WAS-H Plein Air Group

Plein Air Coordinator

Alla Adams

Motto

"Progress over perfection."

Questions/Comments can be sent to PleinAir@WatercolorHouston.Org



Plein Air Paintings by Carla Gauthier


Painting outdoors, or plein air painting, offers artists a unique opportunity to capture the natural light, colors, and atmosphere of a scene in a way that studio painting cannot replicate. The ever-changing light conditions and weather elements provide a dynamic and challenging environment that pushes artists to observe and render their subjects with immediacy and authenticity. Outdoors, we also hear nature, identify various smells, feel air movement, and begin better relating to our subject of interest. Plein air painting offers a deeper connection with the subject matter, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world. This direct interaction with nature enhances an artist's ability to perceive subtle variations in color, light, shadow, and movement, resulting in more vibrant, spontaneous, and lifelike paintings. Furthermore, the immersive experience of being outdoors can inspire creativity and support a sense of freedom in artistic expression.

The Plein Air Program is designed to encourage the members to study one subject at a time.

We will schedule locations in the Greater Houston Area for group outdoor painting twice each month. 

These sessions are for WAS-H members only and are free but participants must register prior to the session.

Prior to each session, the Plein Air Coordinator will send out a list of links to YouTube videos on how to paint the topic identified for the event.  This encourages participants to practice painting prior to the outing.

Members bring their own plein air supplies. The Plein Coordinator will ensure that all participants are well-informed about upcoming events and weather conditions. Painting sessions will use the following format:

Set Up and Paint

2.5 - 3.5 Hours

Gather and Share

Admiration and Feedback

Comradery

Optional: Eat together and Enjoy the Day

Be sure to prepare for painting outside!  Here is a suggested supply list, if you need help:  Plein Air - Suggested Supply List.pdf

2024 Plein Air Schedule

Monday, August 19

Topic:  Trees

Raised Boardwalk - Memorial Park

Monday, September 2

Topic:  Clouds & Trees


Houston Arboretum


Monday, September 16

Topic:  Historical Buildings


Heights Theatre



Saturday, September 28

Topic:  Historical Buildings


Heights Library



Saturday, October 12

Topic: Landscapes, Fields, Barns, People


Round Top, Texas

 


Saturday, October 26

Topic:  People


Houston Farmers Market



Monday, November 11

Topic:  Flowing Fountain


Sam Houston Park.

Monday, November 25

Topic:  Boats


Kemah



Monday, December 9

Topic:  Nature Scene


Galveston


Saturday, December 21

Topic:  Buildings, Gardens, People


Bayou Bend Gardens


Upcoming events

  • Plein Air for Members

    • September 02, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Houston Arboretum
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, September 2 (Labor Day)

    9 am - Noon

    Topic:  Trees & Clouds

    Location:  Donor's Ponds

    Houston Arboretum

    4501 Woodway Drive

    Houston, TX 77024


    FREE for members only


    Painting clouds in watercolor is a delightful way to enjoy the soft and ethereal qualities of this medium. The transparency of watercolor allows for a beautiful play of light, giving clouds a realistic, luminous quality. Experimenting with different techniques can result in a range of cloud formations, from wispy cirrus to dramatic storm clouds. Also, if you can paint a good sky, it really takes your work to another level. It sets the mood for the scene. There is something special and inspiring about cloud arrangements, towering clouds… how they just pass each other, changing every minute.

    This Plein Air event will focus on practicing painting clouds, trees, and their reflection in water.

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting clouds and trees outdoors!

    Painting Clouds with Watercolor Wet on Wet Technique by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OowOblcJ3pA

    Try These 2 Simple Tricks for Easy Watercolor Clouds by Steve Mitchell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDsE289sJRU

    Painting Clouds with Dramatic Side or Back Laight in Watercolor by Steve Mitchell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtrqo9KIoa0

    Mastering Water Reflection with Pablo Ruben

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8VW_MsIwLE

    Repetition is essential for effective learning. Below are YouTube videos from the previous session focused on trees:

    How to Paint Trees in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygV5PuvzjE4

    Trees Reflecting on Water Using Watercolor by Lucy Akins

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQw0mmnvksM

    5 Tips for Painting Trees in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMVEuCfSVbs

    How to Paint Sunlight Through the Trees in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx_5Yrm8XFo


    There is no fee.  Please register.

    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • September 16, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Heights Theatre
    Register

    Plein Air for Members


    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, September 16 

    9 am - Noon

    Topic:  Historical Buildings


    Location:  Heights Theatre

    339 W 19th Street

    Houston, TX 77008


    Free and for members only



    Painting historical buildings is one of the most interesting and creative activities as it captures the charm and character of vintage architectural treasures. The transparency of watercolor allows for subtle shading, highlights, and unique textures emphasizing each building's unique features and the effects of light and shadow. By combining precise lines with soft washes, one can convey both the solidity and the timeless beauty of historical architecture, bringing the past to life on paper.

    The Heights Theatre building is an Art Deco beauty. It sits among the shops and restaurants on a busy stretch of W. 19th Street in the Heights. Art Deco, short for the French “Arts décoratifs” is a style of visual arts, architecture, and product design, that first appeared in Paris in the 1910s, and flourished in the United States and Europe during the 1920s to early 1930s.

    This Plein Air event will focus on practicing cityscape perspective drawing and painting historical building(s).

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting historical buildings in Plein Air!

    How to Draw Perspective – A Simple Guide and Sketching Tutorial by Toby at Sketch Loose

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs9f9shBpNI

    Cityscape Painting – En-Plein-Air Watercolor Demonstration by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNk87oa6XnY

    Perspective Drawing for Painters – Tips Tricks and Techniques by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMgBUXfwS0g

    How to Paint Architecture in Watercolor Loose Style – Painting Light and Mood by Nina Volk

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKzkitSEUro

    Watercolor Demonstration by Vladislav Yeliseyev

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmkHmBZfMD8



    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • September 28, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Heights Library
    Register

    Plein Air for Members


    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, September 28 

    9 am - Noon

    Topic:  Historical Buildings


    Location:  Heights Library

    1302 Heights Building

    Houston, TX 77008

    Free and for members only.


    Painting buildings in watercolor allows to capture the unique features and atmosphere of architectural structures. The fluidity of watercolor is perfect for capturing the mood and weather conditions around the building from sunny days to rainy scenes. This medium helps convey both the structure and the feeling of the place, bringing the building to life.

    The Heights Neighborhood Library building has a pink Stucco Italian Renaissance Revival façade and arches in its doors and windows. It was built in 1926. In 1984 the building attained landmark status when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2005 it was designated a protected city of Houston landmark.

    This Plein Air event will focus on drawing and painting a building in an artistic representation of a city or urban area.

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a building in a cityscape in Plein Air!

    Capturing the Beauty of Old French Buildings: Plein Air Watercolor Painting Demo by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvRHj3hHlJI

    Venice Travel Plein Air Watercolor Painting Demo: Renaissance Building Façade by Ina Xi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzIPip5uer0

    This Is the Best Way to Paint Buildings by Robert Mee

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GugmXDPiiA4

    Repetition is essential for effective learning. Below are YouTube videos from the previous session focused on practicing cityscape perspective drawing and painting historical building(s):

    How to Draw Perspective – A Simple Guide and Sketching Tutorial by Toby at Sketch Loose

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs9f9shBpNI

    Cityscape Painting – En-Plein-Air Watercolor Demonstration by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNk87oa6XnY

    Perspective Drawing for Painters – Tips Tricks and Techniques by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMgBUXfwS0g

    How to Paint Architecture in Watercolor Loose Style – Painting Light and Mood by Nina Volk

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKzkitSEUro

    Watercolor Demonstration by Vladislav Yeliseyev

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmkHmBZfMD8


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • October 12, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Round Top Antiques Fair
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, October 12

    11 am - 2 pm

    Topic:  Landscapes, Fields, Barns & People

    Location:  Round Top Antiques Fair

    Texas Highway 237


    Painting landscapes, fields, barns, and people allows to capture the serene beauty and rural charm of the countryside. The suggested steps are: Start by sketching the basic composition, then apply soft washes to create the gentle hues of fields and skies. Add layers to build depth in the landscape, with earthy tones for barns and greenery for fields. Use fine brushstrokes to depict the texture of barn wood and the flowing movement of tall grasses. When painting people, keep the figures simple yet expressive, focusing on their gestures and interactions. Watercolor's fluidity and translucence are perfect for capturing the delicate interplay of light and shadow, bringing a sense of warmth and life to the scene.


    The original Round Top Antiques Fair is the show that started it all over 50 years ago. Founded by the late Emma Lee Turney in 1968 “The Show” as known by Round Top veterans, has become one of the largest antique shows in the country. To put it perspective, take into consideration that Round Top, Texas population is only 90 people.


    This Plein Air event will focus on painting landscape, fields, barns, and people.


    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx


    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.


    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting landscape, fields, barns, and people in Plein Air!


    2018 AWS Watercolor Evening with Andy Evansen

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl8f2aTUUiY


    Frank Eber Demo at California Watercolor Society

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Emw-MaQo7k


    Plein Air Watercolor Painting – Watercolor Outdoor Tutorial by Shahanoor Mamun

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX-aD6pMEfM


    Country Cottage Watercolor Tutorial Step by Step Demonstration by Patrick Ley-Greaves

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zJgDSMIE8s


    How to Paint Figures – Adding Life to Your Watercolor Paintings by Matthew White

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DiZrqBSro


    How to Paint Figures in Watercolor Part 2 by Trevor Waugh

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHIOpAg2ybo

    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • October 26, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Houston Farmers Market
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, October 26

    9 am - Noon


    Topic:  People

    Location:  Houston Farmers Market

    2520 Airline Drive

    Houston, TX 77009


    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Painting people at a farmers market in watercolor offers a vibrant and dynamic way to capture the bustling atmosphere and rich colors of this lively setting. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the market's layout, including stalls, tables, and the people. Use bright, varied washes to depict the colorful array of fruits, vegetables, and goods on display. Think about what the focal point will be in your painting. Capture the energy of the scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes, focusing on the movement and interactions of the people—shoppers browsing, vendors chatting, and children playing. Pay attention to the light, whether it is the soft morning glow or the bright midday sun, to enhance the mood. The fluid nature of watercolor allows for a fresh and spontaneous depiction, bringing the market's lively spirit to life on paper.

    The Houston Farmers Market has been a staple in Houston since the early 1940s. In 2017, the market expanded from its original 3,800 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet. In addition to daily local produce, it sells a variety of imported produce, nuts, dried spices, and more.

    You never know what happens at a farmers market. You might want to paint people in a loose style reflecting a busy dynamic day at a market; or someone might agree to pose for you to take a picture for a portrait. If that happens, don’t forget to ask them to pose for you for a picture in bright sunlight (with a partial shadow from a hat or a strong shadow from a dangling earring or other accessory). The fluidity of watercolor helps convey the natural glow and radiance of the subject in sunlight, creating a lively and vibrant portrait.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting people.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting people in Plein Air!

    Painting Figures in a Scene – How to Paint a Group of People by Eric Yi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU9YS6g6ae0

    You Won’t Believe How Easy These Watercolor Figures Are by Riaz Ahmed

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcJD-EZzY5I

    How to Make Cycle Rider in Watercolor by Sarfraz Musawir

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPK_1xDPYSk

    How to Paint Figures – Adding Life to Your Watercolor Paintings by Matthew White

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DiZrqBSro

    How to Paint Figures in Watercolor Part 1 by Trevor Waugh

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv6aRgPHyhU

    How to Paint Figures in Watercolor Part 2 by Trevor Waugh

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHIOpAg2ybo

    Painting a Girl in Bright Sunlight in Studio by Eric Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGMd285Y5dI




    There is no fee.  Please register.







    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • November 11, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Sam Houston Park
    Register


    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator


    Monday, November 11 (Veteran's Day)

    9 am - Noon

    Topic:  Flowing Fountain

    Location:   Scanlan Fountain in Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby Street

    Houston, TX 77002




    Painting a flowing fountain in bright sunlight with watercolor captures the dynamic interplay of light, water, and structure. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the fountain's form, paying attention to the details of its design and the surrounding environment. Use light, transparent washes to depict the sparkle of sunlight on the water, highlighting the fountain's streams and splashes. Bright, warm tones can illustrate the sunny atmosphere, while cooler, translucent blues and greens can convey the clarity and movement of the water. The contrast between the bright highlights and the deep shadows in the fountain's structure and water creates a sense of depth and realism. The fluidity of watercolor beautifully portrays the fountain's lively, ever-changing nature, capturing both the stillness of its form and the motion of the water.

    Scanlan Fountain is a cast iron fountain in Sam Houston Park. The fountain was cast by J. L. Mott Iron Works in 1891 and held by a private individual before being donated to the city of Houston by the family of the owner.  It was installed in the park in 1972.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting a flowing fountain.

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a flowing fountain in Plein Air!

    University of Lund, the Fountain, a Watercolor Painting by Erik Lundgren

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMwTIvx7p6c

    Fountain in watercolor by Grant Fuller

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcy3bNGmuFo

    Full Watercolor Demo: Pool and Fountain in a Madrid Park by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrZ6m_ZT0yA

    Kingfisher Water Splash in Watercolor Painting by Kembart Drawing

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVamGjiR5d8


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • November 25, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Kemah
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, November 25

    11 am - 2 pm

    Topic:  Boats

    Location:  Kemah


    Painting a boat in water under bright sunlight with watercolor beautifully captures the vibrant interplay of light and reflections. How to go about it? You might want to start with a light pencil sketch to outline the boat's shape and position on the water. Use bold, warm tones for the boat to highlight the sunlit areas, and softer, cooler colors to suggest shadows and contours. The water can be rendered with fluid, transparent washes of blue and green, capturing the shimmering reflections of the boat and the play of light on the water's surface. Pay attention to the bright highlights where the sunlight strikes, and use soft edges to blend the boat with its reflection, creating a realistic sense of water's movement. The translucent nature of watercolor lends itself perfectly to depicting the clarity and sparkle of the scene, making the boat appear both solid and part of the shimmering landscape.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting boats.

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting boats in Plein Air!

    Secrets of Paining Watercolor Outdoors by Andy Evansen

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYNWmOZTTpU

    Virtual Demo, Lighthouse Plein Air Festival by Vladislav Yeliseyev

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDd8pCh2Vdg

    How to Paint Watercolor Landscape Painting by Joseph Zbukvic

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpth9P7diOo

    How to Paint Many Boats in a Seascape: Step by Step Process of Painting a Complex Scene by Ina Xi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vFGbp9BkFM

    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • December 09, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Galveston, TX
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, December 9 

    11 am - 2 pm

    Topic:  Nature Scene

    Location:  Galveston, TX



    Painting cranes in a natural scene with watercolor allows for a graceful representation of these elegant birds in serene landscape. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the cranes, focusing on their distinctive shapes and poised postures. Use soft, delicate washes for their plumage, capturing the subtle interplay of light and shadow on their feathers. For the surrounding environment, apply gentle hues of green, blue, and brown to depict wetlands, tall grasses, or reflective water bodies. The fluidity of watercolor is ideal for rendering the tranquil atmosphere of the scene, with the cranes standing out against the soft, natural background. Pay special attention to the reflection of the cranes in the water, if present, and the soft blending of colors to convey the peacefulness and harmony of nature. The result will be a harmonious composition that highlights the beauty and elegance of cranes in their natural habitat.

    Sandhill Cranes come to winter in Galveston. About a few hundred of these elegant birds take advantage of the milder climate and plentiful food resources on the island. In Galveston, they are called affectionately Sandies. Like most cranes, Sandies are monogamous and mate for life, spending 20-30 years together year-round, so it is likely that many of our winter visitors have been returning to Galveston year after year for decades.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting a nature scene and Sandhill Cranes.

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a nature scene and Sandhill Cranes in Plein Air!

    5 Techniques for Painting Grasses in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7xH3dIoElg

    Watercolor Techniques – Dry Brush Painting Flowers and Grasses by Wendy Powel-Jones

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBMmcoPbXYY

    Simple Watercolor Landscape Painting Using Only One Brush by Karen Rice

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0R3_uGgzuM

    How to Paint Elegant Sandhill Cranes in Watercolor by Morgaine Rose

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIEPg1jAkRA

    Atmospheric Watercolor Wetland Marsh and Cranes by Lois and Morgaine Davidson

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=LBetUhxyU_s 

    Sandhill Crane Portrait: Transparent Watercolor Time-lapse by Bohan Art

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGcF9XK_buM

    Sandhill Cranes Scientific Illustration Techniques in Watercolor by Steven Melendrez

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd6H_GL-JEY







    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • December 21, 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Bayou Bend Gardens
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, December 21 

    10 am - 1 pm

    Topic:  Buildings, Gardens, People

    Location:  Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive

    Houston, TX  77007

    Opens at 10 am


    Painting a mansion and its garden in watercolor provides an opportunity to capture the grandeur and elegance of the architecture along with the natural beauty of the landscape. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the mansion's architectural features, such as columns, windows, and intricate details, then use light washes to establish the overall color scheme. Gradually build up layers to add depth and texture to the building, highlighting its materials and the play of light and shadow. For the garden, apply vibrant greens and florals, using a variety of brushstrokes to depict lush foliage, blooming flowers, and manicured lawns. Watercolor's translucence allows for a beautiful rendering of the sunlight filtering through trees and casting dappled shadows. The contrast between the solid structure of the mansion and the soft, organic forms of the garden creates a balanced and harmonious scene, bringing the stately setting to life on paper.

    Bayou Bend Gardens are located in the River Oaks area. The Gardens are a 14-acre facility of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.  Bayou Bend is the former home of philanthropist Ima Hogg. The mansion, designed by architect John Staub, was built in 1928. Staub's plan for Bayou Bend combined 18th-century Georgian architecture with elements that are distinctly Southern and of Spanish Creole architecture. Other aspects of Bayou Bend's design are borrowed from Southern plantation houses. 

    During construction, Ima Hogg insisted that as many trees as possible be kept. Only one tree was sacrificed to make room for the house, and the gardens were created around the existing trees. Miss Hogg created a series of gardens that were intended as outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. In 1957, Miss Hogg donated her home and her collection to the Museum of Fine Arts. Bayou Bend opened to the public in 1966.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting a building, garden, and people.

    Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

    Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a building, garden, and people in Plein Air!

    Painting a Country House in Watercolor by Charles Evans

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCB-Qc_h7FE

    Painting Demonstration Summer Bridge in Ohio by Thomas Schaller

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrHN-2KEIu4

    How to Draw and Paint Houses in Watercolor by Chris Petri

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBlKI_3-Vk8

    How to Paint a Garden Ruin in Watercolor and Exaggerate Your greens by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhncu8UAamA

    Understanding Color Temperature by Painting a White Marble Sculpture with Watercolor by Yong Hong Zhong

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L3WpSHMcfA

    How to Simplify a Flower Garden Watercolor Painting by Kerrie Woodhouse

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTIC7fcMj2g

    Painting in Watercolor – Boules by Graham Berry

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbHB6QH2F4A

    Painting a Watercolor – Drinks on the Green by Graham Berry

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMgroKjQmtk

    Watercolor Painting – Couple on Bench by Graham Berry

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmye88MKBYw




    Show details

1601 West Alabama Houston TX 77006
Gallery: 713-942-9966
Questions? Email admin@watercolorhouston.org

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

©Watercolor Art Society - Houston. All images are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
} catch(err) {}