September 21-28 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Plein Air Smokies will once again bring 20 nationally acclaimed artists to paint “en plein air” (outdoors) throughout the national park. For the 2024 event, artists were selected through a juror process. More than 100 artists across the country applied, and 18 were selected to join last year’s Best in Show and Quick Draw winners, for a total of 20 participating artists. Artists will be positioned across the park throughout the week, with locations such as Cades Cove on Monday and Elkmont on Tuesday and Wednesday.
National Parks provide an inspiring place for artists to paint “en plein air.” Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is “world-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.” Weather and light composition can change rapidly so painting outdoors will be a challenge for the artists.
These one-of-a-kind paintings will be available for sale at a Collectors Soirée on September 27 in downtown Knoxville at Regas Square Events. Join the artists for an exclusive evening of hors d’oeuvres, beverages, viewings of the artists’ works from the week, awards presentation, and the opportunity to purchase paintings before the public sale. On Saturday, September 28, all remaining artwork will be sold at a free event open to the public from 10 am to 3 pm at Regas Square Events.
What is “Plein Air” Painting?
Plein Air painting is the practice of painting landscape pictures outdoors. The purpose is to create intense impression of the open air (French: “en plein air”) in a landscape painting. En plein air painting was essential for the Impressionist Movement to take place. Impressionism is what the artist interprets as taking place at a certain place at a certain time – changing of shadows, shimmering of water, and movement of people. Impressionists start and finish their paintings outdoors to be able to depict what they would later be so famous for – capturing their impression of life.
Proceeds Benefit GSMNP
Event proceeds help fund projects and programs that support the park’s efforts to preserve historic and natural resources while providing a safe, enjoyable experience to millions of annual visitors. Whether you’re a first-time art buyer or a long-time collector, this event has something for every Smokies enthusiast.
Join us for the adventure as these world-renowned Plein Air artists travel to our beloved park to capture the energy and soul of the Smokies! For the complete schedule of events, Collectors Soiree tickets, and more information, visit FriendsOfTheSmokies.org/plein-air.