Oil Painters of America

Oil Painters of America (OPA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in representational art. Their primary mission is to advance the cause of traditional, representational fine art by drawing attention to the lasting value of fine drawing, color, composition and the appreciation of light.

Through their national and regional shows, educational programs, scholarships and marketing efforts, OPA has become a leader in the art community and a driving force in the new Renaissance.

Founded in 1991 by Shirl Smithson, the OPA became a voice for renewed understanding and appreciation of representational art. While OPA had no quarrel with abstract art, members were witnesses to the undeniable fact that America's great art museums were almost totally lacking in the presentation of contemporary great masters of representational oil painting and that the curricula in American educational facilities rarely taught representational oil painting.

Though there have been many national watercolor and pastel societies, OPA is the first national organization to be established for the sole purpose of representing traditional, representational oil painters. OPA membership currently stands at 3,400 artists. The principal reason behind the swelling of the ranks of this national organization is the strong commitment OPA has towards preventing a further decline of this beautiful form of art.

OPA believes that members have made great strides in giving renaissance or rebirth to this great craft, and now see on the horizon the return of interest in its instruction and teaching.

For more information, please click http://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/.