EventsGeorgia Color Plein Air
Panel Discussion with the Judges: What we look for in a winning painting.
Three artistic judges walk into a room full of paintings…
Two are accomplished artists. One is an avid collector. Their mission? To preview 60 works of art—evaluating style, structure, design, tone balance, brushstroke efficiency, subject matter, and more—then, in complete unanimity, choose the very best.
Click Here to Register in Advance
Now, they’ll share their process with you. Join Dr. Peggy Blood, Sue Ruby and Mat Barber Kennedy as they offer invaluable insights for collectors (seasoned or new), for artists (from beginners to pros), and for anyone curious about the art of judging art. The conversation will center on the ribbon-winning paintings from the Awards Celebration held Saturday evening, October 18, and will include an open Q&A.
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Year after year, it’s one of the most popular sessions of Georgia Color—an engaging, educational hour-plus that will leave you inspired, informed, and eager for more. You’ll gain valuable perspective for the next time you purchase artwork.
And don’t wait—head straight to the gallery afterward to choose your favorites before they’re gone!
Artist Awards & Collector's Celebration
The Envelope Please…
Join us for the PLGCAs— Plein Air Georgia Color Awards!
Our panel of judges has been hard at work previewing 60 competition paintings created by Georgia Color artists. Tonight, these works will be unveiled for the very first time, and you’ll have the exclusive first opportunity to purchase them.
Celebrate the winners, applaud all the artists, and enjoy an evening of hors d’oeuvres, beverages, music, and fun—plus the pure joy of supporting living, working artists. Tickets are required.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
PaintQuick
Faster than a speeding train.
Painting buildings in a single brushstroke.
Creating original artwork to bring the world together in a spirited, civil contest.
What is it? What is it?
It’s the 2025 Georgia Color PaintQuick.
Armed with brushes, paint, and nerves of steel, participants have just two hours to create a masterpiece—then frame it, title it, tag it, and have it ready for exhibition and judging. It’s a wild, exhilarating race to the finish. Judges preview each piece and present awards to the best.
Who can join? Absolutely anyone. Georgia Color artists. Savannah locals. Young, aspiring Van Goghs. Tourists with nothing but a Sharpie and a cocktail napkin.
Advance registration is required. The PaintQuick will be held in Ellis Square - rain or shine. If severe threatening weather comes our way, please come back to this page for updates.
Artist Welcome Reception
Do you know Sierra, Lydia, or Christy?
Have you met Michael, Paul, or Joe?
Are you familiar with the work of Kip, Laura, or Lori?
Do you know what plein air is all about—or if you’ll discover that “must-have” painting for your home, office, or lobby?
The only way to find out is to join us for the Artist Welcome Reception! Come meet, mingle, and give a warm Savannah greeting to our 30 participating Georgia Color Artists.
Since Tuesday, October 14, each artist has been capturing the beauty of local scenes. Tonight, they’ll unveil at least one original work created here in Savannah. Every guest will receive a ballot to vote for their favorite of the night. The painting with the most votes will earn the Catch of the Day Award, sponsored and presented by the Savannah Arts Association.
Just bring your ticket, your smile, and a warm handshake. The artists will take care of the rest.
2123 E. Victory Drive, Savannah 31404 (corner of E. Victory and Skidaway Rd in space once occupied by Vendors on Victory)
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
7th Annual Georgia Color Plein Air Exhibition Gallery
Our Exhibition Gallery is open Wednesday, October 15 through Sunday, October 19. We begin with paintings each artist brings from home. Then, each day, the gallery grows and changes as fresh paintings arrive - paintings that capture the heart and soul of beautiful Savannah. One visit is simply not enough. The Exhibition Gallery is FREE and OPEN to the public. 2123 E. Victory Drive, Savannah 31404 (corner of E. Victory Dr and Skidaway Rd in space previously occupied by Vendors on Victory)
Wednesday, October 15 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 16 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 17 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 19 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Artist Talks & Demonstrations
Many thanks to our Georgia Color artists who are generously volunteering their time to share insights and demonstrate their creative process throughout the week.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a professional seeking fresh perspectives, a seasoned or first-time collector, or simply an art lover who enjoys learning—you’ll find these sessions inspiring and enriching.
All Talks & Demonstrations are FREE and open to the public.
Wednesday, October 15 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Presenting: Mimi Diamond “Tonality & Atmosphere in Painting”
Tonality—the sense of atmosphere in a painting—is never static. It shifts constantly with the moisture in the air, the angle of the sun, drifting clouds, and other natural conditions. In this session, attendees will explore (or be reminded of) techniques for rendering atmospheric perspective in their own work. We will also review key design principles that contribute to successfully capturing changing atmospheric effects on canvas. Click Here to Register in Advance
Wednesday, October 15 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Presenting: Michael Mills “Harmonic Composition: Beyond the Visual”
Discover a step-by-step process for creating a painting with true harmony, guided by the timeless structure of the Fibonacci Spiral. Learn how to move beyond surface appearances to build a composition that feels balanced, intentional, and complete.
Thursday, October 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Presenting: Lori Keith Robinson “What Works for Me: Finding My Beauty in Plein Air Painting”
Discover a few simple “rules” to help you confidently begin your plein air painting—and then learn how to break away from them to create something uniquely your own. Click Here to Register in Advance
Thursday, October 16 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Presenting: Lydia Ellis “Creating Grand Spaces on a Small Canvas”
Linear and atmospheric perspective are powerful tools for creating the illusion of depth in painting. They immediately draw the viewer into the scene and guide attention to the points of interest you want to highlight.
Although perspective can seem complex, Lydia will break it down into clear, accessible basics you can confidently apply to your own work. This engaging talk and demo will show how even a small canvas can hold a grand sense of space. Click Here to Register in Advance
Thursday, October 16 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Presenting: Adam Houston “Loosening Up: Painting Architecture Expressively”
In this demo, Adam demonstrates how to approach architectural subjects with both confidence and spontaneity. Discover techniques for softening edges, simplifying forms, and infusing your paintings with freshness and expressive energy.
Friday, October 17 10:00 am-11:30 am
Presenting: Paul Batch “Seeing in Value First”
Before color comes value—and getting those relationships right is the key to making any painting sing. In this demo, you’ll see how to begin with a clear tonal hierarchy, then let color naturally fall into place.
We’ll keep it casual and fun while focusing on practical tips you can use right away: simplifying shapes, judging relative light and dark, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective for approaching your next canvas. Click Here to Register in Advance
Friday, October 17 12:00 pm-1:30 pm
Presenting: Berkland, Adrienne “Painting with Limited Palettes”
A limited palette can simplify the painting process while unifying color and atmosphere. In this demo, you’ll discover how a small selection of colors can produce surprising range, depth, and harmony—proving that less can truly be more. Click Here to Register in Advance
Sunday, October 19 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Presenting: Kathy Rennell Forbes “Watercolor Talk and Demonstration” Click Here to Register in Advance
7th Annual Georgia Color Plein Air
Georgia Color celebrates the exciting and growing plein air movement featuring 30 top and budding Georgia-based artists. And all in the lovely “plein air painters paradise” - Savannah, Georgia. The schedule below outlines days and hours for our Exhibition Gallery, for not-to-be-missed ticketed evening events, artist talks/demonstrations, our Friday evening PaintQuick and more. It is a wonderful opportunity for art aficionados, artists and collectors to immerse themselves in the growing plein air movement. Take full advantage. It only comes around once a year.
Georgia Color Plein Air Virtual Preview
Get to Know the Georgia Color Artists
As you prepare to attend the 7th Annual Georgia Color Plein Air in beautiful Savannah, explore our Virtual Gallery. Discover the artists, browse their work, and find your favorite piece(s).
Every painting in the Virtual Gallery will be on view during the Exhibition Gallery, October 15–19. Can’t wait until then? Purchase directly from the Virtual Gallery in advance. All paintings are sold framed, wired and ready to hang.
Georgia Color Artists Present: A Tour of Savannah
Georgia Color presents a Tour of Savannah at the Telfair Museum in Savannah, Georgia