Plein Air Painting

Paint or draw a scene at the Fair

Artists can paint or draw a scene at the San Diego County Fair in our popular Plein Air Painting contest, and win cash prizes, ribbons, and recognition!

The Fine Print

Got questions? Here is more information about this contest.

Who's eligible?

Adults 18 and older may enter this contest.

What can I win?

Cash awards and ribbons. Please see the contest materials for specifics.

How does the contest work?

Artists register in advance. On the day of the contest, they bring up to three surfaces (canvas, paper, board, etc.) to be stamped. Artists spend the day painting or drawing a scene. Only one submission will be judged. See the contest materials for other details on how the contest works.

What does it cost?

Plein Air costs $15 to enter, but your entry fee includes free Fair admission and parking. Processing fees are non-refundable. One entry per exhibitor.

How can I enter my artwork in the Fair?

See our Competitive Exhibits section for information on entering artwork in the Fair’s Fine Art exhibit.

Need help?

Get in touch online or call us at (858) 792-4207.

Entry Information

Entry deadline: Friday, June 14, 2019.
How to enter: Complete the online registration by the deadline.
Contest dates: Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Enter Now
Contest Info

Who Won The Ribbons

Congratulations to those who won awards and ribbons in the 2018 San Diego County Fair Plein Air Painting Contest.

Oil/Acrylic

First – Joan Captain, San Diego
Second – Brian Belfield, San Diego
Third – Lisha Lee, Encinitas

Honorable Mention:

Gloria Chadwick, El Cajon
Don Scoles, San Diego
Julie Bradbury-Bennett, San Diego

Water Media, Drawing, Pastel or Other Media

First – Luis Juarez, San Diego
Second – Jack Shebab, San Marcos
Third – Marie Ramos, La Mesa

Honorable Mention:

Barbara Barrientos, Carlsbad
Carol Hill, Escondido
Lynette Bredow, Ramona
Andrea Arroyo, San Diego
Valerie Grischy, San Diego

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We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)