Capture the Light: Your Complete Guide to Plein Air Litchfield 2026

Beekman Farm Saltbox by Jim Laurino, a founding force behind Plein Air Litchfield and winner of the PAL 2025 People’s Choice Award.

There is an undeniable magic to late summer and early autumn in Litchfield County. The golden sunlight “painting” historic homes, roadside fields, and tranquil winding waterways creates a living canvas.

This September, more than 30 nationally acclaimed landscape painters will return to Litchfield for Plein Air Litchfield 2026 (September 12–20). Armed with easels and oil paints, watercolors, and pastels, these artists will paint outdoors (en plein air) across Litchfield’s scenic landscapes.

Whether you’re an avid art collector, an aspiring painter, or simply looking to enjoy community events, here is your roadmap to wht’s happening this year.

 

🖌️ The Main Festival Schedule: September 12–20, 2026

  1. Palates & Palettes Series (Sept 12, 14, 16)

Catch participating artists in action while enjoying local culinary and gathering destinations across the region:

  • Saturday, Sept 12: Live painting at The Pink House in West Cornwall (adjacent to the Covered Bridge).
  • Monday, Sept 14: Live painting at The Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield.
  • Wednesday, Sept 16: Live painting at The Abner (featuring rooftop painting at Verdict: and session work at The Courtroom Restaurant). 
    (* Make reservations at the restaurants.)
  1. Quick Paint Competition & Community Night (Sunday, Sept 13)

This action-packed day invites both festival painters and community artists to test their speed within Litchfield’s Historic District:

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Canvas Stamping & Registration at Tapping Reeve Meadow ($25 fee for non-competition artists).
  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: The 2-Hour Quick Paint Competition—artists paint anywhere within one square mile of the Litchfield Green.
  • 11:30 AM: Public judging and awards ceremony at Tapping Reeve Meadow ($1,000 in total prizes).
  • 🎟️ Quick Paint Details & Online Entry: Register for the Quick Paint Competition on Plein Air Litchfield.

Evening Meet & Greet (6:00 PM):

Head to the Litchfield Community Center for a free, public artist reception. Meet the painters, view fresh work, enjoy eats from the Meraki Food Truck, and sample pours from Litchfield Distillery.

  1. Hollister House Paintings Show & Sale (Thursday, Sept 17)

An afternoon exhibition highlighting paintings produced at the scenic Hollister House Garden.

  • Where: The Litchfield Inn
  • Details: Free and open to the public.
  1. The Grand Finale: PAL Collectors Show & Gala (Saturday, Sept 19)

The culmination of the entire festival takes place on the campus of 5 Points Center for the Visual Arts in Torrington, featuring competition judging by Stephanie Plunkett (Deputy Director/Chief Curator at Norman Rockwell Museum), catering by Chef Carlos Perez (Good News Cafe), and a Litchfield Distillery tasting bar. Over $8,500 in artist awards will be announced.

  • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: VIP Preview Show & Early Sale ($100 ticket) — Ideal for serious art collectors who want first access to purchase original works before general admission opens.
  • 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: PAL Collectors Show, Cocktail Soirée & Gala ($50 ticket) — Enjoy fine food, craft cocktails, live awards, and an expansive art exhibition.

🎟️ Get Gala & VIP Tickets: Purchase tickets directly on the PAL Collectors Show Ticket Page.

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