The McMichael is pleased to announce the return of the annual En Plein Air Competition. During the course of the competition, which runs from August 3 to September 30, artists are invited to work en plein air anywhere on the McMichael’s grounds, in and around the charming Village of Kleinburg, and in the historic Humber River Valley along the Carrying Place Trail, one of the most historically important Indigenous trading routes in North America.
Drawing inspiration from the exhibition River of Dreams: Impressionism on the St. Lawerence, the 2024 En Plein Air Competition continues the Canadian tradition of outdoor artmaking in the spirit of the Quebec Impressionists from more than a century ago.
By proposing two new thematic categories for adult competitors, we encourage artists to choose their preferred approach to the landscape genre. The first category reflects a more traditional landscape practice inspired by the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters, known today as the Contemporary Landscape. The second category emboldens the artists to unleash their imaginations and provide a visual statement of how technologically mediated climate change and growing urbanization have affected the natural environment.
This year’s Children and Youth Categories for artists aged 6-15 will be facilitated through the new Paint-Out sessions. This new format includes a short introduction to en plein air techniques from a McMichael Educator, admission to the grounds, and complimentary art materials.
Finally, any artwork created within and depicting the Village of Kleinburg will be considered for the special Kleinburg Village Prize.
It’s time to get outside and create your masterpiece.
Best of luck to all!
Competition Categories
Adults
Artists aged16 and older are invited to produce and submit one work per participant* in either of the two thematic categories:
- Contemporary Landscape;
- Landscape Re-imagined.
Medium options:
- Works on canvas/panel (canvas size 16 x 20 inches only);
- Works on paper (format 11 x 14 & 14 x 18 inches);
- Photography** (print format 11 x 14 inches).
Important notes:
* If more than one work is submitted, all submissions will be automatically deleted;
** If shortlisted, the artist will be responsible for the printing of the image.
Any size variation must be authorized by our staff. If for any reason you prefer a different size, please contact programs@mcmichael.com
Work may be completed at home or in the studio.
Children & Youth
Paint-Out Sessions NEW!
Thursday, August 15, and 22 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
September 22 from 10:30 AM to 12:30PM
Paint-Out Starting Location: Woodchopper’s Shed
Programming and parking free. Registration required.
Artists aged 6-15 are invited to register for the new Paint-Out sessions*** and submit a landscape or nature painting of their choice.
Participants will be provided with art materials and an introduction to working en plein air by a McMichael Educator. Parents/caregivers are required to accompany their child.
Important note:
*** Submissions will only be accepted from children and youth artists who have participated in the Paint-Out Sessions.
Competition Process
Between Saturday, August 3rd and Monday, September 30, 2024, artists are invited to work on the McMichael’s grounds. We also encourage the artists to set their canvases in Kleinburg Village and along the banks of the Humber River.
Please note that during this period the artists will be provided with free parking and access to the grounds upon request. However, access to the gallery spaces requires a general admission ticket.
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