2026 FIRST BRUSH OF SPRING PAINT OUT
The First Brush of Spring Plein Air Paint Out in New Harmony begins its 27th year on Wednesday, April 22, 2026! Art and spring in New Harmony are a perfect combination, with historical landmarks, labyrinths, rolling hills, blooming peonies, endless landscapes, and Victorian homes as painting subjects!
While the artists are creating their masterpieces, the rest of the community and visitors will enjoy the spectator sport of cruising through the streets and river paths in golf carts, by foot, or on bicycles to see what is being created. It is truly a marvelous experience to witness!
The Hoosier Art Salon co-hosts the 4-day event with the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA) with many competitions, art sales, receptions, and exhibits. Over 130 artists from across the country – including students from local high schools – will come to town to put paint on canvas, creating day and night to enter their pieces into a categorial competition held on Saturday, April 26 at Holy Angel’s lawn for their chance to win Best of Show and cash prizes.
REGISTER THROUGH THE LINK ABOVE TO PARTICIPATE!
2026 Judge: Kathie Odom, TN
To see a full list of 2025 winners, follow the link below!
Check out the article featured in the Plein Air Magazine about the First Brush of Spring!
Photo by Andy Batt
Best of Show 2025 Field to Finish
“By the Side of the Road”
Alan Larkin
“I think it fully encapsulates the ideas mentioned in my statement, uniqueness of approach, skill, and enhancement of the study.”
– Shawn Krueger, Judge
FIELD TO FINISH exhibit
CHECK BACK FOR 2026 INFORMATION!
Each year a “Field to Finish Exhibition” is featured in the Hoosier Art Salon Gallery. Artists bring a completed ‘field study’ from the prior year to the First Brush of Spring to exhibit with a studio ‘finish’ piece inspired by the same subject. Pieces may be in any type of medium. All field studies must be stamped by the Hoosier Art Salon before finishes are produced. The exhibition opened on Wednesday, April 23, kicked off the Paint-Out. The “Field to Finish” exhibit was judged by Shawn Krueger of Grand Rapids, MI and several monetary awards were presented.
2025 Best of Show $500
Alan Larkin “By the Side of the Road”
2025 Honorable Mentions $200 each
Jason Bailey “En Plein Air”
Mary Ann Davis “Posey County View”
Lavinia Hale “Triplet Redbuds”
Virginia Kramer “Indiana Homestead”
Melanie Millis Wissel “Farm Castle”
Photo by Andy Batt
Winners of the Larry Rudolech Quickdraw 2025
Back row, l-r: Susie Byerly, Sandi Cook, Shawn Krueger, David M. Seward, Alan Larkin
Front row, l-r: Jason Bailey, Laura Appleby, Diane Bay, Justin Vining
THE LARRY RUDOLECH QUICK DRAW COMPETITION
A race to see who can produce the most compelling artwork within the short 75-minute period allotted. Larry Rudolech was a much beloved IPAPA member who left us far too soon in 2020. All winners get a “Larry” badge displaying a self-portrait of him. Shawn Krueger judge the competition.
2025 Winners $100 each
Laura Appleby
Jason Bailey
Diane Bay
Justin Vining
2025 Honorable Mentions $10 each
Alan Larkin
Sandi Cook
David M. Seward
Susie Byerly
Photos by Andy Batt
Saturday Art Show and Sale
REGISTRATION IS NOT OPEN YET!
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
This year brings a refreshed layout and a new venue featuring a beautiful central courtyard with a small pond, surrounded by natural light and windowed walls at The Mews! Artists will be thoughtfully placed throughout the building to encourage steady visitor flow and an engaging experience for all. The check in and cash out process will remain the same and will be located in the center of the building.
Due to limited space, NO WALK-IN ARTISTS will be accepted for 2026, and booth locations cannot be self‑selected.
Important New Details
- New location: The Mews, 531 & 533 Church St., New Harmony; at the corner of Church and Brewery St.
- New Sale time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:30 – 11:30 AM CDT; allowing time for entries to be transported to competition site
- Install: Friday, April 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT / Saturday 7:30 – 8:30 AM CDT
- Removal: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM; Building will be locked and closed during award ceremony and will reopen after they conclude. All items must be removed by 4:00 PM CDT
Booth Details
- Total booths available: 35
- Booth size: 8′ x 8′
- Wall‑hanging permitted to maximize floor space – artist is responsible for tools and materials for hanging
- Provided: one chair
- Available upon request: 8 ft tables and additional chairs
- Optional rental: black full‑length table linens for $32 each (must be reserved in advance)
- Limited window booths available
Photos by Andy Batt
"First brush, second look"
The winner's exhibit
CHECK BACK FOR 2026 INFORMATION!
Displayed at the Owen Community House #2, the Winner’s Exhibit, “First Brush, Second Look,” showcases the top 7 winners from the 2024 First Brush of Spring Paint Out.
Featuring artists include David M. Seward, Jason Bailey, Lon Brauer, Beverly Bruntz, Chris Newlund, Mary Ann Davis, and Donna Shortt. Artists provided several pieces and are for sale.
