Nine juried artists from across the country will gather in Round Top for a five-day plein air painting event, capturing the beauty of the region’s rolling hills, historic architecture, and vibrant spring landscapes.
Hosted by Studio Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing visual arts education and cultural experiences, the festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to watch nationally recognized artists painting on location throughout the area. Artists will work “en plein air,” completing paintings outdoors within designated festival boundaries during the official painting period.
Throughout the week, artists will explore the landscape and create original works inspired by the character and charm of Round Top. Finished paintings will be submitted for judging and displayed in the Wet Gallery, where collectors and visitors may view and purchase the freshly completed artwork.
APRIL 22, 2026 TO APRIL 24, 2026
Round Top, Texas
$75 entry fee FOR ARTISTS
$6,500 CASH PRIZE
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026
Open Quick Draw
Watch creativity in real time, or step in and paint. You will join us on Saturday morning, April 25, 2026, at Round Top Square in a unique, spectator, art event. The artists will set up around downtown and will complete their paintings that morning by 11:30am. Artists will bring their own easels and materials. The artwork will be judged, with award ribbons awarded. The art will be judged on The Square at 12pm same day. Open to anyone 18 years or older.
APRIL 25, 2026 From 9:00 A.M. - 11:30 a.m. (2.5 hrs)
ROund Top Realty
ITINERARY
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
Check-In at Round Top Realty. Start Painting at 9AM.
9:00 A.M.
Competition Begins For Participants.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Announcement of Awards will be on the Square.
11:30 A.M.
Turn artwork in at Round Top Realty
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026
$20 for non-members
$18 for members
3:30PM -6:00 P.M
Wet Gallery Opens To The Public at The Compound
Quick Draw for professional artists
APRIL 25, 2026 From 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 a.m. (1.5 hrs)
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026
Watch creativity in real time, or step in and paint. Artists work on location in historic Round Top, then display, get judged, and sell their finished pieces the same day. Open to the public. Bring own supplies and materials. Event is from 9am-10:30am, 8am-9am Check in at Round Top Realty, Paint Around Round Top, then return artwork back to Round Top Realty by 10:30am. Bring own supplies and materials.
ROund Top Realty
ITINERARY
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
Check-In at Round Top Realty. Start Painting at 9AM.
9:00 A.M.
Competition Begins For Participants.
3:30PM -6:00 P.M
Wet Gallery Opens To The Public at The Compound
10:30 A.M.
Turn artwork in at Round Top Realty
The Secret Structure of Great Paintings 3 Day Workshop with karen vernon
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026. Join us for an inspiring three-day workshop focused on two of the most powerful tools in painting— shape and light. Through demonstrations, discussion, and guided painting time, students will learn how to simplify complex scenes into strong shapes of light and dark to create paintings with clarity, depth, and impact. We will explore how strong value design establishes the structure of a painting and allows color/light to shine without confusion. By learning to see and organize value patterns first, artists gain greater control over composition, mood, and visual storytelling.
APRIL 26, 27, 28, 2026
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026
$425 for non-members
10% discount for members
SPRING International ONLINE COMPETITION
Be a part of a select group of artists from around the world.
Studio Texas offers an exciting competition for both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional artists.
$5,000 in Cash Prizes
CALL FOR ENTRY:
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 to Monday, July 6, 2026
ONLINE GALLERY OPENS:
FRIDAY, July 17, 2026
2026 STUDIO TEXAS
2026 judges:
Susan Budge (susanbudge.com), sculptor
Eric Jacobsen (jacobsenfineart.com), painter
Art Escape Annual Member Retreat AND Member Show
Book your room now: Rockin' Star Ranch
Tickets to the retreat and workshops go on sale soon!
July 23rd - JULY 29th, 2026
Rockin' Star Ranch,
8002 Fuelburg Pease Ln, Brenham, TX 77833
FALL International ONLINE COMPETITION
Be a part of a select group of artists from around the world. Studio Texas offers an exciting competition for both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional artists.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
