We’d like to congratulate Mark Daly for winning Overall First Place in the July 2024 PleinAir® Salon, judged by artist Michele Dunaway.
“I was struck instantly by the luminosity emanating from this painting,” Dunaway said. “It captures a sense of realism and light that goes far beyond anything a camera could record. The artist’s sensitivity to color and color temperature in the sails coupled with the simplification of water, highlighting only the essential functional movement complements the dynamic composition.
“This painting exudes an old master quality, and I could see it hanging in a museum next to Winslow Homer or Turner and holding its own. The touch of red off center hits right where the smallest square and spiral of the golden mean would overlay which adds for a harmonious balance and movement to the painting.
“The technique and brushwork is subtle where it needs to be and powerful and bold in necessary areas. When a painting is executed so well that it makes me interested in a subject that I’m not normally drawn to, it is a testament to the artist’s impressive skill.”
“My purpose for painting is to create joy,” says Mark Daly in his Artist Statement. “I paint city, boat, beach, and other memorable scenes by orchestrating people and places, sunlight and shadow, sea and snow, into visual stories.
“I start an oil painting by making sure there is a good design. I interpret, simplify, and connect the big shapes. I work the whole painting—uniting all parts to reinforce the composition while avoiding getting lost in unessential details. I provide enough visual clarity and drawing accuracy so that the viewer can understand the subject and add their own interpretation of the scene.
“I focus on values and expressive paint application. This helps me create an in-the-moment sense of light, mood, and movement in my work. I use all five senses when painting. For example, with a musical background, I consider how a painting should look and sound. This enables me to add more life to my compositions.
“My goal is to create art with the highest standards that stands the test of time.”
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 $50,000 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 Annual Awards will be presented live at the next Plein Air Convention & Expo.
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.
