The Rolling Hills Plein Air Event welcomes spring with a celebration of renewal and wide-open Texas beauty. Join us among the soft, sweeping hills as the landscape turns lush and wildflowers bloom in vibrant color. Wander through charming villages rooted in the mid-1800s, and capture the spirit, stories, and timeless character of this special place alongside us.
APRIL 24, 2026 @ 1:00 P.M. TO APRIL 25, 2026 @ 6:00 P.M.
Round Top, Texas
$75 entry fee FOR ARTISTS
$6,500 CASH PRIZE
THE ART EXPERIENCE
A Curated Art Experience
Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of celebrated local artists’ studios and private collections. This intimate Art Experience is available to a select few guests, maximum 20.
The afternoon begins at 1-1:30 PM at Blackburn Farm in Round Top, where guests will board chauffeured transportation to the renowned Judy Elias Hill Art Studio for Prosecco and cookies. Judy’s paintings are in many private and corporate collections throughout the United States and have been exhibited from the Carolinas to Texas.
Next, travel to Kathy Griffth's Pottery Studio to continue the tour and indulge in a signature cowboy cocktail and a surprise gift.
The experience concludes back at Blackburn Farm with a private tour of the Blackburn art collection, followed by an al fresco dinner (weather permitting). Have a one-of-a-kind upscale Round Top experience surrounded by rolling hills, bridges, live oaks, lakes, and picturesque sunset backdrop.
This ticket includes the tour with dinner, the VIP lounge at the Quick Draw, and access to the Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception.
APRIL 24, 2026 @ 1:30 p.M.
$225 for non-members
10% discount for members
ITINERARY
1:30 P.M.
Judy Elias Hill Studio With Prosecco And Cookies
3:00 P.M.
Next Kathy Griffith's pottery studio. Stop Includes A Cowboy Cocktail
4:30 P.M.
Poolside Al Fresco Dinner at the Blackburn Residence
1:00 P.M.
Show up at 1:00 P.M. Start at Blackburn Residence to Board Tour Van
If A Door Opens by Judy Elias Hill
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 P.M
Announcement of Awards 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.
12:00 PM -12:30 P.M
Announcement of Awards on the Square.
10:30 A.M.
Turn artwork in at Round Top Realty
Wet Gallery Opens To The Public at The Compound
3:30PM -6:00 P.M
BLUE RIBBON SNEAK PREVIEW
Enjoy an exclusive first look and priority purchasing opportunity before the Awards Ceremony, Opening Reception, and public viewing at 12:30 PM on Saturday, April 25. Enjoy light bites and refreshments during this exclusive early access event.
APRIL 25, 2026 AT 12:30 P.M.
$500 - each ticket includes admission for two
$500 from each ticket will be credited toward the purchase of artwork.
Please note: Tickets are non-refundable and not eligible for discounts.
Only 10 tickets will be sold
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026
Awards Ceremony AND Opening Reception
Join us to view and acquire featured works following the Blue Ribbon Sneak Peek, with access granted prior to public admission. Light appetizers will be served as you enjoy the event at The Compound Peck Barn.
APRIL 25, 2026 AT 1:30 P.M.
$100 for non-members
10% discount for members
Apart of the Plein Air Festival 2026
10% discount for members
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.
