Prospectus

BACKGROUND

The Plein Air Coeur d’Alene painting competition and exhibition was created to recognize and celebrate artists who paint outdoors while highlighting the importance of the health of our local environment, particularly Lake Coeur d’Alene and its watershed. Art on the Green has been a generous host for the exhibition, helping make it possible.

ELIGIBILITY

Plein Air Coeur d’Alene is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. All painting/drawing mediums are accepted, including watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, and graphite. No digital work, photography, or AI generated work. Paintings must be completed between May 23 and July 30, 2026.

PAINTING AND EXHIBITION GUIDELINES

Be sure to read the complete list of guidelines carefully in order to be eligible for the exhibition and awards.

Registration:

$25 Early Bird Registration, due May 31, 2026 at midnight PST.
$50 Registration June 1 - July 30.
Space is limited, so don’t delay!
Entrants must register online or in-person no later than 5pm on Thursday, July 30.
Register online at www.pleinaircda.com

In-person registration is $50 and will be accepted at Art on the Green on Thursday July 30, 3:30-5pm, space permitting. Visit the Plein Air CdA booth to sign up, pay, and deliver artwork.
Be sure to carefully read all guidelines and information.
Participants will receive emails with detailed updates and instructions prior to the event.

Painting:

Paintings must be 22 x 22” or less, including the frame.
All painting/drawing mediums are accepted, including watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, and graphite. No digital work, photography, or AI generated work.
The painting window is open Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, to July 30. Paintings must be completed during this window.
Artists must complete paintings on location, staying true to the tradition of plein air.
Small touch ups are allowed, no more than 10% change.
Artists are required to provide photo proof of the authenticity of the plein air experience when delivering work for the exhibit. Please take two photos of your painting, one in progress, one completed, each showing your painting and the subject matter in the image.
Artists are expected to follow Leave No Trace ethics while painting en plein air. This includes packing out any waste, such as used paint water. If you’re not familiar with Leave No Trace, please read this.
After registering online or in-person, participants paint out-of-doors at any location of their choosing in the greater North Idaho region (can include nearby areas in WA). This includes Lake Coeur d’Alene, Tubbs Hill, the Coeur d’Alene River, the St. Joe River, and their tributaries, as well as surrounding urban areas. Yes, you can paint downtown Coeur d’Alene!

Framing:

Artworks must be presented ready to display with a wire hanger (no sawtooth hangers).
Frames must be clean, sturdy, and professional in appearance.
Frame size must not exceed 22” in any dimension.
Works on paper must be framed (recommended to display behind glass or acrylic).
Works painted on canvas may be submitted without a frame if the edges are neatly finished and painted.
Frames should not be excessively wide, nor should mats, if used.
Works submitted without proper framing and a hanging wire will not be exhibited.
Wet paintings or works on paper framed without glass/acrylic may be accepted at the artist’s risk and at the discretion of Plein Air CdA volunteers. Event volunteers will do their best to handle such work with care, but Plein Air CdA and AoG assume no liability for damage.
All paintings should be protected in a box or other safe enclosure for safe overnight storage at the venue. Directions will be provided as the event gets closer.

Sales:

Works must be available for sale.
Artwork sales will be subject to a 50% commission.
Buyer will pay Idaho State sales tax.
Participants will be required to complete a Form 1099 for work valued at or above $600.
Artists will be paid after the event via check mailed to the address provided at registration.
20% of sales commissions will be used to support Art on the Green’s benefactor, the Citizen’s Art Council, to purchase art supplies for local teachers and students.
30% will be used to pay for equipment rentals, prize money, juror fees, supplies, and other Plein Air CdA expenses. This event is organized entirely by unpaid volunteers.

Drop-off and Pickup:

Participants must deliver finished entries to the Plein Air booth at Art on the Green on Thursday, July 30 between 3:30 and 5:00pm. (Special arrangements may be available if needed).
Be sure to clearly label the back of your work with your name, phone, and email.
1 to 4 paintings will be accepted, depending on the number of participants. Artists will be notified in advance how many we can accept. As work sells, artists will be notified and invited to replace sold work with another painting. Only works delivered July 30 will be eligible for an award.
Works that fail to meet all guidelines will be refused.
Any artwork deemed unsuitable by event volunteers will be refused.
Event volunteers reserve the right to determine suitability of all works shown in the Plein Air Coeur d’Alene Exhibition.
Participants must pick up work on Sunday, August 2 between 4 and 5pm.
No early drop-off or pick-up of artworks. (It may be possible to accommodate special circumstances)
Have your artwork title, medium, dimensions, and sale price ready. All works must be for sale.

LIABILITY

Although every precaution will be taken to protect all art on display, Art on the Green and the Plein Air CdA volunteers will assume no responsibility for loss due to fire, weather, theft, or any damage which might be sustained.

Art on the Green and the Plein Air Coeur d’Alene volunteers disclaim responsibility for any entry not claimed by 5:00pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

PHOTO RELEASE

Artists shall release Art on the Green and Plein Air Coeur d’Alene volunteers to use photographs and/or video of them, their works in progress, and their exhibited art works for future publicity and promotional purposes without copyright, use fees, or charges.

AWARDS

Awards will be determined by one or more jurors and announced the afternoon of Friday, July 31. Winning participants need not be present to receive awards. Awards can be picked up any time before the August 2nd artwork pickup ends. Paintings will be available for sale and are eligible for cash awards. Exact award amounts will be announced.

NEW TO PLEIN AIR? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW!

The tradition of plein air painting goes back centuries, but was made popular by the French Impressionists. Their ambition to paint light and its changing, elusive qualities combined with the development of tube paints and the box easel enabled artists to paint en plein air, which translates to “in the open air.”

There is a lot of information about plein air painting online, including recommendations for how to approach this rewarding endeavor. The main concept is to complete your finished painting outdoors, on location, working from life to represent your subject matter of choice. Every artist has a different preference for materials and how to set up in the field. With some experimentation, you can find something that works well for you. If you’re just getting started, keep it simple. Choose materials that are easy to transport and don’t require complex set-up or clean-up. Don’t forget about your personal comfort. Items like sunblock, bug spray, and comfortable clothing layers can be key to an enjoyable experience.

The tradition of painting en plein air involves a reverence for the outdoors. It is important to honor this tradition by taking care to be responsible in how you utilize your chosen outdoor location. Be sure to read about the 7 principles of Leave No Trace Ethics. Plan ahead so you can find a suitable location that doesn’t require abusing the natural resources. Be prepared to pack out everything you pack in, even if you’re setting up next to your car. Never dump used paint water or pencil shavings on the ground, and try to set up on a durable surface instead of on top of fragile plant life. Aim to leave your location as you found it, with no trace of your visit, so it can be enjoyed by future visitors. Remember, we are all setting an example: what others see you do will influence what they do.

Questions? Email Us!