Plein Air Competition

The Sauga Plein Air Group, in collaboration with Visual Arts Mississauga, is proud to host the first-ever Plein Air Competition at Riverwood. Artists from across Ontario who enjoy creating outdoors are invited to take part in this two-day public event on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, 2025.

The event will include a timed 3-hour competition, with cash prizes, and a People’s Choice Award. This is a chance for both artists and the public to engage in a creative celebration of nature and community in the heart of Mississauga.

Space is limited to 50 participants

DATE: June 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

LOCATION: Riverwood Park, Mississauga 

AWARDS PRESENTATION: June 21, 2025 | 3:00PM

EXHIBITION & SALE: June 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

 VENUE: White Studio Gallery, Visual Arts Mississauga

Early Bird Fee: $20+HST per artist — Apply by May 2, 2025 

Regular Fee: $30+HST per artist — Apply by May 25, 2025 

Registration Opens: April 23, 2025 

Applications Close: May 25, 2025 at midnight, or when capacity (60 artists) is reached 

APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

We welcome ALL artists, ages 18+, from any background or level of experience. 

Accepted mediums: 

Oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, ink, colored pencil, charcoal, mixed media. 

Surface requirement: Bring your own surface, max size 16” x 20”. 

Craftsmanship 

Demonstrates strong technique, control of the medium and overall presentation of the piece

Composition 

A thoughtful, unified arrangement where all elements work together. Strong sense of balance, design, and visual movement. 

Harmony 

Effective and intentional use of colour with accuracy and vibrancy, and how effectively colours are used to create depth, mood, and overall impact

Jurors

Cathy Lorraway

Inspired by her love of nature, travel and environmental conservation, Cathy enjoys capturing the atmosphere, light and colours of each Canadian season. She loves painting on location or “plein air”, often using pastels, to portray seasonal colours and the rhythms of ambient light patterns. In the studio, she further explores different colour studies, textural relationships and art techniques to portray environments rich with natural textures. Her painting process and style has been shaped by her studies at the Ontario College of Art Drawing and Painting program (A.O.C.A and BFA) and her experiences as a former high school teacher. An elected member of the Society of Canadian Art and Signature Member of Pastel Artist Canada, her paintings are an exciting journey which blend her initial sensory experience on location with exploration and imagination in the studio. Cathy’s award-winning paintings have been featured in international, national and local juried shows.

SEE WEBSITE

Lisa Jayne Irvine

Lisa Jayne Irvine is a multimedia artist whose inspiration is rooted in her exploratory creative process, with a focus on painting large-scale flowers since 2020. An avid gardener, she draws inspiration from the flowers she grows at home. In 2021, she launched Art Conversations with Lisa Jayne Irvine, a podcast featuring discussions with artists and creatives about their work, process, and passion for the Visual Arts. Lisa has exhibited extensively in Ontario, participated in mentorships and residencies, and continues to showcase her work both online and in-person, with pieces in public and private collections worldwide.

SEE WEBSITE
  • All artwork must be started and completed outdoors at Riverwood Park on June 21, 2025. 
  • Artists must check in before beginning and have their blank support stamped by an event volunteer. 
  • Transparent or opaque underpainting is permitted, but no 3D textures or pre-drawn elements. 
  • Unstamped artwork will not be accepted. 
  • Artwork must not exceed 20” on the longest side. No diptychs. 
  • Artists must bring all their own materials. 
  • Participants must be registered prior to check-in. 
  • Please follow all park and conservation rules. 
  • Artists are strongly encouraged to wear their lanyards while painting. 

  • All completed works will be displayed at Visual Arts Mississauga on June 22, from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

    • Pick-Up Time for Unsold Work: Sunday, June 22 from 4:00–5:00 PM at the White Studio Gallery. 
    • Any work that is not picked-up on Sunday, June 22nd will be considered for donation to VAM
    • Visual Arts Mississauga will help coordinate delivery/shipping for sold works, but does not store unsold art. 

    Commission on Sales: 

    • $15 + HST on artworks priced at $200 and under 
    • $25 + HST on artworks priced over $200 
  • 1st place: $250*
  • 2nd place: $150*
  • 3rd place: $100* 
  • Honourable Mention: $85 value BBQ gift basket
    *Artists will be paid by e-transfer on Monday, June 23rd

Thank You To Our Sponsors 

Visual Arts Mississauga

Online Gallery (To Be Posted When Competition Ends)

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