Plein Air Easton is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States, held annually in July in Easton, Maryland. Artists from across the country and around the world apply for the chance to be among the 58 juried artists selected by a distinguished juror each year. Those chosen will travel to Talbot County to create art from life—capturing the beauty of the outdoors rather than working in a studio.

Plein Air Easton is just one of many programs operated by the Avalon Foundation. Visit avalonfoundation.org to learn more about our other important work.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS

For a full list of our upcoming events, visit our events calendar.

Fri 7/10

Kick-Off Celebration

FREE EVENT

Join us in welcoming the 58 artists who will be spending the week painting all over Talbot County and be sure to view the exhibits of their work at...

Sun 7/12

Paint Oxford

FREE EVENT

An exhibit and sale of works produced in Oxford during this special competition artists paint out.
Location: 200 Oxford Road, Oxford, MD...

Sat 7/18

Quick Draw

FREE EVENT

Watch as nearly 200 artists complete a painting in 2 hours in downtown Easton....

Sat 7/18

Quick Draw Registration - 2026

Register NOW for the 2026 Quick Draw Competition, a thrilling and fun event where anyone can paint or draw outdoors in downtown Easton....

Sun 7/19

Small Painting Sunday

FREE EVENT

Free and Open to the Public....

"

"[Plein air painting] is more robust and loved than ever. Thanks to great programs like Plein Air Easton, it is thriving."

"
Peter Trippi, Editor-in-Chief, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine

FEATURED NEWS STORIES

See our news feed for a full list of our articles.

Juror Reveal for the 2026 Competition

Easton, MD — Plein Air Easton (PAE) is thrilled to announce the juror and judge for the 22nd Annual Plein Air Easton Festival and Outdoor Art Competition, taking place July 10–19, 2026 in Easton, M

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Educational Content

One of the favorite festival offerings for aspiring and seasoned artist attendees alike is our collection of art demonstrations hosted by Plein Air Easton alumni.

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2025 Plein Air Easton Award Winners

At the July 18 Collectors Preview Party, awards judge Peter Trippi announced an impressive slate of honors as 104 paintings found new homes in a whirlwind of enthusiastic sales.

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Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame Inductions

Plein Air Easton’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees reflect the heart and history of the festival—visionaries, patrons, and artists whose contributions have shaped its legacy.

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Welcome to Plein Air Easton 2025

Plein Air Easton is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States. The annual competition is held in Easton, Maryland, each July.

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CORPORATE SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS

FRIENDS OF PLEIN AIR

VISIONARY

Kelly & Brent Asplundh
Lisa & Steven Asplundh

BENEFACTOR

Cynthia Rickman

PATRON

Heather Muir Johnson
Ellen & Carl MacCartee
Rita & Robert Reaves
Beverly & Richard Tilghman

ART LOVER

Virginia & Michael Borner
Ellie & Brian Christiansen
Helen & Joe Milby
Sarah & Kate Milby
Nancy & Greg Minahan
Pat & Ken Rogers
Sandaway Suites & Beach

FRIEND

Sue & Joe Bredekamp
Sara Carlson
Julie Carter
Philip Davis
Hilary & Robert Foley
Sharon & Christopher Haines
Michael Hash & Buck Waller
Debbie & Thomas Lawrence
Gerri & Steve Leder
Lisa Locher
Maryellyn Lynott
Diane & Peter Mayer
Joyce & Ben Schlesinger
Janice & Robert Vitale
Laura Weiss

BECOME A FRIEND OF PLEIN AIR

The Friends of Plein Air Easton are a group of active supporters who ensure that Plein Air Easton exists and thrives into the future. Plein Air Easton is not a single event or moment but a ten-day series of meaningful experiences where opportunities to engage, learn, and explore the Eastern Shore's stunning geography, art, and culture abound.

JOIN TODAY