Plein Air painting competition Saturday at Riverside Park

Art lovers are encouraged to head to Riverside Park on Saturday morning for a unique look at artists in action — and under some pressure. 

The Sixth Annual Plein Air Between the Bluffs festival kicks off with an artist “Quick Paint” competition from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the fountain by The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern (map).

During that time, artists will paint their surroundings. Plein Air painting is the experience of painting in nature — no confides of studio walls.

Saturday’s competition will conclude with judging and an artist meet-and-greet at 12:30 p.m.

The event preludes the Plein Air Festival main event Sept. 21. from 6-9 p.m. at Studio Gallery 1311 on Market Street in La Crosse (map).

There, over 30 regional artists will display the work they have produced over the past two weeks in a more extravagant Plein Air competition.

Over those two weeks, artists have to come up with an original piece within a 15-mile radius of downtown La Crosse.

One of the featured locations is the skunk hollow wetlands area in La Crescent.

The original art from the competition will be available for sale after the award-winning masterpieces are revealed Sept. 21.

Admission for both events is free. Last year’s winners and more information about the festival by clicking here.