Wow, Wow, Wow!

How do you feel when you win in the PleinAir Salon art competition? “Just WOW WOW WOW,” said John Buxton, whose landscape “Great Falls of the Passaic” won in the January 2022 monthly round. Here’s more from John, including his inspiration and advice for others when it comes to entering art competitions.

Whatever It Takes, Including a Destoryed Canoe

This painting was a commissioned piece for someone who asked for some type of stream painting because he liked my water technique. We checked out the location – Passaic Falls – and I researched its history in order to make my painting a historical piece. I later returned to the Falls for more information, because I wanted a painting that was different than the normal view.

At times historical and painting research can be hazardous to your health… I acquired an “experienced paddler” for my canoe and we set off. On the way, the canoe was destroyed, but we were not hurt and I got my desired information.

Since then I have given a lecture on the experience. At a $40 for entry fee to listen to a crazy artist, the lexture raised nearly $400 for Fort Ligonier, a local historic site.

Advice on Entering this Art Competition

Art competitions help to show your artwork’s position among your peers, however, young artists (or any of us) should not let not being recognized harm your confidence.

Every judge or judging board is totally different and they might select different winners the next week (the same judges) because there are so many pieces to look at. Your piece may have been overlooked, but DON’T quit. It doesn’t mean your artwork isn’t good or even great. The next judge may fall in love with it.

You have to enter in order to be included among your peers … or as a good barometer of your progress toward that goal.

Connect with John Buxton: buxtonart.com

About the PleinAir Salon:

In the spirit of the French Salon created by the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this annual online art competition, with 11 monthly cycles, leading to the annual Salon Grand Prize winners, is designed to stimulate artistic growth through competition. The competition rewards artists with over $33,000 in cash prizes and exposure of their work, with the winning painting featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine.

Winners in each monthly competition may receive recognition and exposure through PleinAir Magazine’s print magazine, e-newsletters, websites, and social media. Winners of each competition will also be entered into the annual competition. The 12th Annual Awards will be presented live at the Plein Air Convention & Expo in May 2023.

The next round of the PleinAir Salon has begun so hurry, as this competition ends on the last day of the month. Enter your best art in the PleinAir Salon here.