Proving en plein air painting is anything but plain is Nicola Bolton, a Maitland artist recently announced a finalist in the 2017 NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize.
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The $20,000 prize is celebrating its 10th year and is awarded to the best en plein air painting (painting outdoors) of a NSW subject.
The winner will be announced at State Parliament on Wednesday, October 11.
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.
Bolton has been shortlisted for her work The Road to Kelton Plains, which will be on display alongside the 44 other finalists in this year’s prize.
The free public exhibition at Sydney’s Parliament House runs until Friday, October 27.
“The NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize is one of the most anticipated events on the Parliament’s calendar,” said President of the Legislative Council John Ajaka MLC. “Members of Parliament and the public love to see these wonderful portraits of NSW. We are delighted to host this exciting exhibition in its 10th year.”
Legislative Assembly Speaker Shelley Hancock said plein air painting may not be one of the best-known traditions, but it has a rich and colourful history in Australia.
