Proving en plein air painting is anything but plain is Camden artist Pamela French.
Ms French has just been announced as a finalist in the 2017 NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize.
The $20,000 prize is celebrating its 10th year in 2017 and is awarded to the best en plein air painting of a NSW subject.
The winner will be announced at the Parliament on October 11.
To paint en plein air is to paint entirely out of doors, come rain, hail, shine and everything in between.
It was first popularised by the likes of Monet and Renoir before coming to Australia through Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton.
Contemporary plein air artists have upheld this tradition, albeit with a few tweaks.
French has been shortlisted for her work Copperburr After Rain I, which will be on display alongside the 44 other finalists in this year’s prize.
The free public exhibition at Sydney’s Parliament House runs until Friday, October 27.
Entry is free, and doors are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
“The NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize is one of the most anticipated events on the parliament’s calendar,” says John Ajaka, the president of the Legislative Council.
“Members of Parliament and the public love to see these wonderful portraits of NSW, and we are delighted to be able to host this exciting exhibition in its 10th year,’’ he said.
“Plein air painting may not be one of the best-known traditions,” says Shelley Hancock, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, “but it has a rich and colourful history in Australia and we encourage everyone to come along and see what today’s artists are creating out there in the elements.”
The winner will be chosen by this year’s judge Jane Watters.
With a mixture of established artists competing against up and coming talent, it is anyone’s guess as to who will walk away with the $20,000 prize, which is sponsored by Telstra.
• For more information, please visit www.pleinair.com.au
