2026 PAE Judge Mary Morton

What separates a good painting from a winning one? In this fascinating conversation, renowned curator and Plein Air Easton judge Mary Morton pulls back the curtain on the jurying process, offering a rare look at how she evaluates hundreds of works and ultimately selects award-winning paintings. Drawing on her years of experience at some of the nation's leading art institutions, Morton discusses the qualities that capture her attention, the common traits shared by exceptional plein air paintings, and the subtle decisions that distinguish finalists from first-place winners. Whether you're an artist hoping to better understand the judging process or an art lover curious about what makes a painting truly stand out, this episode provides invaluable insight into the eye, expertise, and intuition behind choosing the best work in the field.