Plein air painting is anything but plain for Robert Malherbe and Frances Feasey.
The Blue Mountains artists have been announced as finalists in the 2016 NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize.
The $20,000 prize, now in its ninth year, is awarded to the best en plein air painting of a New South Wales subject. The winner will be announced at the Parliament on October 12.
To paint en plein air is to paint entirely out of doors, come rain, hail, shine and everything in between. It was first popularised by the likes of Monet and Renoir before coming to Australia through Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton. Contemporary plein air artists have upheld this tradition, albeit with a few tweaks.
Malherbe, a previous finalist, has been shortlisted for his work Lithgow Wetlands and Feasey, a first-time finalist, for her work Hunter Valley Tree Studies, which will be on display alongside the 40 other finalists in this year’s prize. The free public exhibition at Sydney’s Parliament House runs from until Friday, October 28. Entry is free, and doors are open Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm.
“This is one of the most anticipated events on the Parliament’s calendar,” said Upper House president, Don Harwin.
“Members of Parliament and the public love to see these wonderful portraits of NSW, and we are pleased to be able to host this exciting exhibition.”
The winner will be chosen by this year’s judge, David Hulme. The $20,000 prize is sponsored by Telstra.
For more information, please visit www.pleinair.com.au.