Members bring their own plein air supplies. The Plein Coordinator will ensure that all participants are well-informed about upcoming events and weather conditions. 

Be sure to prepare for painting outside!  Here is a suggested supply list, if you need help: Watercolor Supplies for Plein Air Painting.docx

2026 Plein Air Schedule

Friday, June 19

Hindu Temple, Stafford Texas

11 am - 3 pm

Wednesday, July 8

Seabrook Fish Market District, Seabrook Texas

6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Wednesday, July 29

Sabine Street Bridge, Buffalo Bayou Walk, Houston Texas

6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Saturday, August 15

Heights Neighborhood Library, Houston Texas

9 am - 1 pm

Monday, Labor Day, September 7

Glenwood Cemetery

11 am - 3 pm

Wednesday, September 23

Galveston Seawall, Beach, and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Wednesday, Veterans Day, November 11

Camp Mohawk

11 am - 3 pm

Saturday, December 5

Historic Houses in the East End Historic District of Galveston

11 am - 3 pm

Upcoming events

    • June 19, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Friday, June 19

    11 am - 3 pm

    Hindu Temple

    BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477

    This Plein Air event will focus on a sculpture outdoors

    Additional information is emailed to those who register.


    Join us for an inspiring day of art and creativity at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple. The temple materials and sculptures were carved out of Italian marble and Turkish limestone by 3,000 craftsmen in India, and then shipped to Houston for building this magnificent mandir. It is composed of 33,000 pieces of marble and limestone that were fitted together in tongue-and-groove fashion like a three-dimensional puzzle. The entire structure, including the foundation, does not contain a single piece of iron or steel. The details in the columns and walls include carvings of deities, dancers, musicians, elephants, horses, flowers and geometrical designs. 

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting a sculpture in an outdoor setting.

    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 can be paused, and so I can paint and learn at my pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting an open-air artwork in Plein Air!

    Watercolor Glazing Technique by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1CZSbWk1fTQ&t=0s

    Watercolor Painting Tips and Techniques: Sculpture by Achintya Hazra

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=C_6XAzmFSik&t=0s

    How to Paint a Statute Bust in Watercolor by Paint Basket

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHkOmSZRK-8

    Expressive Watercolor painting Tutorial: Stone Sculpture by Gee Massam

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ZDFAANLRM0c&t=0m23s

    Getting the Right Contrast in Watercolor: Angel Statue by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74C8A1Ya29s


    • July 08, 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Fish Market District in Seabrook, 415 Waterfront Dr, Seabrook, Texas, 77586
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Wednesday, July 8

    6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

    Fish Market District in Seabrook, 415 Waterfront Dr, Seabrook, Texas, 77586


    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.


    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Experience the enchanting glow of the golden hour as you capture the beauty of twilight with watercolors at beautiful coastal Seabrook. This special nocturnal plein air painting event invites artists of all levels to explore the interplay of soft evening light and waterfront charm. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let your creativity shine. Bring your watercolor supplies and enjoy this unique opportunity to paint during one of the most magical times of day!

    Sunset time on July 8 in Seabrook will be 8:24 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

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

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

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

    Watercolor Night Painting – Tips on Painting Nocturnes by Eric Yi Lin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U8Q42QMV4U 

    Night Vision: Watercolor Painting Techniques for Creating Stunning Night Scenes by Tim Wilmot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_8o4Rcdas

    Watercolor Nocturne by Christopher Leeper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsC5X6Kea0s

    Night Painting in Watercolor: Step by Step Tutorial by Tim Wilmot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThchRmBo98

    • July 29, 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Sabine Street Bridge, Buffalo Bayou Walk, Houston, TX 77019
    Register


    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Wednesday, July 29

    6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

    Sabine Street Bridge, Buffalo Bayou Walk, Houston, TX 77019


    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection

    Experience the enchanting glow of the golden hour as you capture the beauty of twilight with watercolors at the gorgeous Sabine Street Bridge. This special nocturnal plein air painting event invites artists of all levels to explore the interplay of soft evening light, shadow, and architectural charm. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let your creativity shine. Bring your watercolor supplies and enjoy this unique opportunity to paint during one of the most magical times of day!

    Sunset time on July 29 in Houston will be 8:16 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

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

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

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


    Watercolor Night Painting – Tips on Painting Nocturnes by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U8Q42QMV4U


    Night Vision: Watercolor Painting Techniques for Creating Stunning Night Scenes by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_8o4Rcdas


    Watercolor Nocturne by Christopher Leeper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsC5X6Kea0s


    Night Painting in Watercolor: Step by Step Tutorial by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThchRmBo98


    • August 15, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Heights Neighborhood Library building, 1302 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008
    Register


    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, August 15

    9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Heights Neighborhood Library building, 1302 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008


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

    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


    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.

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

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

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


    Watercolor Demonstration by Vladislav Yeliseyev

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


    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


    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


    • September 07, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, Labor Day, September 7

    11 am - 3 pm

    Glenwood Cemetery

    2525 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007


    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


    This Plein Air event will focus on a sculpture in an outdoor setting


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.


    Join us for an inspiring day of art and creativity at Glenwood Cemetery, located at Washington Avenue overlooking Buffalo Bayou. Its iconic design was based on principles of garden cemeteries.  


    This Plein Air event will focus on painting a sculpture in an outdoor setting.

    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 can be paused, and so I can paint and learn at my pace.


    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting an open-air artwork in Plein Air!


    Watercolor Glazing Technique by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1CZSbWk1fTQ&t=0s


    Watercolor Painting Tips and Techniques: Sculpture by Achintya Hazra

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=C_6XAzmFSik&t=0s


    How to Paint a Statute Bust in Watercolor by Paint Basket

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHkOmSZRK-8


    Expressive Watercolor painting Tutorial: Stone Sculpture by Gee Massam

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ZDFAANLRM0c&t=0m23s


    Getting the Right Contrast in Watercolor: Angel Statue by Liron Yanconsky

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74C8A1Ya29s


    • September 23, 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Wednesday, September 23

    5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Galveston Seawall, beach, and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

    2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston Texas 77550


    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Experience the enchanting glow of the golden hour as you capture the beauty of twilight with watercolors at gorgeous waterfront of Galveston. Focused on entertainment, the Pleasure Pier features family‐oriented attractions including 16 rides, midway games, retail shops and a wide selection of food venues, including Texas’ first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

    This special nocturnal plein air painting event invites artists of all levels to explore the interplay of soft evening light and waterfront charm. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let your creativity shine. Bring your watercolor supplies and enjoy this unique opportunity to paint during one of the most magical times of day!

    Sunset time on September 23 in Galveston will be 7:14 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

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


    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

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

    Watercolor Night Painting – Tips on Painting Nocturnes by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U8Q42QMV4U

    Night Vision: Watercolor Painting Techniques for Creating Stunning Night Scenes by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_8o4Rcdas

    Watercolor Nocturne by Christopher Leeper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsC5X6Kea0s

    Night Painting in Watercolor: Step by Step Tutorial by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThchRmBo98


    • November 11, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Wednesday, Veterans Day, November 11 

    11 am - 3 pm

    Camp Mohawk

    110 CR 193, Alvin, Texas 77511


    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


    This Plein Air event will focus on trees, lakes, and nature scenes.


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Join us for a creative escape surrounded by towering trees, serene lake views, and the tranquility of nature. Perfect for artists of all levels, this event invites you to capture the essence of the Camp Mohawk’s lush landscapes and reflective waters in your unique style. Bring your watercolor supplies and let the soothing natural environment inspire your creativity!

    This Plein Air event will focus on trees, lake, and nature scenes.

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


    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting trees, lake, and nature scenes in Plein Air!

    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


    • December 05, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, December 5

    11 am - 3 pm

    Historic Houses in the East End Historic District of Galveston



    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


    This Plein Air event will focus on drawing and painting a building in an artistic representation of a historic district area.


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Painting buildings in watercolor allows us 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.

    Galveston wears its history proudly - in intricate woodwork, iron balconies, and tree-lined streets that have stood the test of time. We will explore the East End Historic District, where Victorian-era homes reflect the island’s 19th-century prosperity. 


    This Plein Air event will focus on drawing and painting a building in an artistic representation of a historic district area.

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


    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

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

    Watercolor Demonstration by Vladislav Yeliseyev

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

    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

    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


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 each month. 

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

Be sure to watch the suggested YouTube videos in each description to prepare you for the event.  This encourages participants to practice painting prior to the outing.

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.

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