Olena Babak

Hartland, ME

2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

"My inspiration comes from painting in Plein Air and working from life. It is the poetry of light and constant change that makes me excited about the next painting. It can be a sunrise or sunset, constantly moving water, an ever changing harbor, a storm or a gentle morning fog... It is the fleeting moments presented by nature that captivate me the most."

Olena Babak is Ukrainian born, internationally recognized artist who has received awards from Plein Air Magazine, Oil Painters of America, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, Art Renewal Center, Bold Brash and numerous Plein Air competitions across the country including Plein Air Easton, Door County Plein Air, Plein Air Taxes, Lighthouse Plein Air, Wayne Plein Air, Olmsted Plein Air and many more. Her work has been featured numerous times in Plein Air Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur. Olena was also a recipient of the Hudson River Fellowship, NY and her works appear in numerous publications including "Strokes of Genius" series, the "Poet's and Artists: 100 Great Drawings," and the "Classicist." Formerly teaching graduate students at the Academy of Classical Design, Olena now enjoys traveling all over the country participating in Plein Air/Gallery competitions/events, and teaching workshops.

Selected Recent Awards:

"Matisse Award", "Second Place Quick Draw", Olmsted Plein Air 2024
"First Place", "People's Choice" & "Artist's Choice" Quick Draw Forgotten Coast Plein Air 2023
"Best Use of Light," Plein Air Easton 2023
"Second Place," Door County Plein Air 2023