OCTOBER 7-10, 2026
Artists from across the nation capturing Appalachian charm!
Welcome! Join us for our 10th Anniversary!
Art-lovers, come enjoy the beauty of Fall in the mountains, and incredible art at the same time! You are invited to our Public Sales Galleries. Get first pick on stunning paintings hot off the easel!
THURS. Oct. 8th, 5:30-7:30pm - at the Barns at Chip Ridge
SAT. Oct. 10th, 6:00-7:30pm - at the SWVA Cultural Center
(Prizes announced at 6:15pm on Sat.)
Want to Watch the Artists Paint? Artists will be painting across the region (open location choice) on both Wed. and Thurs. They’ll paint in Damascus, VA on Friday. And they’ll paint in the downtown historic district of Abingdon for a 4-hour Quick Draw competition on Sat. from 9:00-1:00.
ARTISTS, HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Your schedule and instructions are contained in the Prospectus above. Read it carefully so that you don’t miss any important information that might impact your experience.
NEW! 10th Anniversary Youth Category
As part of celebrating Plein Air Abingdon’s 10th anniversary, High School students (ages 13-18) are invited to participate, either in a school group, or as individuals! For details regarding how to register in the youth category, and for detailed instructions, use the links below.
2026 JUROR: Kyle Buckland
Introducing Kyle Buckland
Plein Air Abingon is pleased to welcome as our juror our own hometown, talented plein air painter, Kyle Buckland. Kyle is no stranger to Plein Air Abingdon and has juried for us in the past, and our artists have benefited greatly from his instruction. His painting style is deeply rooted in the fundamental philosophies regarding Impressionism. His work has drawn national and international attention and has been featured in publications such as Plein Air Magazine and Modern Impressionist Magazine on multiple occasions. His work is represented in hundreds of private, public and corporate collections around the world and in 2021 he was inducted into the prestigious Plein Air Painters of the Southeast (P.A.P.-S.E.). Kyle is a gifted teacher and his workshops often sell out quickly (videos and pictures above are from one of these workshops). He resides here in Abingdon, Virginia and paints out of his artist-in-residence studio at the William King Museum of Art—that is, when he’s not painting outside!
Follow Kyle on Social Media:
A LOOK BACK AT 2025
Abingdon Plein Air is everything an artist could want…a stunning landscape, and a wonderful small town feel coupled with a world class presentation!
-George Van Hook (Best in Show winner: 2022 and 2023)
Looking Back:
2025 Juror: Scott Boyle
Plein Air Abingdon was pleased to welcome experienced plein air artist, Mr. Scott Boyle as our juror for 2025. Scott has decades of experience in the Plein Air art world, and loves to teach almost as much as he loves to paint. Scott offered a painting demo (“mini-workshop”) for all registered artists on Thursday, Oct. 2nd, at the Barns at Chip Ridge in Abingdon. To learn more about Scott’s journey into painting, or to see more of his incredible work, check out his website.
Enjoy these additional memories from past
Plein Air Abingdon events!
