Plein Air
Welcome to “en plein air” which in French means “in the open air”.
This manner of painting dates back to the 19th century and was a central feature of French Impressionism. It’s the practice of painting outdoors to capture the essence of a subject in its natural state. With the inventions of portable tubes of paint and easels the act of “painting out” has become extremely popular all over the world.
Winter Studio
For the second year we are holding a weekly, indoor, still-life focused studio at Bassetti’s Crooked Arbor Gardens in Woodinville. Beginning November 11, we will host studio time on Tuesday mornings until the end of April. The nine spots to participate were spoken for fast but we welcome anyone who wishes to paint outside at the garden on a nice day during the winter (those days are rare, but they do happen). I will be posting pictures during the year of our painters at work.
-Sharon Blickenstaff
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.
Questions? Visit our contact page to inquire about Plein Air!
Plein Air Calendar
EAFA’s Plein Air FAQs
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 Supplies Primer written by Plein Air Chair, Sharon Blickenstaff. 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
Write us here for questions and to get on the email list for any changes. Plein Air Coordinators are Sharon Blickenstaff, Judy Gilbert, Anna Lee and Steve Momii.