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2026 Plein Air Judges

Our esteemed judge for Professional Artists Group at the 2026 Perkins Cove Plein Air Event is Pastelist, Lyn Asselta

ARTISTS’ STATEMENT

How can I explain to you what it feels like to stand in a forest and imagine that silence is a living thing, breathing between the leaves and the sunlight? How can I explain the way sea foam skitters and catches amongst slippery, wet rocks at the ocean’s edge during a winter storm? Words aren’t always adequate, so I feel compelled to paint those feelings.

The challenge of painting what I feel is what continues to interest me most. —Lyn Asselta

Lyn Asselta has considered the landscape her muse since she was a child. Growing up on the coast of Maine, where weather often changed by the minute, the effects of atmosphere on land and water were mesmerizing. That fascination with atmosphere has held her attention for decades while living along the Atlantic Ocean and intracoastal waterway in northeast Florida, in the Smoky mountains of western North Carolina, and more recently, along the coast of Maine once again. She’s spent a lifetime reveling in the rich details of the natural world and she draws from her love of nature when creating her paintings. Her chosen medium of pastel allows her to extend her tactile sense of communicating with the world into the painting process at her easel.

Asselta’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and have been included in invitational exhibitions in France, China, and the UK. As a workshop instructor, she has taught in Canada, Curaçao and extensively across the USA. She is an IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) Eminent Pastelist, a Pastel Society of America Master Pastelist, a member of the Salmagundi Club of NYC, a Master Pastelist with the Southeastern Pastel Society, an Associate Artist for Unison Colour, and is the founder and past president of the First Coast Pastel Society in northeast Florida. In 2009, Lyn was selected as an Artist in Residence at Acadia National Park in Maine. Her work has been featured over the years in art publications including Pastel Journal, Plein Air Magazine, and Pratique des Arts magazine (France). Her landscape paintings and process have been included in several books on the pastel medium and plein air painting. Lyn has published two books, Seeing the Landscape and Saturdays ~ Observations at the Intersection of Life & Art, and writes a weekly newsletter about nature and art called Saturdays at the Cove.

Visit Lyn’s Website

And our esteemed judge for the Amateur Artists Group at the 2026 Perkins Cove Plain Air Event is Jonathan McPhillips

“Each painting I begin is a highly anticipated challenge to conquer, a puzzle seeking completion, and a culmination of all that came before. My ultimate reward is knowing when my work has captured the interests of both friends and strangers alike. In a world of digital focus and intensity, I hope that my artwork offers a calm place to rest, even if just for a few moments of the day. Through painting, I strive to forge connections between hearts and minds, unifying us through our shared experiences.” —Jonathan McPhillips

Biography:

Jonathan McPhillips graduated from Connecticut College in 1993 with a BFA in Studio Fine Art. His artwork celebrates the beauty of New England and beyond. Equally adept at working in the studio or on location, Jonathan’s work encompasses the natural and not so natural environments, ranging from our coastal shores to inland farmlands to bustling city streets.

Jonathan’s artistry has garnered recognition on both national and international levels. His work has also been showcased in various U.S. embassies through the “Art in Embassies” program by the U.S. Department of State. Jonathan McPhillips’ recent accolades showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. A few recognitions include the Wayne Plein Air 2025 “First Place Award”, 2023 Cape Ann Plein Air “Best Seascape” Award, and the American Impressionist Society National Juried 2nd Place Award in 2023.

As an esteemed member of various professional art organizations, including the Providence Art Club, and the above-mentioned American Impressionists Society, Jonathan continues to evolve and inspire with his evocative artwork, bringing to life the subjects he captures on canvas.

A dedicated educator, Jonathan shares his expertise and passion with aspiring artists through workshops and demonstrations across the United States. He has instructed at prestigious institutions such as the Cape Cod Art Association, Rockport Art Association, and Lyme Art Association, among many others. Jonathan also provides video instruction, breaking down his techniques and insights, empowering students to hone their skills and find their own artistic voice.

Visit Jonathan’s Website

2026 Event: The 6th Annual Plein Air Event will showcased more than 100 plein air painters

This year artists will compete for a combined $9000 in prizes!

The 2026 PRIZE CATEGORIES:

Professionals: 1st Place, 2nd Place & 3rd Place, and Amateurs: 1st Place, 2nd Place & 3rd Place. And, some special additional prize categories.

Professional Division Awards

• 1^st place $2000.
• 2^nd place $1500.
• 3^rd place $1000.

Amateur Division Awards

• 1^st place $750.
• 2^nd place $500.
• 3^rd place $300.

PLUS a special amateur award will be given: the David Lussier Gallery of Excellence Award for $250.

New Award Categories

Best use of Light $1,000. Best Depiction of Marginal Way Celebrating the 100^th year of the Marginal Way – $1,000, Quintessential Perkins Cove – $500, and a Future Generation Prize – which encourages younger artists to participate. $200.