Meet Our Judges
Lori McNee
Lori McNee is a widely recognized American artist from Idaho’s stunning central mountains, celebrated for her poetic studio landscapes, vibrant plein air studies, elegant still-life paintings, and evocative wildlife art. Inspired by nature, her work reflects a deep love for the great outdoors and its magnificent creatures. While oil painting remains her primary medium, Lori also works in encaustic and gouache, showcasing her versatility and creativity as an artist.
She is a Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, the Heartland Art Club, and an out-of-state member of the California Art Club. Additionally, Lori is a certified Master Artist in Cobra Water-mixable Oil Paints and serves as an International Artist Ambassador for Royal Talens and RoyalTalensNA.
Ellie Wilson
My life as an artist started at a young age and the path to my art career seemed to have happened effortlessly. I was born and raised in the Wasatch Mountains, which instilled in me a passion for nature and beauty. At the age of 15 I picked up oil painting and it quickly became my medium of choice. The first time I went Plein Air painting with the mountains surrounding me and a brush in hand I was hooked, and decided to specialize in landscape painting. At the time I was in college pursuing a degree in Illustration, and was lucky enough to intern with Scott Christensen. When I graduated with a BFA, I sold out my solo show and launched into my career as a professional artist. Since then I have been painting tirelessly, working to master a variety of scenes in over 8 states and 18 countries around the world. I am now a mom of two girls and seeing their love for the outdoors and aw at the beauty in ordinary things brings new meaning to my career as an artist. This world we live in is truly marvelous, and I strive to communicate that through my work.
Kawani Povi Winder
My life as an artist started at a young age and the path to my art career seemed to have happened effortlessly. I was born and raised in the Wasatch Mountains, which instilled in me a passion for nature and beauty. At the age of 15 I picked up oil painting and it quickly became my medium of choice. The first time I went Plein Air painting with the mountains surrounding me and a brush in hand I was hooked, and decided to specialize in landscape painting. At the time I was in college pursuing a degree in Illustration, and was lucky enough to intern with Scott Christensen. When I graduated with a BFA, I sold out my solo show and launched into my career as a professional artist. Since then I have been painting tirelessly, working to master a variety of scenes in over 8 states and 18 countries around the world. I am now a mom of two girls and seeing their love for the outdoors and aw at the beauty in ordinary things brings new meaning to my career as an artist. This world we live in is truly marvelous, and I strive to communicate that through my work.