It is almost time for us to stop accepting applications to participate in Plein Air Easton 2014.  Tomorrow at 5:00pm EST March 14, 2014 we will shut the registration system down and turn the slides over to the esteemed magazine publisher and collector, Kip Forbes who will look at hundreds of numbered images and decide which lucky 58 artists get to travel to Easton this July (a tough job that I’m glad I’ll never have).  This year we introduced a $10,000 grand prize as a fun gimmick in celebration of the 10 years of Plein Air Easton.  Did this change scare you?  We are hearing feedback that some artists are not even going to apply this year because the Grand Prize has grown so big that “there is no way that they will get in.” 

Al and I receive many Arts related e-newsletters every day in our inboxes.  Yesterday we were sent the following from Eric Rhoads, our friend from Plein Air Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur and the Plein Air Convention.  It is really sound advice. 

If you don’t apply, you will never know if this was your year.  We encourage you to check out our prospectus and apply before tomorrow’s deadline and while you are at it, go ahead and apply to Eric’s 3rd Annual Plein Air Salon too, your chances might be better than you imagine!

An Important Lesson I Learned In Radio
A benefit you can use as an artist
A message from Art Publisher Eric Rhoads

As an artist, you need every possible advantage to build your brand. You need important milestones to talk about and use for press and to build exposure. Winning contests like the PleinAir Salon is important for your resume. So I want to share a little secret that I learned in radio that also applies to you.

In radio, we were the kings of contesting. During my career in radio we gave away millions of cash prizes and other awards. But as one who held those contests, I'll let you in on a little secret: The number of entries was much smaller than anyone ever imagined. We learned that contests were so big and sounded so impossible to win that most people believed they never had a chance, so they never entered. In some contests, entry levels were so low that the odds of winning were not one against millions, but one in hundreds. On two different occasions in Miami, one guy won $10,000 two contests in a row because there were so few entries. I love to enter raffles, and I frequently win because I know this tip.

Why am I telling you this? Simply because we have over $21,000 in prizes, including a $15,000 grand prize that will go to one artist and be awarded at the Plein Air Convention. You have a shot. Each of the last two winners almost didn't enter because they didn't believe they had a chance. Both walked away with $15,000.

March 15 is your last chance to enter this annual contest. It's worth a shot; if you are a finalist in this contest, you, with all finalists from the year, will entered to win the grand prize. Yes, it could be you. And your odds increase by entering more paintings. Judges may not respond to one but might to a second or third entry.

But you can't win if you don't enter. Don't let your mind play games with you. You do have a chance.

Enter now. Simply upload images of your paintings. It's easy, and 10 minutes could result in $15,000 cash or other cash and prizes.

Last chance to enter is March 15.

Eric

P.S. Enter everything you can. Many contests don't have as many entries as you think. Use this to your advantage now. Enter before March 15.