Plein-Air Artists Have Designs on the Prize

When the second annual Outdoor Professional Painting Competition kicks off next week, Impressionist painters from across the state will vie for $10,000 in prize money.

Sponsored by Joan Irvine Smith Fine Arts Inc. and the California Art Club, the festival carries on California’s tradition of plein-air artists.

With the 220-year-old mission as its focus, last year’s competition drew 83 artists who painted more than 400 works on site.

Prizes will be awarded at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 24, after which many of the paintings will go on sale. Information: (714) 248-2047.