OPA - Oil Painters of America

Dedicated to the preservation of representational art

Stephen Puttrich

A Quick Review of the OPA 2024 and Why You Should Attend Conventions and Take Full Advantage of Member Benefits

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The Oil Painters of America (OPA) is an exceptional organization that provides artists with a platform to grow, network, and collaborate with fellow creatives and industry professionals. As an artist and instructor in both oils and watercolor, being a part of established organizations offers numerous benefits that extend beyond developing technical skills and understanding of the craft.

Studying all the paintings selected for this National show is a master class in and of itself. You would have to go to dozens of galleries and museums to see this much great art. I come away from these events filled to the brim with ideas and techniques for future paintings. 

I loved the fact that they are bringing up and rewarding the next generation of artists. The 14-18- and 19–22-year-old divisional work is truly amazing.

One unique advantage of joining OPA is the opportunity to connect with a diverse community of artists who share a passion for oil painting. Through OPA’s events, conventions, and shows, members can engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. This supportive and inclusive environment fosters a sense of camaraderie. It encourages artists to push their boundaries and explore new techniques and styles, making OPA a truly invaluable resource for any oil painter.

OPA not only offers invaluable networking opportunities but also provides its members with access to high-quality tools, materials, and travel opportunities. By partnering with reputable vendors and suppliers, OPA ensures that artists have the resources they need to create their best work, enhancing the quality and depth of their artistic output.

Still Life, Wet Paint Competition

One of the most impressive aspects of OPA is the dedication and expertise of its board members. Comprised of accomplished artists and instructors, the board fully engages in the organization’s mission to support and promote the art of oil painting. Their wealth of knowledge and experience is readily shared with members, providing guidance and mentorship to artists at all stages of their careers.

OPA is an excellent choice for artists considering joining an organization to further their skills and abilities. By submitting their works for entry into OPA’s shows and competitions, artists can gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and earn recognition for their talents.

Models Sitting for Wet Paint Competition

The Oil Painters of America is an organization that truly stands out in its commitment to nurturing the growth and success of artists. By joining OPA, artists gain access to a wealth of resources, knowledge, and support that can help them take their skills and careers to new heights. If you are passionate about oil painting and want to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to the craft, OPA is an organization that you should strongly consider joining. Invest in yourself and your gift as an artist by becoming a part of this exceptional community. You can thank me later at our next National Conference held near Tampa, Florida in 2025.

See you then. 

Steve

Convention You Shouldn’t Miss

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As a first time attendee of the Oil Painters of America National conference, I cannot stress enough the incredible value of being a part of such an inspiring community of artists. The conference provides a platform for artists of all levels to come together, learn from one another and share their experiences, techniques and insights.

Christine Lashley OPA Demo

One of the biggest advantages of attending an OPA conference is the opportunity to network with other artists. Meeting people from all over the world who share a similar passion for painting is not only motivating but also helps to build lasting connections that can be extremely valuable in the future. By attending the conference, I was able to learn new techniques, gather insights and gain inspiration from some of the best artists in the field.

Jill Basham Demo

The conference also provides a retreat-like atmosphere where one can focus on future goals and plans. This is especially valuable for all artists looking to improve their craft and take their work to the next level. By being in the company of other artists, I was able to see how others see and create, which in turn helped me to broaden my own perspective and approach to painting.

One of the most exciting aspects of attending the conference is seeing new products and innovative solutions to create art. The exhibitors showcased some of the latest products, tools, techniques and learning opportunities that can help artists create their best work. It was amazing to see all the new ideas that are constantly being developed in the world of oil painting.

Kathie Odom OPA Demo

The OPA conference also features the top, most unique 200 oil paintings in North America this year, all hung in one gallery. This gives attendees the opportunity to study and understand which paintings are attracting them. And by asking myself good questions as to why this painting? How did the artist achieve this effect with shape, form, line, color, value, edge and texture? Which principles of design are most important to me at this moment, such as harmony, contrast, high key, vs. low key, subject matter, etc? All this is giving me deep insight and affirmations as to my own style and subjects I love to paint.

Also, what are some ideas I want to explore and experiment with this year? What are good finishes and framing solutions? This kind of insight can help artists improve their work by learning from the best in the field and take years, if not decades, off the learning curve.

As an instructor myself, I’m also interested in learning new ideas and approaches I can share with my students. All really good stuff.

Steven Walker OPA Demo

In the end, the goal of any artist is to expose him/herself to opportunities to grow, and the OPA conference is one of the best places to do so. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, attending the conference can be an invaluable experience. It is a great way to connect with other artists, learn new techniques, gain inspiration and exposure to new products and innovative solutions. I highly recommend attending the next national or regional OPA conference and being a part of this incredible community of artists.

Included in this blog are four shots of the last day of the conference where, for two hours, four of the top artists in the nation were all painting demos at the same time. A beautiful example of the abundant, giving, serving spirits of artists / instructors and the people who make up this wonderful organization.

Palms Living with Grace by Stephen Puttrich
20″x12″ – Oil

Here’s a haiku poem I wrote from this inspiring scene.

Green fronds sway and dance,
Alive and full of energy,
Palms living with grace.

But as time passes,
The leaves turn brown and life fades, 
Dying, withered palms.

Yet even in death,
Palms leave interesting shapes,
Connecting us all.

Wet or dry, they stand,
A symbol of courage and strength,
Inspiring us all.