The Great Frame Up

The Great Frame Up is a proud sponsor of this year’s Plein Air Festival at the Wayne Art Center

What is Plein Air…?

Painting outdoors or en plein air began in 19th century Europe, when Englishman John Constable and the French Barbizon painters sought to depict everyday subjects in their natural settings. Using sketches made directly in the field, these Realists inspired the Impressionists, who sought to convey light with color. Today, painting from life is a pursuit that continues to challenge the finest artists in the world.



About the Juror: John Poon

Encouraged by the wealth of landscape and artist interpretation in the Bay Area and with such early experiences as Van Gogh’s exhibition at De Young Museum in San Francisco, John’s appreciation of art emerged at an early age. 

A childhood full of drawing and painting foreshadowed an artistic future: after completing four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, he attended and graduated from the Academy of Art College (AAC) in San Francisco, winning numerous student awards and scholarships.

After graduation, John accepted the AAC’s offer to remain at the college as an instructor of painting and drawing, and eventually served as Director of Foundations overseeing all Freshmen Drawing, and Color and Design classes.

His philosophy is solid: he believes in the importance of an academic grounding in basic principles of art and adheres strongly to the classical premises of art education. He values his teaching and administrative experiences as having increased his perspective as an educator and artist.

John’s works reflect his inspired appreciation of the landscape. His paintings can be found in numerous private collections across the country. He is represented by Fairmont Gallery in Sonoma, CA; The Garden Gallery in Half Moon Bay, California; The Legacy Gallery in Jackson, WY; and The Walls Gallery in Wilmington, North Carolina.

His numerous professional awards and honors include “Best of Show” Society of Western Artists; Arts for the Parks Annual National Juried Exhibition; The Artist Magazine Annual National Juried Competition; The Sonoma Plein Air, Sedona Plein Air; and The Rocky Mountain Annual Plein Air Paint Out.

John lives in Liberty, UT with his wife Jenny, their six children, and Spike the cat.

For more information, visit the juror’s website at www.johnpoon.com