Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canada Paints Plein Air?
Canada Paints Plein Air is a growing outdoor painting competition drawing artists to capture the landscapes of Calgary and southern Alberta — from foothills and prairies to badlands, mountains, forests and historic towns. Our goal is to bring artists together to paint directly in the landscape with the public right beside them. We are a group of artists, instructors and arts supporters motivated to create community through art appreciation.
What is plein air painting?
“Plein air” is a French term that means painting outdoors, on location, rather than working from photographs in a studio. The time-honoured practice of painting landscapes in the open air that dates back to the Impressionists movement. And we are seeing a booming resurgence in our own backyard. Join us!
Is CPPA beginner friendly?
Yes. CPPA welcomes artists at all experience levels.
You do not need to be a professional painter or award winner to participate. Many artists attend to learn, build confidence, meet other painters, and challenge themselves creatively in a supportive environment.
We encourage emerging and first-time plein air painters to apply or participate through our wildcard opportunities.
I’m not competitive — is this still for me?
Absolutely. We are beginner friendly. While CPPA includes awards and juried components, many artists participate for the experience, community, painting locations, learning opportunities, and public engagement. Whether your goal is competition, growth, networking, or simply spending time painting outdoors, there is a place for you at CPPA.
Do I have to apply to participate?
There are two ways to participate:
What is a wildcard artist?
Wildcard artists can paint during the event without going through the juried finalist selection process.
It’s a great option for:
If I didn’t get selected as a finalist can I still come paint?
Yes! All applicants not selected for the finals are eligible to paint in the wildcard category, with a chance to win automatic placement in the next event’s finals. Wildcard applications will be accepted up to an including event day (walk-ins accepted 8:30-9:30 a.m.).
How are entries and finalists judged?
The competition is juried by a panel of 3-5 jurors who are professional artists.
Eight artists are selected by jury review of submitted applications and images.
What mediums are allowed?
Do I need to paint on-site?
Yes. Works created during the event must be painted on location during the event according to CPPA rules and guidelines.
Can artwork be purchased?
Yes. Following the judging event, artwork created during the event will be available for sale. Artists and volunteers can direct you to the sales desk when you’ve made your selection. Reminder: the works will still be wet!
Can I just come and watch?
Yes! Spectators are more than welcome to come check out the artists in action. It’s a great way to observe the plein air practice. Awards and sale are from 4-5 p.m.
What happens if the weather is bad?
CPPA is an outdoor event and runs rain or shine unless conditions create a safety concern. Alberta weather can change quickly, so artists should come prepared.
How can I volunteer?
Just email us at [email protected] to join our team.
Still have questions?
Contact us by emailing [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.
Canada Paints Plein Air is a growing outdoor painting competition drawing artists to capture the landscapes of Calgary and southern Alberta — from foothills and prairies to badlands, mountains, forests and historic towns. Our goal is to bring artists together to paint directly in the landscape with the public right beside them. We are a group of artists, instructors and arts supporters motivated to create community through art appreciation.
What is plein air painting?
“Plein air” is a French term that means painting outdoors, on location, rather than working from photographs in a studio. The time-honoured practice of painting landscapes in the open air that dates back to the Impressionists movement. And we are seeing a booming resurgence in our own backyard. Join us!
Is CPPA beginner friendly?
Yes. CPPA welcomes artists at all experience levels.
You do not need to be a professional painter or award winner to participate. Many artists attend to learn, build confidence, meet other painters, and challenge themselves creatively in a supportive environment.
We encourage emerging and first-time plein air painters to apply or participate through our wildcard opportunities.
I’m not competitive — is this still for me?
Absolutely. We are beginner friendly. While CPPA includes awards and juried components, many artists participate for the experience, community, painting locations, learning opportunities, and public engagement. Whether your goal is competition, growth, networking, or simply spending time painting outdoors, there is a place for you at CPPA.
Do I have to apply to participate?
There are two ways to participate:
- Apply to be a juried finalist artist by June 15, 2026. Selected finalists participate in the full competition, exhibition, and awards program.
- Participate as a wildcard artist during the event. Wildcards can join designated paint days without going through the juried selection process.
What is a wildcard artist?
Wildcard artists can paint during the event without going through the juried finalist selection process.
It’s a great option for:
- Beginners
- Artists new to plein air
- People wanting to try the event for the first time
- Artists looking to build community and experience
If I didn’t get selected as a finalist can I still come paint?
Yes! All applicants not selected for the finals are eligible to paint in the wildcard category, with a chance to win automatic placement in the next event’s finals. Wildcard applications will be accepted up to an including event day (walk-ins accepted 8:30-9:30 a.m.).
How are entries and finalists judged?
The competition is juried by a panel of 3-5 jurors who are professional artists.
Eight artists are selected by jury review of submitted applications and images.
What mediums are allowed?
- Oil
- Acrylic
- Watercolour
- Pastel
- Mixed media
Do I need to paint on-site?
Yes. Works created during the event must be painted on location during the event according to CPPA rules and guidelines.
Can artwork be purchased?
Yes. Following the judging event, artwork created during the event will be available for sale. Artists and volunteers can direct you to the sales desk when you’ve made your selection. Reminder: the works will still be wet!
Can I just come and watch?
Yes! Spectators are more than welcome to come check out the artists in action. It’s a great way to observe the plein air practice. Awards and sale are from 4-5 p.m.
What happens if the weather is bad?
CPPA is an outdoor event and runs rain or shine unless conditions create a safety concern. Alberta weather can change quickly, so artists should come prepared.
How can I volunteer?
Just email us at [email protected] to join our team.
Still have questions?
Contact us by emailing [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.
