Inaugural plein air event draws artists to the island

Artists set up easels across Hilton Head Island’s beaches, parks and historic sites earlier this month, transforming public spaces into open-air studios during the Art League of Hilton Head’s inaugural Plein Air Paint Out and Quick Draw.

Held April 9–11, the three-day event brought painters from across the country to work outdoors at designated locations, capturing the island’s distinctive light and coastal scenery while inviting the public to watch the creative process unfold.

Artists painted at 10 approved sites, including Coligny Beach Park, Fish Haul Beach Park, Jarvis Creek Park and the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Residents and visitors encountered artists working in real time, often stopping to observe as paintings developed throughout the day.

The event concluded with a reception and “wet paint” sale at the Art League Gallery, where freshly completed works were exhibited and sold. Activities continued at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina with a Quick Draw competition, where artists created new pieces within two hours before judging and immediate sale.

The Plein Air Paint Out awarded $2,700 in prizes, including a $1,000 first-place award.

“This event was everything we hoped it would be and more,” said Kristen McIntosh, executive director of the Art League of Hilton Head. “From artists painting across the island to the incredible turnout at both the gallery and Shelter Cove, it truly felt like a community-wide celebration of art.”

Julia Kamenskikh earned first place for her oil painting of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Cathy Copeland placed second with a pastel work, “Shelter Cove Marina at Dusk,” and Russell Jewel took third for “Surrounded,” a varnished watercolor.

Honorable mentions were awarded to Holly Bjorkstrom, Danie Connelly, Alex Fultz, Carol Iglesias, Bonnie Leigh Jones, Luba Lowry and Tatiana Tatum.

In the Quick Draw competition, Jewel earned first place for his watercolor “Paddles and Pedals.” Debajana Bhattacharjee placed second with a gouache painting of Shelter Cove Marina, and Rebecka Hess took third for “Marina in Motion,” an oil painting. Honorable mentions went to Danie Connelly and Patricia Sweet.

Plein air painting, a method of creating artwork outdoors rather than in a studio, is known for capturing natural light and atmosphere. Organizers said the islandwide format allowed the public to engage with art in everyday settings rather than in a single venue.

The Paint Out competition was judged by nationally recognized artist Catherine Hillis, while the Quick Draw was judged by Hilton Head artist Carol Iglesias.

Sponsors for the inaugural event included Publix Super Markets Charities, Blick Art Materials and Golden Artist Colors.

With strong participation and community turnout, organizers said they plan to build on the event’s success in future years.