Plein Air for Members

Plein Air Coordinator:

Alla Adams

Motto

"Progress over perfection."

Questions/Comments can be sent to pleinair@watercolorhouston.org

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: 


Plein Air Paintings

by Carla Gauthier


Painting outdoors, or painting en plein air, 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 event description to prepare you for the event.  This encourages participants to practice painting prior to the outing.

Plein Air

Upcoming events

    • November 11, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Camp Mohawk. Address: 110 CR 193 Alvin, Texas 77511
    Register

    Plein Air for Members Veteran's Day at Camp Mohawk

    Coordinator: Alla Adams

    Date: November 11, 2026

    On: Wednesday

    Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    Location: Camp Mohawk
    110 CR 193, Alvin, TX 77511

    Members: Free

    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection


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

    Class Type: Meet Up-No Instruction


    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


    • November 12, 2026
    • November 14, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Rd, Richmond, TX 77469
    Register
    Plein Air for Members

    Plein Air for Members George Ranch Frontier Days

    Coordinator: Alla Adams

    Date: November 12, 13, or 14, 2026

    On: Thursday, Friday, or Saturday

    Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday & Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday

    Location: George Ranch Historical Park 10215 FM 762 Rd, Richmond, TX 77469

    Members: Free


    Step Back in Time with Your Watercolors!

    What an exciting opportunity for our WAS-H Plein Air artists! We have been invited to a three-day paintout at the historic George Ranch, where the charm of 1930s Texas comes alive! Imagine setting up your easel amid picturesque ranch buildings, rustic fences, sprawling landscapes, and timeless scenes of Texas heritage. From weathered architectural details to the beautiful interplay of sunlight and shadows, this historic setting promises endless inspiration for watercolor artists. Bring your brushes, capture the spirit of the Old West, and enjoy wonderful day(s) of painting and creativity!

    Let's turn a little Texas history into beautiful watercolor memories!

    Choose which days/times you are attending on check-out.  Entrance to George Ranch is free and we are part of their Frontier Days event. Plan to paint and talk to visitors and answer questions about WAS-H. You may offer your works for sale. You must fill out and return the Volunteer Agreement in order to participate. Return completed form to admin@watercolorhouston.org

    The George Ranch Volunteer Agreement (pdf) or (docx)

    Free Lunch is provided by George Ranch if you register before Oct. 28. Since Saturday is divided you may not get free lunch that day. There will also be food vendors there. George Ranch requests that we wear a white shirt and jeans. WAS-H will provide art aprons to wear so that we blend in with their festivities.

    Frontier Days Event: Along with our regular historic house tours, guests will explore a pioneer village, discover a cowboy cookout on the cattle drive trail, contribute to the farm life of a sharecropper and learn about the lives of soldiers during WWII. The Ranch will host costumed volunteers and re-enactors representing more than 100 years of Texas history. In addition, there will be hands-on activities, live entertainment, games, and more.

    Frontier Days is our biggest living history event of the year. You don’t want to miss it!

    Link to Information about George Ranch Frontier Days

    Our Plein Air Motto:  Progress over Perfection

    This plein air event will focus on capturing the rustic charm of the historic ranch and the beauty of its surrounding countryside.


    Class Type: Meet Up-No Instruction


    Plan for walking and carrying supplies to get to painting area. They request we are setup by 8 AM and that someone is there for the advertised times to talk to guests.


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    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 Tutorial “Farm House 2” by Rick Surowicz

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb7RZ7MwQkU


    Watercolor Tutorial Western, Cowboy for Beginners by John Box Art

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYYN6kIQ8Jw


    Cattle and Cowboys by Tina Schmidt

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


    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


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

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


      WAS-H  

    View Supply List

    ️Detailed Event Description


    • December 05, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Historic Houses in the East End Historic District of Galveston
    Register

    Plein Air for Members - Historic Houses in the East End Historic District of Galveston

    Coordinator: Alla Adams

    Date: December 5, 2026

    On: Saturday

    Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    Location: Galveston East End

                                                                                   Members: Free

    Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection

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

    Class Type: Meet Up-No Instruction

    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


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

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

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