The 9th annual Quinte en Plein Air Festival is a four-day event where artists leave their studios behind to paint and showcase their work outdoors. Artists have the opportunity to capture the beautiful images of historic downtown Belleville, the shores of the Bay of Quinte, the famous ‘Old East Hill,’ the Moira River, and numerous other painting locations in the Quinte region.
This event is a juried competition open to artists from anywhere in the world, working in various mediums such as: watercolour, acrylic, soft pastel, and oil. Wondering if your medium is included? Contact us by email and we'll let you know!
We invite you to join us on this special weekend and participate in our unique one-of-a kind-event, celebrating Quinte en Plein Air Festival!
More prizes and events are being planned, including en Plein Air demos, paint off and painting events for the whole family...stayed tuned!
For more information and to read the rules and regulations for this festival, visit the QAC website HERE.
Registration will take place on Thursday from 10-4, Friday from 10-4 and Saturday 9-12. All painting must stop by Saturday at 2 pm.
Please note: the event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds.
Artwork by Stephen Snider
This event is sponsored by the City of Belleville.
Meet the juror:
Keith Thirgood is the President of the Ontario Plein Air Society and an active member of several prominent Ontario art associations. He brings his passion for painting to the community through teaching engagements with the Town of Richmond Hill, the Aurora Cultural Centre, and private students at his Markham studio. Renowned art groups such as the Don Valley Art Club, Art Guild of Scarborough, and the East Central Ontario Art Association frequently enlist Thirgood to lead workshops and seminars.
As a dedicated plein air artist, Thirgood consistently participates in international competitions, including Plein Air Easton, Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival, and Elora Plein Air Festival, among others. His artistic prowess has earned him recognition and acceptance in prestigious events like Brant Colours.
Beyond competitions, Thirgood organizes and hosts numerous plein air workshops and retreats annually, including a notable retreat in Killarney this year. He also offers regular workshops in the Markham area, providing aspiring artists with invaluable opportunities to learn and grow in their craft.
His style has been described as Post-Impressionism in the Canadian tradition or Canadian Reductionism. He’s influenced by post-impressionist artists like Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, as well as Tom Thomson and members of the Group of Seven.
Check out his retreats and workshops at www.wilsonstreetstudios.com. His online gallery is at www.keiththirgoodartist.com
