Plein air painting involves painting scenes outside. Benicia has its own gallery dedicated to this form of art, and it will be hosting its first ever Plein Air Paint Out on Saturday, Aug. 27. The top three winners will receive cash prizes as well as various supplies from famous art manufacturers. (Courtesy photo)

One event promises to bring artists from out of their studios and into the fresh air to paint. This is the premise of the first-ever Benicia Plein Air Paint Out.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery will be hosting the paint out. As the name would imply, the gallery is a big proponent of plein air, or outdoor, painting. The term is a derivative of the French translation of the phrase “open (In full) air.” It became popular in the 19th century when it was employed by artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir who would capture images of what they viewed outdoors with their paintbrushes.

This tradition is alive and well in Benicia, largely because of so many historic buildings and natural landscapes to paint. Among other things, this provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Bay Area to come to Benicia, paint beautiful images and possibly win cash prizes as well as raise money for the Plein Air Gallery.

“Samantha McNally, who’s a member of the Plein Air Gallery and a watercolorist, has had some experience with paint outs before in other locales, and she suggested it,” gallery member Susan Street said. “We thought it was a great idea.”

According to Street, around 45 artists have registered so far, and a registration form is still available. Artists will meet at the gallery at 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 to have their surfaces stamped. Afterwards, they will be turned loose to paint anywhere in Benicia they choose.

“We’re giving them a map of Benicia and some suggestions of 15 or 20 places that we have found appropriate for painting,” Street said.

Once the painting is done, the artists will return to the gallery to have their work wrapped and wired or framed to be hung in the gallery for viewing. The paintings need to be covered in Plexiglas, and the maximum size is 30 inches on the longest side, including the frame.

The works will be judged by John Finger, an oil and watercolor painter and former president of the California Watercolor Association. He is also a graduate of the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland and an exhibitionist and teacher who holds workshops throughout California.

At 4 p.m., Mayor Elizabeth Patterson will present awards to the winning artists. The first-place winner will receive $200, the second-place winner will receive $100 and the third-place winner will receive $50. Additionally, there will be three honorable mentions, and the winners will receive prizes from different art manufacturers such as watercolor sets, oil sets, canvas pads, a $100 gift certificate from Golden Artists Colors, and more. A reception will follow with live music, food and drinks, and the paintings will be up for sale.

Street believes the paint out will be a great showcase for Benicia, especially for artists from out of town.

“Hopefully, some will realize what a great place Benicia is to paint and come back,” she said. “We hope to show them that Benicia’s got a great art community, and in particular the Plein Air Gallery is an active part of that art community.”

The public reception for the Plein Air Paint Out will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery, located at 307 First St. A registration form is available at BeniciaPleinAir.com.

For more information, visit BeniciaPleinAir.com or contact the gallery at beniciapleinairgallery@gmail.com.

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