Plein Air

2025 Mount Dora
PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT

Join us in October for a week of Plein air painting in beautiful downtown Mount Dora, Florida.

This is an all inclusive and fun event . The annual event includes a people’s choice award and cash prizes.

What is Plein Air? (French: plein air )

Plein Air is the practice of painting landscape pictures outside. It’s creating an intense impression of the moment in the open air.

5Plein Air Sale and Exhibition

The artwork created by this year’s plein air artists will be available for sale in the MDCA gallery October 20 until November 8, 2025.

Hosted by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, proceeds of all painting sales will support art education in local schools and underserved areas of our community.

Artist John Singer Sargent paints plein air around the turn of the century

PAINT THE TOWN Friday Oct 10 - Saturday Oct 18, 2025

How this works:

Pre register online anytime before Monday October 6, 2025 to be a “Featured Artist.” Email a photo of yourself or an example of your work to [email protected] and we will add you to our website. This is optional. You do not need to submit material to register early.

Check-in at MDCA 847 E 5th Ave to get your mediums officially stamped Fri Oct 10 between 9AM and 5PM in the gallery. You can also get stamped Mon Oct 13 – Fri Oct 17 9AM until 5PM. No max size this year! (two submissions allowed for judging but you can get more than two stamped for the gallery sale)

Venture anywhere in Mount Dora, FL. Try places like the iconic lighthouse, seek a quiet setting along waterfront, Palm Island park, or grab a spot along the bustling sidewalks of the downtown shops to set up and PAINT!

Paint on location from dawn to dusk and return your artwork to the Art Center anytime during the week before Saturday October 18 at 12PM. We will award 1st ($100), 2nd ($75), and 3rd ($50) place prizes at 5PM in the MDCA gallery Saturday October 18. A People’s Choice award will be given on Sunday October 26 after tallying votes from gallery guests during the Mount Dora Craft Fair.

Where to Check in: Mount Dora Center for the Arts 847 E 5th Ave Mount Dora, Florida

Paintings will be displayed for sale in the MDCA gallery through November 8, 2025 at a 60% artist / 40% MDCA split. All artwork submitted must be available for sale.

Pick up artwork November 9 & 10, 2025 9AM-5PM. Paintings that remain will be considered donations to MDCA and are tax deductible.

Artist Registration Fees: MDCA Members $30 / Non-Members $35

Read Official Mount Dora Plein Air Paint Out RULES 2025 below

Mount Dora Plein Air Paint Out Rules PAINT THE TOWN 2025
1. Pre register online or at MDCA during the week.
2. Get your substrates stamped at MDCA Oct 10-Oct 18, 2025.
3. At check-in, all artists must sign an artist waiver and an IRS W9 form.
4. Entries must be created between Check in on Sat Oct 10, 2025 and Sat Oct 18, 2025 at 12PM
5. Two pieces may be submitted into the competition per registration fee. Artists may register more than once to have more pieces juried for awards.
6. The MDCA authentication stamp must be visible on the back of artwork substrate to be considered.
7. There is no maximum size but larger pieces over 16” x 20” may not be accepted into the gallery exhibition depending on the number of submissions and space available.
8. Painting, Charcoal, Pastels and Drawing are allowed. No photography or sculpture.
9. All entries must be ready to hang with hanging wire installed. Framing is encouraged.
10. Artist name, artwork title and contact information should be labeled on the back of submissions.

11. We will award 1st ($100), 2nd ($75), and 3rd ($50) place prizes at 5PM in the MDCA gallery Sat Oct 18. A People’s Choice award will be given on Sun Oct 26 after tallying votes from gallery guests.

12. Artwork will be hung for sale in the MDCA gallery until Nov 8, 2025 at a 60% artist/ 40% MDCA split. All artwork submitted must be available for sale.

13. Pick up artwork November 9 & 10, 2025 9AM-5PM. Paintings that remain will be considered donations to MDCA and are tax deductible.
14. Photographic images of any submitted artwork and images of artists participating may be used by MDCA in future marketing and publicity (websites, flyers, social media, etc.).

QUICK DRAW 2025
1. Pre register online or at the stage in Donnelly Park during the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair from 9am-10am.
2. At Check-in, all artists must sign an artist waiver and an IRS W9 form.
3. Bring your own art supplies, including a BLANK canvas, board or paper to Donnelly Park.
4. The MDCA stamp must be visible on the back of artwork substrate to qualify for judging.
5. Painting, Charcoal, Pastels and Drawing are allowed. No photography or sculpture.
6. Artwork must be submitted by 1PM to qualify for judging. Winner will be announced at 2PM
7. Artwork will be for sale to the public until 3PM at the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair. A 40% commission is payable to MDCA. Please ensure this commission is included in your price.
8. Artwork can be hung for sale in the MDCA gallery until November 8, 2025 at the 60/40 split. This is optional.
9. Artwork can be brought to the MDCA gallery and must be ready to hang with wire installed. Framing is encouraged. Pick up artwork November 9 &10, 2025 11AM-4PM. Paintings that remain will be considered donations to MDCA and are tax deductible.

QUICK DRAW Saturday November 1, 2025 9am-1pm

How this works:

Pre-register online or during Check in and get your canvas stamped at the stage in Donnelly Park on Saturday November 1, 2025 from 9 to 10AM.

The theme for this popular, timed event is held during and at the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair. Paint LIVE on site in and around Donnelly Park.

Artwork must be submitted by 1 PM at the Donnelly Park Stage. We will award a $100 cash prize for the best Quick Draw painting at the stage in Donnelly Park and wet paintings will be available for sale on site until 3PM. (60/40 split)

Artwork will remain for sale in the gallery through November 1, 2025. Pick up artwork November 9 &10, 2025 11AM-4PM. Paintings that remain will be considered donations to MDCA and are tax deductible.

Artist Registration Fees: MDCA Members $20 / Non-Members $25