Show Preview | Oil Painters of America

Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Springs, CO
June 3-August 27

Calvin Liang, Incoming Tide, Laguna Beach, oil, 18 x 24.

Whether you are just starting to purchase representational oil paintings or are a longtime collector, Oil Painters of America’s 31st annual National Juried Exhibition at the Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, CO, is a must for your summer art-show schedule. On display for almost three months, the exhibition and sale features original oil paintings from 233 of the organization’s master signature, signature, and associate members. More than 2,000 entries were carefully juried for this competitive show, with only about 10 percent of them making the final cut. “We’ve essentially done the hard work and homework for collectors,” says OPA president and signature member Suzie Baker. “This really is a finely curated, best-of-the-best selection of representational oil paintings from artists around the country, all under one roof.” OPA is returning to Steamboat Springs after hosting a successful event there in 2018.

Jane Hunt, Through the Poppies, oil, 12 x 24.: Jane Hunt, Through the Poppies, oil, 12 x 24.

Nikolo Balkanski, Garden Shadows, oil, 18 x 24.: Nikolo Balkanski, Garden Shadows, oil, 18 x 24.

Robert Johnson, Azalea Contemplation, oil, 24 x 30.: Robert Johnson, Azalea Contemplation, oil, 24 x 30.

Portrait, figure, landscape, and still-life paintings in a range of sizes and price points are available from the exhibiting artists, which include master signature members Daud Akhriev, Kathy Anderson, Kenn Backhaus, Roger Dale Brown, Ken Cadwallader, and Johanna Harmon; signature members Dan Beck, Bill Farnsworth, Davis Perkins, and Lori Putnam; and associate members Jill Basham, Ann Gargotto, and Sandra E. Kuck, to name just a few. The public opening of the show takes place on Friday, June 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Nancy Howe, After the Storm, oil, 18 x 24.: Nancy Howe, After the Storm, oil, 18 x 24.

Kenn Backhaus, Return of Spring, oil, 38 x 29.: Kenn Backhaus, Return of Spring, oil, 38 x 29.

Deborah Tilby, Late Spring in the Foothills, oil, 14 x 24.: Deborah Tilby, Late Spring in the Foothills, oil, 14 x 24.

Two complementary, smaller shows take place alongside the main event. The Wet Paint Competition, held at the Depot Art Center on Friday and Saturday, June 4, features fresh paintings completed by OPA artists during paint-outs held in the days leading up to the National Juried Exhibition. The Mystery Miniatures Sale, held on Saturday evening at the Steamboat Grand Hotel, includes 50 paintings donated by master signature members; measuring 8 by 10 inches, the works are for sale in a drawing for $300 apiece. “We’re introducing this for the first time this year, and it’s an absolute treat for collectors,” says Baker. “To get a painting from the likes of Clyde Aspevig, John Michael Carter, and Sherrie McGraw for $300 each is unheard of—plus it helps support the OPA and our future exhibitions, events, and plans.”

Johanna Harmon, Transformation in Blue, oil, 40 x 22.: Johanna Harmon, Transformation in Blue, oil, 40 x 22.

Cindy Baron, Spring Gifts, oil, 24 x 18.: Cindy Baron, Spring Gifts, oil, 24 x 18.

Camille Przewodek, Beach Beauty, oil, 14 x 11.: Camille Przewodek, Beach Beauty, oil, 14 x 11.

Some of those future plans focus specifically on collectors, such as a collector track at next year’s OPA convention and new privileges and perks associated with Collectors’ Circle membership, including VIP receptions, presale exclusives, educational programs, and more. Additional information is available on the OPA website. —Allison Malafronte

contact information
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www.oilpaintersofamerica.com

This story appeared in the June/July 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine.