WAS-H Plein Air Group
Plein Air Coordinator Alla Adams | Questions/Comments can be sent to PleinAir@WatercolorHouston.Org |
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. | Painting by Richie Vios |
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:
1. Set up and paint for three to four hours.
2. Gather to share the paintings and provide constructive feedback to each other.
3. For those interested, we will conclude by going out to eat and enjoy fellowship.
2024 Plein Air Schedule
Monday, August 19 9 am - Noon Topic: Trees Location: Boardwalk in Memorial Park’s new Eastern Glades. Washington Ave. Houston, TX 77007 | Monday, September 2 (Labor Day) 9 am - Noon Topic: Clouds & Trees Location: Donor’s Pond (Houston Arboretum) 4501 Woodway Dr. Houston, TX 77024 |
Monday, September 16 9 am - Noon Topic: Historical Buildings Location: Heights Theatre 339 W 19th Street Houston, TX 77008 | Monday, September 28 9 am - Noon Topic: Historical Buildings Location: Heights Library: 1302 Heights Bld. Houston, TX 77008 |
Saturday, October 12 11 am - 2 pm Topic: Landscapes, Fields, Barns, People
Location: Round Top, Texas -Round Top Antiques Fair Texas Highway 237. | Sunday, October 26 9 am - Noon Topic: Historical Buildings Location: Houston Farmers Market 2520 Airline Drive Houston, TX 77009 |
Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day) 9 am - 12 pm Topic: Flowing Fountain Location: Scanlan Fountain in Sam Houston Park. 1000 Bagby Street Houston, TX 77002 | Monday, November 25 11 am - 2 pm Topic: Boats Location: Kemah TBD |
Monday, December 9 11 am - 2 pm Topic: Nature Scene Location: Galveston Sandhill Cranes Galveston, TX | Saturday, December 21 10 am - 1 pm Topic: Buildings, Gardens, People Location: Bayou Bend Gardens 6003 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77007 |