Award winners:
Honorable mention: carleen O'Connor Rivera
best nocturne: janice czerwinski
3rd place: laurel lake mcguire
2nd place: david r. becker
best in show: Anna cherkashina
photo credits: jeanne dyer and jack armstrong
Honorable mention: carleen O'Connor Rivera
best nocturne: janice czerwinski
3rd place: laurel lake mcguire
2nd place: david r. becker
best in show: Anna cherkashina
photo credits: jeanne dyer and jack armstrong
Honorable Mention: “Meet Me at Salerno’s” by Carleen O’Conner-Rivera
Carleen O’ Connor-Rivera’s oil painting “Meet Me at Salerno’s,” which earned an Honorable Mention, really captures the spirit of the St. Charles Plein Air event. What stands out right away is how thoughtfully the painting is designed—your eye naturally moves across the scene, from the lively group under the blue umbrellas to the iconic buildings in the background. The whole composition feels well-balanced and intentional, giving a sense of place that’s both welcoming and familiar.
The way Carleen applied the paint also deserves recognition. There’s a freshness to it, a kind of confident ease that makes the scene feel alive. You can almost sense the warmth of the day and hear the murmur of conversation among the people gathered at the café. This painting doesn’t just show a moment; it pulls you into it. The narrative is relatable—people coming together to enjoy a meal and connect. It’s that blend of strong design, assured brushwork, and an inviting story that makes “Meet Me at Salerno’s” such a memorable piece.
Best Nocturne: “Arcadia Night Dazzle” by Janice Czerwinski
Janice Czerwinski’s “Arcadia Night Dazzle” took home the Best Nocturne award, and it's easy to see why. The painting really captures the magic of nightfall, especially with the way the neon sign glows against the deep blues and purples of the evening. The design is spot on, with the bright reds and oranges of the sign drawing your attention immediately, but there's so much more going on. The subtle details in the surrounding buildings, the way they fade into the shadows, all help to create this atmospheric, almost cinematic scene.
Janice’s brushwork is confident and expressive, with thick, textured strokes that give the painting a lively, dynamic feel. You can tell she’s comfortable working with the contrasts and complexities of nighttime lighting, and that gives the piece a real sense of authenticity.
The story here is all about the energy and vibrancy of city life after dark. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, where the city lights up and comes alive. “Arcadia Night Dazzle” doesn’t just show a scene; it tells a story of nightlife, excitement, and the timeless allure of a neon-lit street. It’s a painting that pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re right there, standing under the glow of the Arcada sign.
3rd Place: “Something to Look At” by Laurel Lake McGuire
Laurel Lake McGuire's watercolor, “Something to Look At,” which earned 3rd Place, is a wonderful example of how a quiet scene can be filled with life and depth. The design of the painting immediately draws you in, with the central statue perched on its pedestal, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The way the composition is balanced, with the stonework, the iron gate, and the carefully placed blooms, creates a feeling of harmony and peace.
What’s particularly striking is the delicacy and confidence with which Laurel applied the watercolor. Each leaf, petal, and stone is rendered with a gentle touch that shows both skill and a deep connection to the subject. There’s a freshness to the way the colors blend and interact, giving the scene a lifelike quality without ever feeling overworked.
The narrative here is subtle but strong—this is a place where time seems to slow down, where one could sit and reflect, lost in the beauty of nature. The statue seems to watch over the garden, almost inviting the viewer to pause and take in the surroundings. “Something to Look At” is more than just a pretty scene; it’s a moment of tranquility captured in watercolor, a reminder to appreciate the small, serene spaces in our lives.
2nd Place: “GIA MIA” by David Becker
David Becker’s watercolor “GIA MIA,” which earned 2nd Place, is a vibrant and lively depiction of a familiar, bustling outdoor café scene. The painting’s design is captivating, with the bright red umbrellas standing out boldly against the softer, more muted background. The arrangement of elements—trees, figures, and seating—leads your eye through the composition naturally, creating a sense of depth and space that feels both inviting and dynamic.
David’s skill with watercolor is evident in the way he captures the interplay of light and shadow. The freshness of his brushwork brings the scene to life; you can almost feel the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees and hear the quiet chatter of people enjoying their time at the café. His confident use of color and texture gives the painting an immediacy that draws you in, making the scene feel like a snapshot of a perfect afternoon.
The narrative within “GIA MIA” is all about community and connection. It’s a scene many of us can relate to—a place where people come together to relax, enjoy a meal, and soak in the ambiance. The painting doesn’t just depict a location; it tells a story of everyday moments that feel special because of the people and the setting. David has captured the essence of this place beautifully, making “GIA MIA” a memorable and deserving winner.
Best of Show: “Fox River Sunset” by Anna Cherkashina
Anna Cherkashina’s “Fox River Sunset,” which took home the Best of Show, is a stunning celebration of color, light, and atmosphere. The painting’s design is beautifully executed, with the glowing sun as the focal point, casting its vibrant hues across the sky and reflecting them in the calm waters of the Fox River. The composition guides the viewer’s eye effortlessly from the radiant sky down to the tranquil water, where a lone boat adds a touch of quiet, contemplative life to the scene.
What really stands out is Anna’s masterful use of color and her confident, expressive brushwork. The sunset’s warm oranges and yellows blend seamlessly with the cooler purples and blues of the water and sky, that feels both vivid and serene. The way the light dances on the water’s surface is particularly mesmerizing, showcasing Anna’s ability to capture the fleeting, magical moments of dusk with both precision and emotion.
The narrative in “Fox River Sunset” is simple yet profound—it’s a moment of peace, a pause in the day where nature takes center stage and all else fades away. The painting invites the viewer to linger, to soak in the beauty of the scene and reflect on the quiet splendor of a sunset. It’s this combination of striking design, skillful execution, and evocative storytelling that makes “Fox River Sunset” a truly deserving Best of Show.
Carleen O’ Connor-Rivera’s oil painting “Meet Me at Salerno’s,” which earned an Honorable Mention, really captures the spirit of the St. Charles Plein Air event. What stands out right away is how thoughtfully the painting is designed—your eye naturally moves across the scene, from the lively group under the blue umbrellas to the iconic buildings in the background. The whole composition feels well-balanced and intentional, giving a sense of place that’s both welcoming and familiar.
The way Carleen applied the paint also deserves recognition. There’s a freshness to it, a kind of confident ease that makes the scene feel alive. You can almost sense the warmth of the day and hear the murmur of conversation among the people gathered at the café. This painting doesn’t just show a moment; it pulls you into it. The narrative is relatable—people coming together to enjoy a meal and connect. It’s that blend of strong design, assured brushwork, and an inviting story that makes “Meet Me at Salerno’s” such a memorable piece.
Best Nocturne: “Arcadia Night Dazzle” by Janice Czerwinski
Janice Czerwinski’s “Arcadia Night Dazzle” took home the Best Nocturne award, and it's easy to see why. The painting really captures the magic of nightfall, especially with the way the neon sign glows against the deep blues and purples of the evening. The design is spot on, with the bright reds and oranges of the sign drawing your attention immediately, but there's so much more going on. The subtle details in the surrounding buildings, the way they fade into the shadows, all help to create this atmospheric, almost cinematic scene.
Janice’s brushwork is confident and expressive, with thick, textured strokes that give the painting a lively, dynamic feel. You can tell she’s comfortable working with the contrasts and complexities of nighttime lighting, and that gives the piece a real sense of authenticity.
The story here is all about the energy and vibrancy of city life after dark. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, where the city lights up and comes alive. “Arcadia Night Dazzle” doesn’t just show a scene; it tells a story of nightlife, excitement, and the timeless allure of a neon-lit street. It’s a painting that pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re right there, standing under the glow of the Arcada sign.
3rd Place: “Something to Look At” by Laurel Lake McGuire
Laurel Lake McGuire's watercolor, “Something to Look At,” which earned 3rd Place, is a wonderful example of how a quiet scene can be filled with life and depth. The design of the painting immediately draws you in, with the central statue perched on its pedestal, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The way the composition is balanced, with the stonework, the iron gate, and the carefully placed blooms, creates a feeling of harmony and peace.
What’s particularly striking is the delicacy and confidence with which Laurel applied the watercolor. Each leaf, petal, and stone is rendered with a gentle touch that shows both skill and a deep connection to the subject. There’s a freshness to the way the colors blend and interact, giving the scene a lifelike quality without ever feeling overworked.
The narrative here is subtle but strong—this is a place where time seems to slow down, where one could sit and reflect, lost in the beauty of nature. The statue seems to watch over the garden, almost inviting the viewer to pause and take in the surroundings. “Something to Look At” is more than just a pretty scene; it’s a moment of tranquility captured in watercolor, a reminder to appreciate the small, serene spaces in our lives.
2nd Place: “GIA MIA” by David Becker
David Becker’s watercolor “GIA MIA,” which earned 2nd Place, is a vibrant and lively depiction of a familiar, bustling outdoor café scene. The painting’s design is captivating, with the bright red umbrellas standing out boldly against the softer, more muted background. The arrangement of elements—trees, figures, and seating—leads your eye through the composition naturally, creating a sense of depth and space that feels both inviting and dynamic.
David’s skill with watercolor is evident in the way he captures the interplay of light and shadow. The freshness of his brushwork brings the scene to life; you can almost feel the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees and hear the quiet chatter of people enjoying their time at the café. His confident use of color and texture gives the painting an immediacy that draws you in, making the scene feel like a snapshot of a perfect afternoon.
The narrative within “GIA MIA” is all about community and connection. It’s a scene many of us can relate to—a place where people come together to relax, enjoy a meal, and soak in the ambiance. The painting doesn’t just depict a location; it tells a story of everyday moments that feel special because of the people and the setting. David has captured the essence of this place beautifully, making “GIA MIA” a memorable and deserving winner.
Best of Show: “Fox River Sunset” by Anna Cherkashina
Anna Cherkashina’s “Fox River Sunset,” which took home the Best of Show, is a stunning celebration of color, light, and atmosphere. The painting’s design is beautifully executed, with the glowing sun as the focal point, casting its vibrant hues across the sky and reflecting them in the calm waters of the Fox River. The composition guides the viewer’s eye effortlessly from the radiant sky down to the tranquil water, where a lone boat adds a touch of quiet, contemplative life to the scene.
What really stands out is Anna’s masterful use of color and her confident, expressive brushwork. The sunset’s warm oranges and yellows blend seamlessly with the cooler purples and blues of the water and sky, that feels both vivid and serene. The way the light dances on the water’s surface is particularly mesmerizing, showcasing Anna’s ability to capture the fleeting, magical moments of dusk with both precision and emotion.
The narrative in “Fox River Sunset” is simple yet profound—it’s a moment of peace, a pause in the day where nature takes center stage and all else fades away. The painting invites the viewer to linger, to soak in the beauty of the scene and reflect on the quiet splendor of a sunset. It’s this combination of striking design, skillful execution, and evocative storytelling that makes “Fox River Sunset” a truly deserving Best of Show.
our 2024 plein air-st charles artists
special thank you to michaels and blick art materials
for their donations to this event.
event sponsors:
LaThorial Badenhausen
Ken and sharon celic
Hewell-Fischer Plastic Surgery
Clarke
The Graceful Ordinary
Jen Manns and Todd Birkholz
St. Charles bank and trust
McNally's heating and cooling
Bill Bergeson - bergie's workshop
growing awareness counseling
for their donations to this event.
event sponsors:
LaThorial Badenhausen
Ken and sharon celic
Hewell-Fischer Plastic Surgery
Clarke
The Graceful Ordinary
Jen Manns and Todd Birkholz
St. Charles bank and trust
McNally's heating and cooling
Bill Bergeson - bergie's workshop
growing awareness counseling
some photos from our week!
