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


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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