Christmas Greetings from OOPS!

The artists of the Onslow Outdoor Painters Society wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in the field in 2011!

The return of Plein Air Magazine... Hip Hip Hooray!

You Asked. We Listened. We’re Back.

PleinAir™ the magazine you loved is back for artists and collectors.

Rich color reproductions, stories about historic and contemporary painters, demonstrations plus a new studio section. Take advantage of our bonus for early subscribers.

Click HERE to check out the website and subsribe!

Beth Ellis' 12 Tips for Painting in Cold Weather

Please read the Beth's indepth description of each topic in her article, Beth Ellis' 12 Tips for Painting in Cold Weather, on the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society webpage.

No. 1 - Check the temperature.
No. 2 - Eat a good breakfast.
No. 3 - Dress in warm layers.
No. 4 - Be sure to choose a time of day when the light is at its best.
No. 5 - Choose a location protected from the wind.
No. 6 - Set up your easel to avoid direct sun on your painting surface and palette.
No. 7 - Premix a strong, cool grey to add to your winter palette.
No. 8 - Keep your medium more fluid than you would on warm days.
No. 9 - Thin out your whites.
No. 10 - Remember that white snow is not really white.
No. 11 - Observe your subject before diving in.
No. 12 - Enjoy!

From the field to the studio...




"Standing Artist"
circa 1845-47
John Kensett

My love of history and art mesh as one when it comes to plein air painting, especially early American plein air painting history as exercised through the Hudson River School. The Hudson River School wasn't a school but an art movement during the mid-19th century embodied by a group of landscape painters whose aesthetic vision was influenced by romanticism. The paintings for which the movement is named depict the Hudson River Valley and the surrounding area, including the Catskill, Adirondack, and the White Mountains; eventually works by the second generation of artists associated with the school expanded to include other locales. Hudson River School paintings reflect three themes of America in the 19th century: discovery, exploration, and settlement. The paintings also depict the American landscape as a pastoral setting, where human beings and nature coexist peacefully. Hudson River School landscapes are characterized by their realistic, detailed, and sometimes idealized portrayal of nature. 

Thomas Cole's Sketch Box
circa 1840


The artist Thomas Cole is generally acknowledged as the founder of the Hudson River School. Cole took a steamship up the Hudson in the autumn of 1825, the same year the Erie Canal opened, stopping first at West Point, then at Catskill landing where he ventured west high up into the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York State to paint the first landscapes of the area. The first review of his work appeared in the New York Evening Post on November 22, 1825

Cole's close friend, Asher Durand, became a prominent figure in the school as well. With the advent of photography, the need for realistic renderings gave way to the sublime as landscapes took on a more spiritual feel. There was no need to capture what a scene looked like, photography could do that, more emphasis was put on the mood, light, and feeling the artist gained from the scene and being in nature. This was the goal of the second generation Hudson River School painters (my favorites) like Frederic Church, John Kensett, and Sanford Gifford.


John F. Kensett
in his studio, 1864.

In gathering the visual data for their paintings, these artists would travel to rather extraordinary and extreme environments, the likes of which would not permit the act of painting in some cases. During these expeditions, plein air sketches and memories would be recorded and the paintings would be rendered later, upon the artists' safe return home. They would do their finished works in the studio from their sketches.


I recently returned from my own painting expedition in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in September. I was accompanied on this journey with two of my artist friends, Mitchell Morton and Stephen Greer. The three of us and several other plein air artists had the pleasure of studying at the Florence Thomas Art School under the master artist, Tony Griffin.  

Artist Tony Griffin giving plein air
demo at the Florence Thomas Art School.

A blog post a mile long could be wrote about Tony concerning his art training, his artwork, and his workshop but I'll save that for another day. Of all the gems I brought home from his workshop the greatest was this... to capture the essence of the scene! With Tony's guidance I learned to simplify... before his workshop, I was putting too much emphasis on getting a finished painting. Tony taught me that plein air painting is a a gathering of color notes, a simplified composition, and a spiritual experience. I can still hear him saying... "Observe, Mix, and Apply" while I work at my easel. Thanks Tony! 



Bernie plein air painting along the New River.



Taking what I have learned from Tony Griffin and the Hudson River painters I now use my plein air pieces as studies for studio works. I am not so concerned about getting a finished painting in the field anymore. Below is one of the plein air paintings I did during the workshop. The scene is set along the New River in one of Tony's hidden spots.



Plein air oil sketch by Bernie Rosage Jr.
Along the New River, Glendale Springs, NC.
September 2010.

Below is the finished studio piece worked from the above sketch with the exercise of a little artistic license.

"Blue Ridge Afternnon"... 11x14" acrylic on canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2010.





Thanks for dropping by... would love to hear your comments.

Bernie

Sources:
1) The Painted Sketch: American Impressions from Nature 1830-1880
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_River_School

 

Jean Wenner will sorely be missed...

Jean Wenner, founder and former Director of the Council for the Arts passed away December 14, 2010. She truly enriched her community and left a positive legacy in her memory. Her impact on Onslow County concerning the Arts is beyond measure as a pioneer with vision for the arts in our community. She was dedicated to her family and extended family of friends and artists. She opened doors and created many opportunities for countless local artists (myself and many OOPS artists included) who will forever be grateful for her dedication. She was an accomplished artist whose work crowns many collections throughout the country.
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Click HERE to see some of her artwork.
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The community has lost a great artist and art advocate... Tami, Olivia, and I have lost a great friend. I am so glad that she got to see the "Jean Wenner Art Library and Studio" named in her honor for her many, many contributions to the arts and our community. She can never be replaced but she will always be remembered!
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Bernie
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There is a great tribute to Jean in the Daily News paper... Community mourns the loss of Jean Wenner

Meet the Artist ~ Ann Lees

Ann Lees ~ Artist

Born and raised in Cheshire, England, I was lucky to spend time at London University (majoring in French), in Paris and at Poitiers University, France, and three years in Madrid, Spain, soaking up the galleries and museums and art history of those cities. A love of the great works of art and a passion for nature and gardening have combined into my plein air painting.

I love to paint outside in nature, capturing the mood and light of the Carolina marshes, seascapes, shores and gardens. I paint en plein air in oils, and try to put onto canvas the beauty that I see: attempting to capture the fleeting moment, the ephemeral beauty of a garden, the light on water. It’s much harder painting outside than in the studio. You’re outdoors, and do battle with the heat, the wind, the bugs, the rain and the changing light. I love to feel I’m alone with nature. If you are at all successful, sometimes you can put into the painting, not just what you see, but the smells and sounds as well. Outside you paint quickly. You have to be spontaneous; capture, not a whole lot of detail, but the mood. I like to paint old forgotten buildings and rotting boats and things other people don’t pay attention to. I try to let the feeling of the place take over.

Raised in the North of England where there is much gray light, a Van Gogh exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery was my epiphany! I always wanted to paint in oils. I love the malleability, the richness and the smell of oil paint.

A more recent passion for life drawing has led me to work on the female form in pastels, watercolor and gouache.

Mainly a self-taught painter, I take as many workshops as I can with nationally known artists, and am fast becoming a workshop junkie!

My work can be seen at Airlie Gardens and FastFrame Gallery in Landfall Center near Wrightsville Beach, at Franklin Square Gallery in Southport and at ArtExposure in Hampstead. Shows and exhibits include Wilmington Art Association Shows, Art at the Arboretum, Art for the Masses, Associated Artists of Southport Shows, Arts By The Shore, Oak Island (First Place in Oil), Brunswick Arts Council Shows, Spadefish Gallery, and shows at Landfall.

I have been the Featured Artist at Montage Art and Design, Franklin Square Gallery and at FastFrame Gallery.

ANN LEES
624 Woodland Forest Court
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 791-4137
annfittonlees@yahoo.com

OOPS December Paint Out / Cook Out this Sunday, December 5th.

WHAT: OOPS! December Paint Out / Cook Out

WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 1PM until... This date and location was organized by Pat Boni.

WHERE: OOPS Member, Kit Williamson's House on the Waterway in Carteret. (Directions listed below)

WHY: Simply put... we LOVE plein air painting!

WHAT ELSE: We will have a cook out if enough people are interested. By now you have contacted Pat Boni with your intentions... an email was sent out to all members over a week ago... remember???? :) If you haven't contacted her do so today at (910) 330-3143. We need a head count and food list.

DIRECTIONS FROM PAT: Travel out of Jacksonville on HWY24 toward Morehead City. Go 7 miles past intersection of HWY58 and HWY24 (Intersection that goes to Emerald Isle). Stay on HWY24 for 7 miles past intersection and turn right at CitGo Station and follow road to end house on the water on the right on Salty Shores Road. Call Pat's cell if you need help (910) 330-3143.

Newbies welcome... all mediums and skill levels... simply show up with your gear and be prepared to have fun!

What the heck is OOPS and how do I join the FUN?

Plein Air tips from my friends at Plein Eire

Most of you know my love of plein air painting and anything Irish (my wife is included in this category). I am a member of PLEIN EIRE, a superb site for outdoor painting in Ireland. Plein Eire is an organized group of artist from Ireland who are extremely talented and passionate about plein air painting. Check out their forum for some great discussions and view their lovely artwork.

Bernie

Here are some great tips from their site...

■Checklist of General Gear for Painting Outdoors

■Checklist for Oil Painters

■Flying Colours : Tips for Airline Travel

Meet the Artist ~ Bobbie Mayes

OOPS Artists' Jon and Bobbie Mayes painting at the Ocatgon House...


Bobbie Mayes ~ Artist

“We only go around once in this life and I want my audience to stop, take notice and think-not so much my thoughts, but what the painting inspires them to think or enjoy. Life is full of beauty despite all the “ugly” I choose to try to capture the beauty. I want my life’s walk to be in beauty and color.”

Primarily working in oils, Bobbie paints in southwestern and spiritual themes invoking thought, excitement and possibility.

Bobbie Mayes was born in Dearborn Michigan, the daughter of WWII Veterans. Mayes’ Father was a refugee from Poland. Her father later became a Psychiatrist. As a child, Bobbie loved to draw and her career as an artist began when she won first place for sculpture at a competition in Boyne Highlands Michigan, Bobbie graduated from Petoskey High School as a National Honor Society recipient. She was an exchange student to Montevideo Uruguay. As a military wife, Bobbie has traveled extensively. Having lived in Japan for three years, and three years in California’s Mojave Desert, where her love for the southwest began. In Taos, New Mexico she studied, painting and weaving, at the Taos Art institute under the instruction of the Navajo master artist Pearl Sunrise. Her husband’s military retirement currently provides Bobbie opportunities to embrace ocean scenes into her body of work.

Bobbie was educated at the following Universities: Saddleback College, College of the Desert, University of Maryland-graduating cum laude, and Golden Gate University -Graduate degree-M.S. Her pursuit of education lead to a varied work career as a: nurse, art teacher and mental health therapist. However, art has always called to her and she has answered the call. Primarily self taught, Bobbie received artistic training at the Interlochen Center of the Arts, in Michigan. Bobbie credits her artistic abilities to being born into a family of artists and musicians who valued the pursuit of the arts and encouraged her to paint. The highlight of Bobbie’s career was being invited, as a special guest and to display her work of Leon for the press opening of the show, at the North Carolina Museum of Arts (Raleigh) exhibition The Naked Soul, in May of 1993. Her great uncle, Leon Wyczolkowski, was one of the featured artists represented. Leon was a renowned impressionist in Poland who was a colleague of Claude Monet. As an emerging artist, Bobbie has been involved with local shows in Jacksonville, N.C. Her art can be found in private collections in Boston, New York, New Mexico, Korea, Florida, Chicago and California.

Despite the long road to recovery from a life threatening brain tumor, eight years ago, Bobbie has remained true to her art. Her bold use of vivid colors reflect the boldness she has experienced in her life.

You can contact Bobbie at southwestinspiration@yahoo.com

Beautiful Day! Beautiful Spot!

We had a great time yesterday at the Humphrey Pond... the color was awesome! A special thanks to Doris Humphrey for allowing us to paint at her beautiful pond.

Details for our December Paint Out (Dec 5th) at Kit's House on the Inland Waterway coming soon.


OOPS Members present (LtoR): Bernie Jr., Dean, Bernie Sr. (Bernie's Dad joined us for the first time), Bonnie, Tom, Donna, Earl, Mitchell, Bobbie, Penny, John, Karen, and Pat.

Mitchell...

Karen...

Dean...

Bernie... cool photo by Dee Bledsoe of Timeless Photography who had a sitting at the pond while we were painting.... her son, Colby took our group photo... Thanks Colby!

Earl and Donna...

Penny and Pat...

Bobbie, John, and Tom...

OOPS Artists step back in time...

Several OOPS members enjoyed a day of plein air painting and history at their additional October paint out at Hammocks Beach State Park. The paint out was in conjunction with a Civil War living history program put on by the Jacksonville, Pelletier, and Morehead City Sons of Confederate Veterans organizations.


Bernie dressed as Claude Monet in the 1860's.


Bernie, Olivia, and Christian dressed in period attire.


Is that Terry, Bonnie, and Ann in the background?


Terry and Bonnie enjoying the outing.


Bernie gave his painting to Charlie Wilton... cannon owner and Commander on the artillery battery.


Pat painted a portrait of Christian.


Rosie even had a great time.


Anthony created a beautiful painting!


Ann at her second spot... the tide came in on her in spot number one!


Mitchell found a shady spot to paint from.

Mark your calendar for next OOPS Paint out... NOVEMBER 21st

WHAT: OOPS! November Paint Out

WHEN: Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 1PM until... Several members will be there early (Noonish). This date and location was organized by Bernie Rosage.

WHERE: Humphrey Pond, Pumpkin Center area, Jacksonville, NC. (See Map below for directions) A special thanks to Doris Humphrey for allowing us to paint at her beautiful pond and property. The trees should yield some fall color for us.

WHY: Simply put... we LOVE plein air painting!

Newbies welcome... all mediums and skill levels... simply show up with your gear and be prepared to have fun!

What the heck is OOPS and how do I join the FUN?

DIRECTIONS: Click on map to enlarge...

Humphrey Pond... we should see some color in the leaves by the 21st!

Doris Humphrey's home on Clayton Humphrey Road. A special thanks to Doris for allowing us to paint at her beautiful pond and homeplace.

See you all on the 21st!

More opportunities to plein air paint in October...

Saturday, October 16th, 3-6PM... Octagon House in Cedar Point (where we just had our paint out last Sunday). The staff at the Octagon House has invited everyone to drop by and paint this Saturday for their Senior Day. Directions on our October Paint Out post.
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Saturday, October 30th, 10am - 5pm. Hammocks Beach Visitor's Center (Google for directions). Civil War Living History event that will make for some interesting subject matter. Bernie will be painting as a period plein air painter for the living history event.





November OOPS Paint Out date confirmed... MARK your calendar!
November 21, 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Sunday from NOON until ~ Humphrey Pond and Homeplace, Pumpkn Center Community of Onslow County ~ Great opportunity for some fall color! Directions will be listed on this blog at least two weeks before the paint out.

OOPS Members have been BUSY!

Recent paint out at the Octagon House (GREAT site... Thanks Donna and Earl!) LtoR: ??, Kyle (new member), Gail (new member), Donna, Olivia, Earl, Patsy, Kaitlyn (new member), Jon and Bobbie (new members), Mitchell, Karen, Penny, Bonnie, Pat, and Stephen.


Opening Reception at Council for the Arts (OOPS 2 Exhibit)... LtoR: Anne, Bonnie, Stephen, Sherry, Patsy, Olivia, Bernie, Penny, Mitchell, Karen, and Dean.

Make sure you drop by the Council to see our exhibit on display till October 29th.



Stephen, Bernie, and Mitchell recently attended a three day plein air workshop at the Florence Thomas Art School in the Blue Ridge mountains with Tony Griffin. LtoR: Stephen, Tony, Bernie, and Mitchell.

Paint out this Sunday...

Sunday ~ Sunny, highs in the low 80's, winds light.

Sounds like a perfect day to plein air paint! See you all Sunday!

Click link for Details and Directions about paint out...

October Paint Out at Octagon House ~ October 10th

"OOPS 2" ~ Exhibit at the Council for the Arts ~ October 3-29, 2010 ~ Opening Reception Sunday, October 3rd

"OOPS 2" Plein Air Art Exhibit

October 3 - 29, 2010

Baysden Gallery, Council for the Arts

910-455-9840

Opening Reception

Sunday, October 3 · 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Location Council for the Arts
826 New Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC

The Onslow Outdoors Painters Society (OOPS!) is a group of artists from Onslow County, North Carolina whose purpose is to carry on the tradition of painting “En Plein Aire”… a French term literally translated “In Open Air.” Join the artists for their opening exhibit reception on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 2:30 - 4:00 PM. The following artists will have paintings on exhibit: Bernie Rosage Jr., Mitchell Morton, Stephen Greer, Karen Crenshaw, Dean Remington, Pat Boni, Patsy Lain, Penny Morton, Sherry Thurston, Tom McKenny, Susan Cheatham, Ann Lees, Bonnie Rogers, Donna Tyree, and Olivia Rosage.

ATTENTION OOPS MEMBERS: Paintings for show due NOW!

Dear fellow OOPS artists...

As you know, our gallery show "OOPS 2" will be on display at the Council for the Arts during the month of October. I just spoke with Executive Director, Connie Wenner, and she needs your five OOPS paintings turned in by Tuesday, September 28th. She will hang the show on Wednesday the 29th. Make plans to attend the Opening reception on Sunday, October , 2010 from 2:20-4:00 PM.

The following OOPS members were included in the Arts Alive article and should have at least 1 and up to 5 pieces turned in for the show...

Bernie Rosage Jr., Mitchell Morton, Stephen Greer, Karen Crenshaw, Dean Remington, Pat Boni, Patsy Lain, Penny Morton, Sherry Thurston, Tom McKenny, Susan Cheatham, Ann Lees, Bonnie Rogers, and Olivia Rosage.

I realize we have other members who haven't painted with us for a while... you are still invited to turn in any paintings done at any OOPS Paint Out or Event within the past year and half. Connie will not accept previously exhibited works.

SUMMARY:

• Turn in up to 5 paintings per member
• Must be turned into the Council for the Arts by Tuesday, September 28th by 4:30PM. Council for the Arts,826 New Bridge St, Jacksonville NC 28546 (Hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm)
• Paintings must be framed and ready to hang (using wire).
• Paintings must be labeled with the following info: Name, Title, Medium, and Price if artwork is for sale (Gallery gets 25% comm)
• Contact Connie with any questions at 910-455-9840
• Invite your friends to the show and make plans to attend the opening reception.
• OCTOBER 2010, 3rd - 29th - "OOPS 2"
  Jacksonville based group: Onslow Outdoor Painters Society (OOPS) will showcase their latest paintings of our surrounding region.
• Opening Reception Sunday, October 3th from 2:30pm till 4:00pm.

Thanks for everything!

Bernie

October Paint Out at Octagon House ~ October 10th

WHAT: OOPS! OCTOBER Paint Out

WHEN: Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 1PM until... gates will NOT open before 1PM.
This date and location was organized by Donna and Earl Tyree.

WHERE: Historical Octagon House, Cedar Point, NC.

WHY: Simply put... we LOVE plein air painting!

Newbies welcome... all mediums and skill levels... simply show up with your gear and be prepared to have fun!

What the heck is OOPS and how do I join the FUN?

DIRECTIONS:

The directions to Shell Pointe - Cedar Point, NC at the Yellow Octagon house are:

Go Hwy 24 N/East
Go past the Bicentenial Park in Swansboro that's on the Left
Go over the two bridges
Go to Cedar Point and pass the Best Western Motel that's on the Left
Get ready to make a Left turn after going 2 or 3 blocks past the Best Western Motel
Turn Left here - it will be Masonic Ave - it is marked with yellow and blue flags
Follow road all the way to the end - there will be a gate.
The Gate will not be open until after 1:00 PM upon request of owner
Beautiful place to paint with plenty of shade and picnic tables
Owner asked our permission to take some photographs

Date : October 10, 2010 @ 1:00 PM

This should be a wonderful opportunity for plein aire painting at such a beautiful spot !!
Contact person is : Bryan Lassiter - Cell : 1-252-342-5562
Hope to see you all there
donna & earl tyree

Important Dates Continued...

September 9, 2010 ~ Opening reception for "Plein Air Plus" Show at Carolina Artists Studio and Gallery in Morehead City (details on earlier post on this blog) ~ You are invited to show support for Mitchell, Bernie, and Susan for this special show.

September 12, 2010 ~ OAS "Images 2010 Juried Show" Opening Reception ~ 2:30-4PM ~ Council for the Arts

September 28, 2010 ~ OOPS members must have their paintings (up to 5 paintings)turned in by 4PM to the Council for the Arts for October "OOPS II Exhibit". The paintings must be framed and wire hung.

October 3, 2010 ~ Opening Reception Sunday, October 3th from 2:30pm till 4:00pm ~ OOPS II Exhibit Opens ~ Council for the Arts, New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC

October 3-29, 2010 ~ OOPS Gallery Exhibit ~ OPPS II Exhibit ~ Baysden Gallery, Council for the Arts, Jacksonville, NC. Jacksonville based group: Onslow Outdoor Painters Society (OOPS) will showcase their latest paintings of our surrounding region..

October ??, 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Date TBA ~ Sunday, 1pm until ~ Everettes Seafood, Sneads Ferry, NC ~ Organized by Sherry Thurston

November ?, 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Sunday from 1PM until ~ Humphrey Pond and Homeplace ~ Great opportunity for some fall color. Organized by Bernie Rosage.

December 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Need a Volunteer to organize this!

January ??, 2011 ~ OOPS Paint Out ~ Indoor Studio Life Class at the Council for the Arts ~ Details and Date TBA ~ Organized by Stepehn Greer

February ??, 2011 ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Organized by Patsy Lain

March ??, 2011 ~ Date TBA~ Burgaw, NC ~ Organized by Bonnie and Terry Rogers

April ??, 2011 ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Organized by Donna and Earl Tyree

May ??, 2011 ~ OOPS Paint Out ~ Annual Banks Party ~ Sunday, 10am -4pm ~ Pellitier House, Downtown Waterfront, Jacksonville, NC.

June ??, 2011 ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Somewhere in Wilmington... Organized by Ann Lees.

Need Volunteers!

Thanks to those hwo have contacted me to let me know they can help. I have added some names already into the line up of paint outs of those wanting to help. Please take note and begin thinking of a date and location. I need more volunteers.... especially for October and December of this year.
Thanks again...
Bernie

List of events and volunteers...

Paint Outs & Important Events

September 11 and 12, 2010 ~ 8th Annual IPAP Worldwide Paint Out ~Doentown New Bern ~ participate when you can.

October ??, 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Need a Volunteer to organize this!

October 1-31, 2010 ~ OOPS
Gallery Exhibit ~ Baysden Gallery, Council for the Arts, Jacksonville, NC

November ?, 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Sunday from 1PM until ~ Humphrey Pond and Homeplace ~ Great opportunity for some fall color

December 2010 ~ OOPS Monthly Paint Out ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Need a Volunteer to organize this!

January 2011 OOPS Paint Out ~ Indoor Studio Life Class at the Council for the Arts ~ Details and Date TBA ~ Organized by Stepehn Greer

February 2011 ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Organized by Patsy Lain

March 2011 ~ Date TBA~ Burgaw, NC ~ Organized by Bonnie and Terry Rogers

April 2011 ~ Date and Location TBA ~ Organized by Donna and Earl Tyree

September Paint Out ~ 9/11 & 9/12 ~ 8th Annual IPAP's Worldwide Paint Out in Historic downtown New Bern

September's Paint Out for OOPS will be our annual involvement with the Washington, New Bern, Carteret, and Oriental Plein Air groups. As usual we will all converge on the centrally located town of New Bern ( anywhere in the downtown historic district). The event will take place Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th, 2010. There is NO set schedule... simply agree to paint on one or both days to help promote the tradition of plein air painting worldwide.

Here are some links to past events... CLICK HERE...


Mitchell, Bernie, and Stephen will be painting at Cone Manor in Blowing Rock, NC to do their part. They are taking a plein air workshop in the NC mountains.

FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE: PLein Air Art Exhibit in Morehead City, NC

WHAT:
"En Plein Air... Plus"... plein air art exhibit.

WHEN:
September 2010; Opening Reception Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

WHERE:
Carolina Artist Studio Gallery, Inc.
800 Evans Street
Morehead City, NC
(252) 726-7550

MORE INFO:
Please make plans to attend the Opening Reception for Carolina Artist Studio Gallery's exhibit "En Plein Air... Plus". The exhibit will feature plein air paintings by local artists; Bernie Rosage Jr., Eleanor McArver, Susan Cheatham, George Hunter, Sue Henry, Beth Conley, Mitchell Morton, Anne Ward, and Bob Pittman. The paintings will be displayed in the gallery throughout the entire month of September, 2010. Telephone (252) 726-7550.

L Diane Johnson Workshop in Wilmington Sept 10-11

September 10 - September 11

Location Wilmington, NC

By L Diane Johnson

More Info:
What is your painting "song?" What makes a painting "sing?" We will delve more deeply into what makes a painting sing and how to make YOUR paintings sing your song!

This is a special 2 day plein air workshop will to assist you individually with what you are doing well and what you can do to advance your imagery: whether it be color, compositional or other issue. We'll also discuss barriers to advancement and how to break them - ...whether mental or technical. Download the comprehensive PDF package to learn more and join me for this unique two days!

http://www.ldianejohnson.com/workshops.shtml

August Paint Out ~ Noturnal ~ Saturday Night the 21st

WHAT: OOPS August Paint Out

WHEN: Saturday Night, August 21, 2010 from 6PM until... Organized by Mitchell Morton.

WHERE: Bicentennial Park, Swansboro... meet at the Otway Burns Statue.

WHY: Painting at night to try something new and BREAK the August HEAT! Simply put... we LOVE plein air painting!

Newbies welcome... all mediums and skill levels... simply show up with your gear and be prepared to have fun!

What the heck is OOPS and how do I join the FUN?

Links about NOCTURNAL plein air painting...

Problem Solving for Plein Air Painters: Nocturnes

The En Plein Air Zone with Eric Michaels...

En Plein Air: Thomas Van Stein: Painting the Light of Night en Plein Air

Painting My Way Through Life: The painting blog of Marc R. Hanson


Part of an Interview with Rick Humphrey, Winner of the Edgar Payne Award for Best Landscape. Click HERE for the whole interview...


PAWa: What kind of unique experiences does night painting bring?

Rick: Painting a location at night gives you a different viewpoint on a subject and a greater sense of intimacy with that location than you would otherwise have. After all, you are seeing it in a condition that few people see, especially if it is very late at night. You come away with a feeling of real connection to it, like you have been let in on some special secret about it that no one else knows. You also will have experiences with the nocturnal animals of that area that you would not otherwise see during the day. One night when I was out on this open field under a full moon, an owl suddenly lit off a branch high above me and came swooping down right over my head. For the next several minutes it flew silently over the field behind me skimming just a few feet above the ground. It was an incredible thing to watch and such an inspiration that I named the painting "Owl Moon" after a children's book I used to read to my kids.

PAWa: What would you advise someone who wants to try out night painting?

Rick: I think it helps to have a lot of daytime plein air work under your belt first. It will help you when you go to mix your colors. A lot of what you do at night is based more on faith than actually seeing. You don't really know what colors you have until you bring it indoors, so you just tell yourself that I know these colors produce this effect in daylight so I trust that it will do the same at night. Sometimes you bring it indoors and have some surprises and so you might try to make some minor adjustments. For the most part though, what I do on location is what stays.

Rock Quarry Paint Out ~ BEAUTIFUL Spot but HOT!!!!!!

Yesterday' July Paint Out at the Maysville Rock Quarry was challenging to say the least. The heat index was 109 degrees while we were painting.

These photos show the beauty of the spot...

Several OOPS members braved the HEAT to paint...

they were..

Dean and Bernie...

Mitchell and Tom...

Susan... pictured her with her new easel... and Dean...

Ann... well at least her painting spot... :)...

and our newest member... Ann's husband, Anthony...

They even brought a dear friend!

Mitchell and Dean's spot...

Bernie's easel...

.

See you all next month... Location and date TBA but we are thinking of doing a nocturnal paint out to break the August heat... we'll keep you informed asap.