Coastal VA Plein Air is proud to announce seventeen talented artists who will take part in this year’s Coastal VA Plein Air Festival on April 15-18, 2021. The event will feature artists painting “en plein air” (in the open air) throughout the coastal community. During the first few days and evenings, artists will paint at various sites throughout the the broader Tidewater community. They will paint seascapes, cityscapes, gardens, architecture, and favorite landmarks, among other subjects. While the participating artists’ love of painting is evident, a friendly competition also will take place with a $500 First Prize, $300 Second Prize, and $200 Third Prize. The prizes will be awarded during the culmination of the event on Sunday, March 18 from 12 noon to 4 pm at COVA Brewing Company, located at 9529 Shore Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518.
This year’s artists are nationally known and come from various geographic locations. Not only participating as an artist, but also acting as judge for the event is Steve Doherty. Now living in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Steve has been involved in plein air art throughout his storied career. He retired in 2018 as editor of PleinAir Magazine and has written a dozen books, including his newest book The Art of Plein Air Painting. Coastal VA Plein Air is honored to have him as judge of this year’s event.
Sixteen other artists will take part in this four-day event where they will paint during the day and evening in various locations throughout the Norfolk coastal area. Artists involved in 2021 event include:
Catherine Hillis - St. Simons, GA
John Meyers - Norfolk, VA
Karen Crenshaw - Jacksonville, NC
Elisabeth McGinn - Norfolk, VA
Thomas Bradshaw - Richmond, VA
Lynn Mehta - Alexandria, VA
Greg Johannesen - Port Republic, MD
Maria Reardon - Virginia
Janice Kirsh - Ellicott City, MD
John Eiseman - Hebron, MD
Gina Buzby - Norfolk, VA
Vlad Duchev - Baltimore, MD
Jennifer Young - Ashland, VA
Joanne Geisel - North Carolina
Tomas Ehrenberger - Cartersville, VA
Doug Clarke - Virginia Beach, VA
Steve Doherty, 2021 Coastal VA Plein Air Judge and Participating Artist – Photo by Heather G. Hunter Photography