Plein Air Competitions: Are They Legit?
June 24, 2009
This article has been gently simmering on my back burner for quite some time. It’s about a growing skepticism I have regarding so called “plein air painting competitions”. I am not talking about events which legitimately serve their communities by promoting culture and showcasing the talents of the many wonderful artists out there. Indeed their are several wonderful events out there. My skepticism is aimed at events that charge a “jury” fee and give cash awards based on a “judge’s” selection.
The jurying process at such events is nothing more than a fund raiser, plain and simple. I doubt the legitimacy of some jurying processes. I have heard of shows where there were “invitees” and “juried” participants. Did the invitees pay a fee or were they just favorites of the person in charge? Were there “juried” participants whose work was also known by the juror yet they were required to submit(pay a fee) to jurying because they weren’t favorites? How about those who pay their fee but don’t get accepted into the show? Well, they are just S.O.L. Consider it a donation. My point here is “let the buyer beware!” If you enter such shows you are subject to the whims of those in charge. There are plenty of good plein air events out there that won’t ask for a jury fee. You don’t have to donate to shows that charge fees if you don’t want to.
Call me a cynic but I also have doubts about the veracity of judging in some events. Judges are either chosen because the have an MFA and a career in academia or because they are established artists. I have never seen an academic do a good job at judging. They simply don’t know what good painting is. The decisions of such judges are often difficult to comprehend. Shows who employ working artists as judges are usually better but they can have their own pitfalls. I especially have to roll my eyes when those involved in selecting the judge participate in the event and then accept an award. Hey, anything to leverage your chances and add awards to your bio, right?! Well, I guess, if that’s what you’re into. Chasing art show awards is kind of like chasing the shadow of the rabbit instead of chasing the rabbit.
I am beginning to think it’s impossible for “competitions” to have a judge that is completely fair and impartial. The world of plein air competitions is a small subset of an already small art world. Everybody knows everybody else. Even a well intentioned judge is going to be influenced by name recognition and/or personal relationships. That’s just the way it is. But there is another angle I hadn’t considered until recently. In speaking to other established artists I’ve realized that shows with awards and judges “pit artist against artist” in a way that is detrimental to the camaraderie of artists. To many this camaraderie is essential to artistic growth and is held sacred. I know several established artists who avoid such shows and decline invitations to judge.
In conclusion, I suggest that artists who wish to pursue inclusion in plein air events be wary of “competitions”. If you do participate in them, do it for the work and experience. Don’t expect the judging to seem completely fair and don’t be surprised if you feel like you got screwed. Instead focus on the education you can get from working along side other artists. Whether more accomplished than yourself or not, everyone is bound to have figured out something you haven’t. More importantly seek inclusion in shows that don’t have entry fees. Look for shows that will make an equitable effort at selling every participant’s paintings.
Let me add one caveat about “Artist Choice” and “Collector’s Choice” awards. The result of group selection these awards are hard to manipulate. I consider them a worthwhile honor for those fortunate enough to receive them.
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3 Responses to “Plein Air Competitions: Are They Legit?”
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Thanks again Simone,
I have read all of your posts this morning and I’m well fed.
Some of the names in your posts have taken me to new artist and then to others. Much more enjoyable than the Sunday papers.
Joy
Simone – I love everything you had to say in this article. I just had a discussion with other artists earlier this week about this very topic. All of your points are right on.
Keep speaking your mind. We need more artists to do this!
Happy painting,
Andre
Sorry Robert…just realized Simone is your last name, not first. Again, great article.