Welcome to the Evergreen Association of Fine Arts Plein Air painting group.
The group meets on Tuesday mornings, from the last two weeks in May to the end of September, with additional sessions in the “off season” announced by email to those on the email list. Everyone is welcome, and we are a very diverse group, from beginners to experts.
SCHEDULE: The schedule for the summer season is posted in late April/early May on eafa.org.
DOWNLOAD 2024 Schedule >>
MEETING: Most people show up at “about” 9 a.m. at the location listed on the schedule. If you are a newcomer, generally you will see easels popping up near the parking area, but if we are at a distance from the cars the schedule will include directions to the place where we are painting. On some sites, we are spread out over a large area and gather at lunch. A coordinator is usually somewhere on the site by 9:00, but there is no formal meeting.
LUNCH: We meet for lunch at 12:00 p.m., near the parking area unless otherwise indicated on the schedule. We share and discuss the morning’s work (if you so choose) during the lunch break, but there is no formal critique. Some people continue to paint after lunch.
DIRECTIONS: The directions to the locations are on the schedule and include an address whenever possible to use in an online maps/directions website. There will be specific locations as to where we will be painting if we are at a large site. If a parking pass is required (Discover Pass, National parks/forest pass), that, too, is indicated on the schedule.
SUPPLIES: If you are just beginning Plein Air painting, there are many suggestions and lists online to guide you on what you might want to bring. We have an excellent Plein Air Primer written by member Steve Whitney. Or you can just come the first time with a minimum of what you need and get ideas from those who have been painting outside for years. Everyone has their own way of setting up, so it’s good to see many ideas. Be prepared for all conditions. Some use an artist’s umbrella for sunny areas, and you should expect wind, which can tip over an easel in a minute.
POLICIES: It is very important to be careful to “leave no trace”. No dumping of any materials, including water-based paints and watercolors(!) as well as oils, since the pigments in all paints are toxic. No rinsing equipment off in rivers or lakes or dumping wash water; and take all rags and trash with you.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership in EAFA is not required to join us, but keep in mind that our group benefits a great deal by being part of the EAFA organization. Go to our membership page to join.
CONTACT: [email protected] for questions and getting on the email list for any changes. Plein Air Coordinators are Sharon Blickenstaff, Judy Gilbert, Anna Lee and Steve Momii.