Oil Painters of America

Oil Painters of America (OPA) is a non-profit organization based in Crystal Lake, Illinois that is dedicated to promoting and preserving the tradition of oil painting. Founded in 1991, OPA is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the United States, with more than 5,000 members.

OPA works to promote oil painting as a fine art medium, and to provide its members with educational resources, exhibitions, and other opportunities to advance their art. The organization also advocates for the preservation of traditional oil painting techniques, and seeks to preserve the heritage of oil painting. Each year, OPA hosts a National Juried Exhibition that showcases some of the best work from its members, and the organization also offers several awards and scholarships to recognize the achievements of its artists.

In addition to its exhibitions and awards, OPA provides its members with educational resources and workshops. The organization's website offers a variety of tutorials and guides to help members learn the fundamentals of oil painting, as well as more advanced techniques such as glazing and impasto. OPA also offers online forums and blogs where members can exchange ideas and seek advice from experienced oil painters.

OPA also provides its members with other services, such as the ability to purchase supplies, access a national network of art galleries, and receive discounts on art supplies and workshops. The organization also maintains a database of artist biographies, and publishes a quarterly magazine called the American Artist that features articles about oil painting and interviews with established and emerging oil painters.

Oil Painters of America is an invaluable resource for oil painters of all levels of experience. The organization's commitment to preserving the tradition of oil painting and providing educational resources to its members makes it an essential part of the art community in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and beyond.