Events

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.

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.

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

Returning home from another incredible OPA National Convention, filled with inspiration and excited to get back at the easel! I’m so grateful for all the hard work that was put into this event by the board and staff, along with the sponsors and the presenters who love to share their knowledge and expertise. 

One of the many events was a panel discussion including Scott Jones of Coleman Gallery, Rick Reinert and Jason Stone of Reinert Fine Art Gallery, with Jane Hunt as moderator.

Jane had some great questions for the panel relating to what drew them to this line of work, gallery representation for the artists and their relationships with the artists, how much pedigree matters, tips on getting into galleries, what are the galleries looking for and, of course, advertising. When Jane asked what drew the panelists to this line of work everyone had stories to relate. Jason’s response was that it’s a fun celebration with every purchase and everyone wins, it brings joy to the collector and is meaningful to them in some way. Rick Reinert is a painter as well as a gallery owner. He started a co-op gallery and worked his way up to opening his own gallery. Scott told a story of the first art galleries trading saddles and bridles for art. He also told of a man who traded a Mercedes Benz for a painting! He loves art and the artists.

When asked if pedigree matters, the response was that sometimes pedigree does matter, and who you hang with makes a big difference, but when it comes down to it, it’s the art that really matters. There’s not a lot of looking at masters degrees. They expressed the importance of artists building on their resume and keeping it updated. Collectors will look at it if they’re considering a purchase. Some people just love the art and when they get that connection with a piece, there’s nothing you can do to talk them out of it! It’s good to have a variety of art and a variety of price points. 

The question of how to get into galleries and get your name out there was asked. Scott told a story of someone who he found through a woman who suggested he look up an artist. He was dumbfounded by her great art! She had an incredible body of work and she had enough out there. Every one of us is an entrepreneur, it’s a business and we all have to self-check. If Rick Reinert or Scott Jones looks you up, what are they going to see? Make sure you’re happy with that. 

Some galleries carry 50-60 artists. Find one that fits with you. Artists are passionate about their art and when you do find the right gallery, you build a trust and develop relationships with them. Putting a “buy it now” button on your website is competing with your gallery. Don’t undercut them, they work hard and earn every penny of their commissions. Galleries have their differences but in the end, the hope is the gallery helps connect the collector with a piece that speaks to them, sparks a memory, or just brings them joy. The gallery gains a new collector and makes a connection maybe with a new artist. Social media is an incredible branding tool! Mention your gallery in your Instagram and Facebook posts. Don’t try to make a sale online for 1/2 price, channel through the gallery.

One of the panelists suggested that artists have a specific trend to their work, have a consistent body of work, and know where you’re going. Another disagreed and suggested we should challenge ourselves to do something different. There’s a business side and an artistic side. How far can an artist go before they fail? You have to fail to succeed. Paint what you know, be passionate about what you paint, and be true to yourself!

The panel discussion wrapped up with discussing advertising and the importance of getting new customers. Post on Instagram and Facebook, build excitement! Some collectors like to see their artists in print, but it can be pretty expensive. If you are in a magazine, have it in the gallery ready for clients to see. Market yourself by figuring out where you want to go and figure out how to do it!

Notes:

Have a variety of sizes available for sale. 

Some people buy paintings because of nostalgia. 

Sales drive painting prices. 

Frames are critical. The panel suggested keeping the frames simple.

Pay attention to sales in your area.

Thank you to Scott Jones, Rick Reinert, and Jason Stone for their dedication to art and artists and for their time helping navigate the galleries and the promotion of our art.  

With gratitude,

Carol Arnold OPA

Meet the Gold Medal Winners from the 25th National Juried Exhibition

Derek Penix was born on December 29, 1980 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Penix grew up watching members of his family paint but didn’t pursue painting himself until after high school. After trying his hand at painting and selling his first piece he knew this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. 
Over the years Penix’s work has changed greatly and continues to evolve with each painting. “I never want to be stuck painting only one way or only one subject matter. Variety is the spice of life and is especially that way for me with painting.”
Penix has had the opportunity to work under Quang Ho and later with C.W. Mundy. “They have helped me as an artist immensely. I am so thankful that they have been willing to feed into my life as they have.”
Penix has been recognized in many national competitions and publications. Even at a young age Penix was recognized in South West Art Magazine’s “21 Under 31” in 2010 and Oklahoma Magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2014.


Liu, Huihan born in 1952 in Guangzhou China. Huihan graduate from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art in Oil Painting Department with BA in 1975. He taught in the Art School of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art in 1979-1985. Huihan was a candidate and was accepted by Graduate school of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art in 1985. He went to the United State of America to further his study in 1987, graduated from the Graduate School of the Academy of Art College in San Francisco with an M.F.A. in 1989. Huihan taught in the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 1993-2005. He is a Graduate School Adviser at Academy of Art University.
When he was in China, he had been participated many show exhibitions both in regional and national. Since Huihan has moved to the United States, he has been participating in many national painting shows and invitational exhibitions. His paintings have won many awards and have been collected by both private collectors and museums such as: “Gold Medal for Best Painting” in California Art Club’s 92nd Annual Juried Exhibition; “First Place Winner” 9th Annual Mission San Juan Capistrano Plein Air Painting Event, Wilmington Trust Purchase Collection; “First Place Painting” Plein air exhibition in Bower Museum of Culture Art, Bowers Museum Contemporary Plein air Permanent Collection in Santa Ana ; “Best of Show In Painting-John Scott people’s choice Award” The 25th Western rendezvous of Art, Helena; “Gold Medal for the Master Signature Division at the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show; “Members’ Choice Award for The Master Signature Division in Oil Painters of America National Exhibition. In 2012, Huihan’s painting “Spring of Miao Village” has been selected by the Organization committee for the Olympic Fine Arts 2012 (London), which was exhibited in London during the 30th Olympic Games in London, was permanent collection by the National Museum in China. Huihan’s work was featured in articles by many leading national artist/collector magazines such as Art of The West; Southwest Art Magazine; The International Artists Magazine and The Artist’ Magazine. Huihan conducts a few invitational painting workshops both in the United States and abroad.
Huihan and his wife Liang, Weizhen are both full time painters live in Kensington in the Bay Area of San Francisco. They both love to travel and have many trips to Tibet, France, Italy, and Taiwan for their painting subjects. His son, Liu Jian graduated in Cornell University in 2008.
Huihan is an Artist Member of Guangdong Artists’ Association China, Master Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, Master Member of American Impressionist Society, an Artist Signature Member of California Art Club, School of Art & Design Guangzhou University Professor in China.