2018 Artists

2018 invited artists

The competition field for the 2018 event. Names are grouped as listed for the 2018 competition.

Workshops and lectures

The competition week has long included teaching and talks alongside the painting.

Each summer, the Olympic Peninsula becomes a living studio for artists who practice the tradition of painting outdoors, capturing the shifting light and dramatic landscapes that define this corner of the Pacific Northwest. The plein air format demands both skill and spontaneity, as painters work quickly to record the atmosphere before conditions change. For visitors, watching these artists at work offers a rare glimpse into the creative process, seeing how color and brushstroke interpret the same views that draw travelers from around the world. The event celebrates this direct engagement with nature, honoring a practice that connects contemporary artists to a long lineage of landscape painters who found inspiration along these shores.

The juried selection process ensures that each year's competition features a diverse range of artistic voices, from those who favor bold impressionistic strokes to others who pursue meticulous realism. Artists travel from across the region and beyond, bringing their easels, canvases, and a willingness to embrace whatever weather the peninsula provides. The challenge of working on location, with its unpredictable elements and changing light, pushes painters to distill a scene to its essential qualities. This shared experience fosters a sense of community among participants, who gather each evening to compare work and share stories of the day's discoveries.

Beyond the competition itself, the event offers the public meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts through demonstrations, gallery exhibitions, and informal conversations with practicing artists. These encounters demystify the painting process and invite appreciation for the technical decisions behind each work. The exhibition of completed pieces provides a comprehensive view of how many different eyes can interpret the same landscape, revealing the breadth of creative expression within a single genre. This educational component strengthens the bond between artists and the community, making fine art accessible and relevant to everyday life on the peninsula.

The ongoing success of this gathering relies on a network of dedicated supporters, including local businesses, arts organizations, and individual patrons who recognize the value of bringing together creativity and place. Their contributions help sustain a program that enriches the cultural life of Port Angeles and draws attention to the natural beauty of the surrounding region. As the event continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to maintaining a high standard of artistic excellence while keeping participation accessible to both established and emerging talents. This balance of tradition and growth ensures that the celebration of plein air painting remains a vibrant annual tradition.