Plein air competition


The First Bi-Annual
Charleston
Plein Air Competition
November 4–8, 2026 • Charleston, South Carolina
Join artists from across the country for Charleston's First Bi-Annual Plein Air Competition, a week-long celebration of artistic excellence set against the historic streets, waterfront vistas, gardens, churches, and timeless beauty of Charleston. Presented by the Blair Center for the Arts and Mary Martin Gallery, this premier event offers artists the opportunity to compete for awards, exhibit their work, connect with collectors, participate in the Wet Paint Sale, and gain valuable professional exposure. Open to all paint media.

Competition Categories
Open Division
Designed for all artists who wish to compete for major awards, exhibition opportunities, collector recognition, and professional exposure.
Novice Division
Created for beginning and emerging artists developing their plein air painting skills in a supportive competitive environment with opportunities for recognition, exhibition, and artistic growth.
Competition Details
- Registration limited to the first 100 artists.
- Artist check-in, orientation, and canvas stamping at Mary Martin Gallery.
- Artists must select Open or Novice Division.
- Oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, and mixed media accepted.
- All artwork must be painted on location during the event.
- Artists may stamp up to three canvases, panels, or papers.
- Artwork must be a minimum of 8" × 10" and may not exceed 16" × 20" unframed.
- Artwork must be wired and ready to hang.
- Gallery-wrapped canvases are acceptable.
- Artists may submit up to two paintings.
- All submitted artwork must be for sale.
- Gallery commission of 20% applies to sales.
- Outstanding artists may be considered for exhibitions and representation.
- Wet Paint Sale participation included.
Event Schedule
November 4
Check-In, Orientation, Canvas Stamping & Welcome ReceptionNovember 5–6
Open Painting Throughout CharlestonNovember 7
Artwork Turn-In, Collector Preview, Judging & Awards CeremonyNovember 8
Public Exhibition, Wet Paint Sale & Artwork Pick-UpBest in Show Award & Career Opportunity
$5,000
Cash Prize • Featured Exhibition • Professional Exposure • Collector Visibility • Future Exhibition Consideration • Potential Gallery Representation
Suggested Painting Locations
Rainbow Row
The Battery
White Point Garden
Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain
St. Michael's Church
Church Street
French Quarter District
Colonial Lake
Artist Registration
$95
- Official competition participation
- Open or Novice Division entry
- Eligibility for all awards
- Canvas & panel stamping
- Welcome Reception
- Collector Preview
- Awards Reception
- Wet Paint Sale participation
- Professional marketing exposure
DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES
Online Watercolor for Beginners
Always wanted to paint with watercolors but didn’t know where to start? This gentle, encouraging online class is designed especially for beginners.
Why Join This Class?
- ✨ Perfect for absolute beginners
- 🎨 Start with the basics
- 🖌️ Step-by-step guidance
- 📐 Complete full projects
- 🤍 Gentle and supportive
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.