Plein air artists recognized for works created in Canton, Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal and Canton recently were the sites for the River Plains Paint Out, a two-day plein air painting event involving 18 different area, regional and Midwest artists. 

Plein air artists captured each community by creating works outdoors and on-site. After a full day of creating original works of art, the finished pieces are displayed during a special one-night-only reception and awards, giving the public an opportunity to buy fresh art made the day it was created.  Each evening, up to two artworks completed earlier that day were turned in for judging and for purchase.

Daily awards were given for first place, second place and third place. Winners of Hannibal awards were:

• Best of Show – “Talkin’ with Joe” oil painting by Steven Walker of Palmyra
• Second Place – “Mansion at Rockcliffe” oil painting by Cyndi Taylor of Hannibal
• Third Place – “Lover’s Leap” oil painting by Chris Sheppard of Fulton

In addition to placement awards, the Hannibal Arts Council also offers a special Purchase Award.  The piece chosen for purchase was “Mansion at Rockcliffe” by Taylor.

Canton awards were: 

• Best of Show – “Ideal” watercolor by Deb Baughman of Pulaski, Iowa
• Second Place – “Depot” oil painting by Gin Lammert of Pulaski, Iowa
• Third Place – “Remembering Rena” oil painting by Steven Walker of Palmyra 

A special Rookie Award was given to a first-time plein air participant in honor of the late Carol Mathieson. The award went to Carol Genck of Quincy, Ill., for her watercolor “Come Sit a Spell.”

The River Bluffs Paint Out is a partnership of the Hannibal Arts Council, Canton Area Arts Council and City of Canton. Additional partners include the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau and Culver-Stockton College.