Bluff Strokes Plein Air Paint Out

What is a Plein Air Paint Out?

Plein Air (French for “in the open air”) painting went out of vogue with the advent of abstract art in the early twentieth century. In 1985 a group of artists began painting landscapes on Santa Catalina Island, California. Following a successful showing, the plein air movement was revived. There are now tens of thousands of artists painting plein air in the US and around the world. The movement blends artistic skill, environmental mindfulness, community, and travel tourism. It has fostered painting groups, paint outs, workshops, conventions, and a national magazine.

Dubuque is ideal for outdoor painters: historic buildings, industrial structures, Driftless area topography, rural landscapes, and, of course, Mississippi river views. Bluff Strokes Art Center hosts 48 jury-selected artists each fall to paint the Dubuque area for one week. Like other paint outs, this is a competition. Artists create up to 10 new paintings that week. A guest judge then selects winning paintings in many categories. Artists display their art for sale over two days at the beautiful Steeple Square Community Event Center. What you see here are the grand prize winners, the Purchase Prizes, bought by Bluff Strokes Art Center and graciously displayed by GDDC.

The Call for Artists for the 2025 Paint Out is now open!

Learn about attending our Paint Out events and watch for ticket sales.