Plein Air Winners

“The Magical Hour” by Ken DeWaard.

The awards for the 2015 Door County Plein Air Festival, presented by Peninsula School of Art, were announced at the festival’s gala on July 24. Judged by nationally recognized painter and instructor Lori Putnam of Nashville, Tenn., the Best in Show Award was claimed by Ken DeWaard of Viroqua, Wis., for “The Magical Hour,” an oil painting of a wooden barn bathed in late evening light. DeWaard was also recognized with the Artists’ Choice Award for “The Magical Hour.”

John Lasater of Siloam Springs, Ark., claimed the First Place Award for his oil painting, “Ephraim View,” which featured a distant view of Eagle Harbor. Dawn Whitelaw took home the Second Place Award for “Harmonics,” an oil of a red barn. Marc Hanson won the Third Place Award for “Tickets.” This work depicted the boat tour ticket booth at the Fish Creek Marina. Charlie Hunter received an Honorable Mention Award for his tonal oil painting of a street scene titled “Ostensible Nocturne.” Elienne Basa received an Honorable Mention Award for “Light Fog,” an atmospheric oil of a country road.

The winning paintings will be on display at Peninsula School of Art, along with works created by the other festival artists through Aug. 15.

Nancy Tankersley was awarded the Artists’ Choice Award for the Dockside Quick Paint, and an invitation to paint as a featured artist in the 2016 festival, for “Coffee with Commitment,” an oil painting of a café scene. Susan Lynn received the First Place Dockside Award. Second Place was awarded to Brian Pier of Egg Harbor. David Seward received the Third Place award. For more information visit doorcountypleinair.com.