Every year, Oil Painters of America, the prestigious organization dedicated to traditional oil painting, holds a juried exhibition focused primarily on classical Western art, created by some of the preeminent artists of the day. This year, nearly 115 representational oil paintings will be on display, all of which have gone through a rigorous selection process.
Ed Kucera, Young Gun, oil, 24 x 18 in.
The juror of awards for the 2025 exhibition is OPA Master Signature artist Edward Kucera, known for his acute attention to detail and mastery of color. The exhibition opens on Friday, July 11, with an awards ceremony where Kucera will announce the winning artists. The following morning, on July 12, Kucera will conduct a painting demonstration, and that evening he will conduct an informal tour of the exhibition.
James Tennison, Spanish Horse and Rider, oil on linen, 30 x 30 in.
“Collectors can expect to see paintings produced by some of the leading painters in North America who are working in the great tradition of representational oil painting. Because the OPA is inclusive of all the styles and subjects within this tradition, viewers will see a wide variety of paintings, from broadly impressionistic landscapes to highly finished academic portraits,” says Kurt Anderson, OPA executive director.
Attendees explore the artwork on display at a previous exhibition.
“One of the standout artists in the show will be James Tennison. His carefully executed and detailed paintings, such as his painting in the exhibition called Spanish Horse and Rider, demonstrate his love for the subtle effects of light and shadow, and the rich colors that can be found when carefully observed,” Anderson says.
Bill Farnsworth, Knee Deep, oil, 14 x 18 in.
He also notes the work of renowned OPA Master Signature artist Albert Handel. “His painting of trees titled A Summer Breeze is rendered in an impressionist style, and his expressive brushwork and broken color pushes the forms close to abstraction,” he says.
The 2025 Western Regional Exhibition will be on view through August 11. Illume Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. “The OPA has had a long and fruitful relationship with Illume Gallery,” says Anderson, “and we are looking forward to returning to the charming town of Philipsburg, Montana, for what we know will be another exciting and successful event.” —
OPA Western Regional Exhibition
July 11-August 11, 2025
Illume Gallery West
130 E. Broadway Street
Philipsburg, MT 59858
www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
Powered by Froala Editor
