Paint Laurel Plein Air

05/09/2026

Winners of the 5th Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air (from L to R):

One Laurel Award: “The Antique House” by Jill Glassman

Artists’ Choice Award: “Across the Water” by Will Schulze

Great Things Come Naturally Award: “Lillies with Ripples” by Maggii Sarfaty

Grand Old Laurel Award: “Love Where You Live” by John Schisler

Our sincere thanks to all of the artists and volunteers who make this such a wonderful event!

05/09/2026

The art walk/wet-paint sale is underway! Don’t miss your chance to take home a beautiful painting of Laurel, DE.

05/09/2026

It’s a beautiful start to the morning in downtown Laurel, DE for the 5th Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air! Watch landscapes come to life right before your eyes as thirty regional artists work en plein air (“in open air”) in the Impressionist tradition. At 11:30 AM, the art walk and wet‑paint sale begins, featuring pieces still fresh from the easel. Pick up a one‑of‑a‑kind landscape for a truly unforgettable Mother’s Day gift!

05/03/2026

Artists love plein air competitions for the thrill of painting outdoors, the rush of on‑the‑spot creative challenge, and the unbeatable camaraderie of a shared artistic adventure.

Paint Laurel Plein Air delivers all of that—and then some. And yes… the CASH prizes are absolutely worth grabbing your easel for:

1. One Laurel – $500
Awarded to the piece that captures Laurel’s unmistakable pride and community spirit.
2. Grand Old Laurel – $500
Honoring the artwork that best celebrates Laurel’s rich history and timeless traditions.
3. Great Things Come Naturally – $500
For the painting that showcases the Laurel area’s stunning natural assets.
4. Artists’ Choice – $300
The award voted on by the painters themselves.

Next Saturday, May 9th from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, stroll through Janosik Park in historic downtown Laurel, DE for our artwalk and wet‑paint sale. Come discover fresh works, meet the artists, and maybe take home a spark of inspiration still wet from the easel.

05/01/2026

One more week until Paint Laurel Plein Air! Are you ready to watch art come alive in your community?!? Hope to see you in Janosik Park for the artwalk/wet-paint sale starting at 11:30 AM next Saturday, 9 MAY!

Send a message to learn more

04/25/2026

CREATE. COMPETE. CONNECT.

Celebrating five years of original fine art in downtown Laurel, DE!

Only two more weeks until the annual Paint Laurel Plein Air event!

Following are some FAQs for our artists:

How do I find the event site?

Janosik Park is on the south side of the Broad Creek opposite 220 East Front St. in Laurel, DE (look for the bright, lime green tents). There is free, public parking around the vicinity of the park.

Where may artists paint?

Artists may paint outdoors within the designated event boundaries shown on the provided map. A few private properties will be available for access ; these properties will be identified with your information materials provided at check-in at Janosik Park. All artwork must be created on site during the event timeframe.

MEDIA, JUDGING & SALES

What media are allowed?

Traditional plein air media are permitted, including:

· Oil

· Acrylic

· Watercolor

· Pastel

· Drawing media

Pre‑toned or lightly prepared surfaces may be allowed; pre‑drawn or pre‑painted surfaces are not permitted. A framing table will be available near the artist check-in. We will NOT be stamping canvases; you are on your honor!

Can I use reference photos or work started earlier?

No.
Artwork must be started and completed on location during the painting period in the true spirit of painting en plein air.

Will artwork be judged?

Yes.
Registered artists may submit up to two completed works for judging. Artwork is evaluated by select community members familiar with the unique award themes. Award details are found in the Artist Prospectus.

Will artwork be exhibited?

Yes.
Completed works may be displayed during the public artwalk/wet-paint sale held in Janosik Park following the painting period. Presentation requirements include work that is properly framed, wired (no sawtooth hangers) and displayed on your own easel. Labels/tape will be provided during registration check-in.

Can I sell my artwork?

Yes.
Artists may offer completed plein air paintings for sale. Please make sure you can accommodate credit card sales. Information about sales procedures are communicated in the Artist Prospectus. There is NO COMMISSION on your sales!

What should artists bring?

Artists are responsible for their own:

· Seating and shade (if desired)

· Frames and framing materials

· Insect repellent and sunscreen

Artists must ensure their setup is safe and does not obstruct sidewalks or businesses.

Where can I find the Artist Prospectus?

Visit our event website at

The Fifth Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air will be held on Saturday, May 09, 2026 (rain or shine) in historic Laurel, DE. Registration is CLOSED. We look forward to hosting 30 regional artists in downtown Laurel, DE!

02/09/2026

ONLY FIVE SLOTS REMAIN for our 5th Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air! Register NOW at

 The Fifth Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air will be held on Saturday, May 09, 2026 (rain or shine) in historic Laurel, DE.  Registration will open on Monday, February 09 at 8 AM.  

02/09/2026

Registration for the 5th Annual Paint Laurel is OPEN and 1/2 the slots have already filled in the first 45 mins! Don't wait until it's too late. Visit our website at www.paintlaurelpleinair.net and click that Eventbrite ticket link!

 The Fifth Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air will be held on Saturday, May 09, 2026 (rain or shine) in historic Laurel, DE.  Registration will open on Monday, February 09 at 8 AM.  

02/07/2026

Are you ready?!? Registration opens Monday, 9 FEB at 8 AM. Visit our website at www.paintlaurelpleinair.net for more info.

We look forward to seeing you in Laurel!

01/30/2026

ARTISTS... Registration for the 5th Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air opens at 8 AM on Monday, February 9th. Limited to the first 30 artists to register. This event typically sells out by mid-afternoon on the first day, so DO NOT DELAY!

Visit the event website at www.paintlaurelpleinair.net for more info.