Laurie Kersey,
Laurie Kersey, "Stillness," oil, 18 x 24 in. First Place Overall, April 2022 PleinAir Salon

We’d like to congratulate Laurie Kersey for winning Overall First Place in the April 2022 PleinAir Salon, judged by Camille Przewodek.

Here’s Kersey’s inspiration, challenges, and thoughts on the composition of “Stillness.”

Inspiration: I loved the golden glow of the sinking sun on the hillside, contrasted with the foreground in full shadow. My intention was to depict the peaceful, quiet end of day and onset of evening.

Challenges: The biggest challenge in this piece was the color and value of the horses since my reference was from multiple photos that were shot in broad daylight. I had to rely on theory and experience to convert them to the appropriate tones for that shadow area.

Composition: I used a photo reference of the background hill, created a different foreground area, and added the horses from other photos, arranging them in a composition that was balanced and created the quiet mood I was looking for.

“The first place was a well done painting,” said Przewodek. “It stood out from all the other paintings. Good composition, drawing, mood, etc. It has everything.”


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.

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1 COMMENT

  1. To begin with, it is such a beautiful, peaceful feeling, painting. To think of the journey to producing it, leaves me in awe!

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