air Painter
Sept 11: Artists' Day at Ladew Gardens- come observe them paint! (general admission)
Sept 12: Gallery Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Armory, 6:30-9pm, Free!
Sept 13: Sales at the Armory, 9am -3pm, Community Quick Draw 9 - 11am.
Sept 14: Sales at the Armory, 10am -3pm, Youth Quick Draw 11:30am - 1:30pm.
Welcoming our 2025 Juried Artists:
Lissa Abrams Misty Letts
Bruno Baran Lynn Lewis
Pamela Betts Zhaobo Li
Christopher Best Denise Matuk-Kroupa
Joyce Blair Matthew Mitchell
Claudia Brookes Denise McDaniel
Jerry Brown Lia Pierson
Ann Crostic Christine Rapa
Ronaldo Dorado Pearl Regmi
Dana Enders Duane Sabiston
Nancy Fine Oleg Shvets
Tarryl Gabel Therese Spadaro
Rana Geralis Barbara Stepura
Laurie Kopec Eliner Tryon-Elgin
Kathleen Kotarba Pamela Wilde
Welcoming Dr. Jacalyn Beam as Festival Juror: Plein Air Painter
Sept 11: Artists' Day at Ladew Gardens- come observe them paint! (general admission)
Sept 12: Gallery Reception and Awards Ceremony at the Armory, 6:30-9pm, Free!
Sept 13: Sales at the Armory, 9am -3pm, Community Quick Draw 9 - 11am.
Sept 14: Sales at the Armory, 10am -3pm, Youth Quick Draw 11:30am - 1:30pm.
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Come Paint with Us!
Community Adult Quick Draw Competition:
Saturday, Sept. 13th, 9am -11am, in downtown Bel Air. $20 registration.
Check in and Canvas-stamping begins at 8:30am, Bel Air Armory.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and People's Choice Awards!
Dr. Jacalyn Beam, Quick Draw Awards Judge
Youth Quick Draw Competition, ages 13 -17.
Sunday, Sept 14th, 11:30am -1:30pm, downtown Bel Air. Free.
Check in and Canvas-stamping at 11am, Bel Air Armory.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention Ribbons.
Community Adult Quick Draw Competition:
Saturday, Sept. 13th, 9am -11am, in downtown Bel Air. $20 registration.
Check in and Canvas-stamping begins at 8:30am, Bel Air Armory.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and People's Choice Awards!
Dr. Jacalyn Beam, Quick Draw Awards Judge
Youth Quick Draw Competition, ages 13 -17.
Sunday, Sept 14th, 11:30am -1:30pm, downtown Bel Air. Free.
Check in and Canvas-stamping at 11am, Bel Air Armory.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention Ribbons.
Bel Air Patch article:
Observe Artists, Purchase Artwork During 11th Annual Harford Plein Air Festival | Bel Air, MD Patch
Painting by Ann Crostic
Bel Air Patch article:
Observe Artists, Purchase Artwork During 11th Annual Harford Plein Air Festival | Bel Air, MD Patch
Painting by Ann Crostic
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
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Save the Date: Harford Plein Air Festival 2026: Sept. 11 - 13th.