FAA holds annual Plein Air Competition

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Art Association held its eighth annual Plein Air Competition April 29. Artists from all over Southern California came to paint Fallbrook. Many had participated in past competitions and, of course, many of the FAA’s regular plein air group were in attendance.

Judging took place at Vince Ross Village Square, where the participants were greeted by FAA President Thom Lingle. The artists worked most of the day on their paintings, with a few completing two. Artists were given a map of Fallbrook at check in that morning and they chose to paint at parks, gardens, the air park and the Santa Margarita River to name a few locations.

This time of year, there are many beautiful flowers and trees to paint, perfect for landscape painters. Judge Barbara Parish said she had a difficult time selecting the winners because there were so many wonderful works.

First place went to college student Makenna Kara for her “Santa Margarita River” while second place went to former Fallbrook resident Victoria Huff for her painting of one of the artists painting the poppies in the Palomares House gardens.

Third place went to Lisa Martin who painted the view from a friend’s house; Mike Hill took an honorable mention for his painting of the Santa Margarita Preserve; Patty Mangels won an honorable mention for her painting of her friend’s garden gate, and Ruth Parker also took an honorable mention for the view from her home.

Submitted by the Fallbrook Art Association.