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Allyson Hoffman, an artist from La Grange, will be one of the 16 selected artists competing for top prizes at the Round Top en Plein Air Festival. Plein air painting, the practice of painting outdoors, invites spectators to see artists in action as they capture the scenery. Visitors are encouraged to catch glimpses of artists working along rural roads, sidewalks, and local landmarks—stopping to connect, converse, and even suggesting scenes for artists to paint. The festival transforms a 20-mile radius around Round Top into an interactive art studio.
Allyson continues her art training at the University of North Texas, where she earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies with a concentration in Arts Management. She won first place in the 2024 Open Quick Draw Competition in Round Top. This talented, homegrown artist has gained recognition through local shows and competitions. She currently resides in La Grange, Texas, working out of her home studio.
The Round Top en Plein Air Festival culminates in awards, a wet gallery, and an inviting atmosphere for art lovers. On Dec. 5, after 16 artists spend three days painting in the Round Top area, VIP ticket holders— only 10 tickets avai lable— will enjoy prosecco and appetizers while being the first to view the paintings, some completed that very morning, from 6 to 7 p.m. Following this, from 7 to 9 p.m., attendees can mingle with the artists during the Awards Ceremony and Preview Sale, where nationally renowned artist Suzie Baker will explain the reasons behind the winners’ selections.
On Saturday morning, Dec. 6, witness the excitement of the Quick Draw Paintout. Starting at 9 a.m., both juried and local artists will choose their subjects from a few blocks surrounding the Round Top Courthouse Square. Juried artists will have one and a half hours to complete their works, while non-juried (Open Quick Draw) contestants will have two and a half hours. The finished pieces will be displayed and juried in front of the Round Top Real Estate office.
Other artists competing in this plein air competition include award-winning talents from across the country. Five artists featured are:
• Julie Sanderson: An impressionistic oil painter, Julie has received accolades including Field Artist for the 2025 EPAT Texas Artist Revival, the 10th Anniversary Celebration Award in 2023, and First Place at Paint Texas in both 2023 and 2022. Her oil paintings often capture the enchanting quality of the golden hour and iconic Texas landscapes.
• Olivette Hubler: An award-winning artist from the Dallas area, Olivette retired from a successful career in commercial art with Hallmark and Neiman Marcus. Since then, she has traveled extensively, painting and competing in plein air contests. Her oil paintings beautifully depict the magic of Texas sunlight.
• Jeremy Serna: Hailing from Brownwood, Texas, Jeremy describes his artistic approach as painting «the verb, not the noun.» His acrylic and watercolor works come to life with bold brush strokes and dynamic splashes, showcasing the creativity and variety inherent in plein air painting.
• James Sampsel: A painter from Port Orford, Oregon, and a fishing guide, James’s love for the outdoors is evident in his passionate painting style, characterized by strong strokes and clean designs. His body of work reflects a desire to record the beauty of our world before it fades into progress.
After the Quick Draw competition, the juried artworks will be on display and available for sale at the Wet Gallery at Market Hill until 6 p.m.
For more information, visit studiotexas.org or call Amanda Danning at 979-863-2979
