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March 2023

PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2023

May 7-13, 2023

Exhibition Preview VIP Reception
7:00 pm, May 12, 2023

Wet Painting Exhibition
Open to public all day, May 13, 2023

40 + juried artists will complete in the event Plein Air Southwest 2023 for prizes over $25,000. Hosted again by the Galveston Historical Foundation, artists paint for 6 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston. For more details, see Plein Air Southwest 2023.

 

Morning After the Holiday
by Patrick Saunders


We are grateful to have Patrick Saunders judging PASW this year. He has his work cut out for him with the great line up of artists painting the Island.


There are still spaces left in Patrick's workshops--two in the first, and one in the second. For more information and to sign up,click here to go to the event section on the website and sign up. The dates & details are different, but just click on "join waitlist" and the admin will register you and bill you the deposit amount.


1880 Garten Verein, Galveston

OPS Paint Out Show and Share at the

Matagorda County Nature & Birding Center, Bay City

OPS Calendar
of Events 2023


April 20-23: Ennis/Dallas, TX

May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!  Competition, Show

Oct. 10-14: Pagosa Springs, CO    Paint Out

December: Holiday Bash!

Having breakfast at Cassidy's

Matagorda and Bay City Paint Out
March 10-11, 2023

We began the paint out with the group meeting that first beautiful, sunny morning at very charming Cassidy's Coffee Bar and Cafe. Our host, Gay Joines, created very handy welcome packets, complete with a granola bar and canvas!

Equipped with maps of the area, we began our paint out in beautiful Matagorda. Some headed to the beach to paint the aqua colored water, while others painted at the Marina nearby. The fishing town was complete with colorful cottages, pretty white churches, and a variety of interesting bait shops.

The second day was scheduled for the nearby Matagorda Birding and Nature Center. We were treated as royalty by the staff, as they pulled artists around in their covered wagon. For lunch, the historic Blessing Hotel Restaurant served the best American buffet you could wish for! 

In the afternoon we returned to the Birding Center, and later had show and share at their Indoor Event Center. So amazing to see such an inspirational collection of work painted in  over just two days. Good food, good fun and lots of painting!

 

This is why we love our paint outs. One painter blocks the sun so another can finish!

Upcoming OPS Paint Outs

Mark your calendars!


Ennis and Old City Dallas
April 20-23, 2023


Rolling hills, winding roads, barns and wildflowers are the perfect combination for a spring paint out. We will find dozens of scenic views and painting locations on every back road. Brilliant flowers blanket fields and pastures and decorate the countryside along the famous Ennis Bluebonnet trails. This iconic venue is one that you don’t want to miss capturing on canvas. Or if you’ve been there, come back and catch the beauty again with the outdoor painters.


This year we spend two days in Ennis, and then on Saturday journey to beautiful Old City Park in Dallas, rich with ancient trees and 22 historic buildings on 13 acres. The park is advertising that we will be there, and you can sell your paintings off the easel all day. We will have Show and Share there in the late afternoon between 3-4:00 at the big pavilion.


While you are visiting the area, you could think about creating paintings for the upcoming Exhibition, Celebrating 175 Years of Corsicana. (For more information, see below under member news)


Kerr Arts Center has invited us back in September this year for the competition event, Paint Kerrville, Sept. 17th-23rd.

Then on to exciting Pagosa Springs, CO,  October 10-14, to paint this very picturesque mountain town.

 And of course, plan to end the year with the popular and fun Holiday Bash!

Dallas Old City Park

Pagosa Springs

Congratulations

Paint Texas! Plein Air Event in Columbus, Tx., 1st place in main event and Quick Draw went to Julie Sanderson; 2nd place in main event and Quick Draw went to Kathy Hammond. Olivette Huber received 3rd place in Quick Draw.

Gary Frisk won first place for his painting, "Once There Was Power," at the Texas Invitational at the Pearce Museum in Corsicana. And Karla Massingill got an Honorable Mention for her painting, "Artist Point."

Tina Bohlman was the "Spotlight Artist" in the Plein Air Today newsletter on Wednesday, March 29th. To read her interview and see her work, click HERE.

Member News

Sherry Wooley and Myra Knapp are reinstating the show, Two Rivers Plein Air, sponsored by the New Braunfels Art League, Oct. 9 - 14, 2023. Sign up begins on May 1st for the first 40 artists. They are giving OPS a heads up! To access an application go to: TheNewBrunfelsartleague.com and look for Special Shows.

Margie Taylor wrote to us about the Exhibition, Celebrating 175 Years of Corsicana, sponsored by the Navarro Council of the Arts, June 8-July 31, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.corsicana175years.com/

Mindy Austin let us know about the brand new Bryan Street & Art Fair Paint Out, Sat. April 15, 10am-4pm. Register by April 10, go to their website HERE.

The Independence Historical Society is having its open house March 25-26 & April 1-2 & 8, complete with artisans in period dress. They are inviting Plein Air Artists to paint (maybe even in costume!). Visit their website for more information.

 

Workshops

Deborah Paris, the Landscape Atelier, has a new online home. Check out her on- demand classes as well. Click HERE

From the editor:  Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, Myrrh, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month, and I will include include them in the next newsletter. 


Thank you to all those sending photos: Helen Siksek, Marchita Priest, Gay Joines, Arthur Deatley, Kent Bohls,  Jessie Sun and anyone else I might have missed!

March 2023

PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2023

May 7-13, 2023

Exhibition Preview VIP Reception
7:00 pm, May 12, 2023

Wet Painting Exhibition
Open to public all day, May 13, 2023

40 + juried artists will complete in the event Plein Air Southwest 2023 for prizes over $25,000. Hosted again by the Galveston Historical Foundation, artists paint for 6 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston. For more details, see Plein Air Southwest 2023.
 

Morning After the Holiday
by Patrick Saunders


We are grateful to have Patrick Saunders judging PASW this year. He has his work cut out for him with the great line up of artists painting the Island.


There are still spaces left in Patrick's workshops--two in the first, and one in the second. For more information and to sign up, click here to go to the event section on the website and sign up. The dates & details are different, but just click on "join waitlist" and the admin will register you and bill you the deposit amount.

1880 Garten Verein, Galveston

OPS Paint Out Show and Share at the

Matagorda County Nature & Birding Center, Bay City

OPS Calendar
of Events 2023


April 20-23: Ennis/Dallas, TX

May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!  Competition, Show

Oct. 10-14: Pagosa Springs, CO    Paint Out

December: Holiday Bash!

Having breakfast at Cassidy's

Matagorda and Bay City Paint Out
March 10-11, 2023

We began the paint out with the group meeting that first beautiful, sunny morning at very charming Cassidy's Coffee Bar and Cafe. Our host, Gay Joines, created very handy welcome packets, complete with a granola bar and canvas!

Equipped with maps of the area, we began our paint out in beautiful Matagorda. Some headed to the beach to paint the aqua colored water, while others painted at the Marina nearby. The fishing town was complete with colorful cottages, pretty white churches, and a variety of interesting bait shops.

The second day was scheduled for the nearby Matagorda Birding and Nature Center. We were treated as royalty by the staff, as they pulled artists around in their covered wagon. For lunch, the historic Blessing Hotel Restaurant served the best American buffet you could wish for!

In the afternoon we returned to the Birding Center, and later had show and share at their Indoor Event Center. So amazing to see such an inspirational collection of work painted in  over just two days. Good food, good fun and lots of painting!
 

This is why we love our paint outs. One painter blocks the sun so another can finish!

Upcoming OPS Paint Outs

Mark your calendars!


Ennis and Old City Dallas
April 20-23, 2023


Rolling hills, winding roads, barns and wildflowers are the perfect combination for a spring paint out. We will find dozens of scenic views and painting locations on every back road. Brilliant flowers blanket fields and pastures and decorate the countryside along the famous Ennis Bluebonnet trails. This iconic venue is one that you don’t want to miss capturing on canvas. Or if you’ve been there, come back and catch the beauty again with the outdoor painters.


This year we spend two days in Ennis, and then on Saturday journey to beautiful Old City Park in Dallas, rich with ancient trees and 22 historic buildings on 13 acres. The park is advertising that we will be there, and you can sell your paintings off the easel all day. We will have Show and Share there in the late afternoon between 3-4:00 at the big pavilion.


While you are visiting the area, you could think about creating paintings for the upcoming Exhibition, Celebrating 175 Years of Corsicana. (For more information, see below under member news)


Kerr Arts Center has invited us back in September this year for the competition event, Paint Kerrville, Sept. 17th-23rd.

Then on to exciting Pagosa Springs, CO,  October 10-14, to paint this very picturesque mountain town.

 And of course, plan to end the year with the popular and fun Holiday Bash!

Dallas Old City Park

Pagosa Springs

Congratulations

Paint Texas! Plein Air Event in Columbus, Tx., 1st place in main event and Quick Draw went to Julie Sanderson; 2nd place in main event and Quick Draw went to Kathy Hammond. Olivette Huber received 3rd place in Quick Draw.

Gary Frisk won first place for his painting, "Once There Was Power," at the Texas Invitational at the Pearce Museum in Corsicana. And Karla Massingill got an Honorable Mention for her painting, "Artist Point."

Tina Bohlman was the "Spotlight Artist" in the Plein Air Today newsletter on Wednesday, March 29th. To read her interview and see her work, click HERE.

Member News

Sherry Wooley and Myra Knapp are reinstating the show, Two Rivers Plein Air, sponsored by the New Braunfels Art League, Oct. 9 - 14, 2023. Sign up begins on May 1st for the first 40 artists. They are giving OPS a heads up! To access an application go to: TheNewBrunfelsartleague.com and look for Special Shows.

Margie Taylor wrote to us about the Exhibition, Celebrating 175 Years of Corsicana, sponsored by the Navarro Council of the Arts, June 8-July 31, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.corsicana175years.com/

Mindy Austin let us know about the brand new Bryan Street & Art Fair Paint Out, Sat. April 15, 10am-4pm. Register by April 10, go to their website HERE.

The Independence Historical Society is having its open house March 25-26 & April 1-2 & 8, complete with artisans in period dress. They are inviting Plein Air Artists to paint (maybe even in costume!). Visit their website for more information.
 

Workshops

Deborah Paris, the Landscape Atelier, has a new online home. Check out her on- demand classes as well. Click HERE

From the editor:  Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, Myrrh, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month, and I will include include them in the next newsletter. 


Thank you to all those sending photos: Helen Siksek, Marchita Priest, Gay Joines, Arthur Deatley, Kent Bohls,  Jessie Sun and anyone else I might have missed!


February 2023

PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2023

May 7-13, 2023

Exhibition Preview VIP Reception
7:00 pm, May 12, 2023

Wet Painting Exhibition
Open to public all day, May 13, 2023

Plein Air Southwest is a juried membership paint out competition presented by the Outdoor Painters Society. The 2023 event is hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas. Juried artists compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise. Artists will paint for 6 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston.


For more details, see Plein Air Southwest 2023 on the Outdoor Painters Society website.
 

Morning After the Holiday
by Patrick Saunders


We are grateful to have Patrick Saunders judging PASW this year. He has his work cut out for him with the great line up of artists painting the Island.


PASW 2023 is excited to announce that we are adding a second workshop for Patrick Sanders, May 15, 16 & 17, 2023.There is still a few spaces left. For more information and to sign up, click here to go to the event section on the website and sign up. The dates & details are different, but just click on "join waitlist" and the admin will register you and bill you the deposit amount. 

Don't miss this opportunity!

Jungle Sharp by Patrick Saunders

1880 Garten Verein, Galveston

Show and Share at Riverbend on the Frio, Concan, TX

OPS Calendar of Events

2023

March 10 & 11: Bay City & Matagorda Bay Paint Out

April 20-23: Ennis/Dallas, TX

May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!  Competition, Show

Oct. 10-14: Pagosa Springs, CO    Paint Out

November: Caprock Canyons  Paint Out

2023 Paint Outs

All along the river’s edge, outdoor painters huddled over their easels to capture the pristine beauty of the Frio River outsideConcan, TX. In the crisp winter air, the excitement was apparent as we worked to catch the sunlight on the tall, old cypress trees and the beautiful blue water of the Frio.

We began the paint out with the group meeting that first morning at the Mill Creek Cafe. Jeffery Neel McDaniel, our local host, shared with us a few details about the itinerary, and other places of interest to paint. Talking to over 44+ animated artists was no mean feat! After breakfast, we met at the banks of the Frio River at the  Riverbend on the Frio Cabin & RV Park. 

Saturday morning was a chilly and cloudy 35 degrees. But the beautiful Garner State Park, a few miles outside of Concan, was an excellent venue to paint. Saturday afternoon we met back at Riverbend for Show and Share. The huge number of plein air paintings produced by members in those few days was awe inspiring! 

A huge shout out goes to Riverbend on the Frio, who not only hosted us at their campground, but also bought quite a few paintings from the artists who attended. And a big thank you to all who attended. Jeffrey suggested we come back in the fall when the colors are turning. An excellent idea!
 


Mark your calendars!

 Historic Bay City, TX

Palicious, TX Boats

Registration is open! March 10 & 11 we venture farther south to historic Bay City and Matagorda Bay, to paint history and coastlines. Our local hostess, Gay Joines, is arranging a number of great painting spots for us, including a beautiful birding center and local marina. There is character everywhere here in these historic cities. 


Ennis and Old City Dallas opens in just a few days—watch for the invite. Rolling hills, winding roads, barns and wildflowers are the perfect combination for a spring paint out! We will find dozens of scenic views and painting locations on every back road. Brilliant blue flowers blanket fields and pastures and decorate the countryside along the famous Ennis Bluebonnet trails. This icon venue is one that you don’t want to miss capturing on canvas. Or if you’ve been there, come back and catch the beauty again with the outdoor painters.


This year we spend two days in Ennis, and then on Saturday journey to beautiful Old City Park in Dallas, rich with ancient trees and 22 historic buildings on 13 acres. The park is advertising that we will be there, and you can sell your paintings off the easel all day. We will have Show and Share there in the late afternoon at the big pavilion.

Kerr Arts Center has invited us back in September this year for the competition event, Paint Kerrville!  

Then on to exciting Pagosa Springs, CO,  October 10-14, to paint this very picturesque mountain town. 

To end the year, gorgeous Caprock Canyon calls, complete with invitations to paint on private ranches.

Dallas Old City Park

Pagosa Springs

Caprock Canyon

Congratulations

Gary Frisk was notified that his painting Marine Loading is appear in the March/April Collectors issue of Fine Art Connoisseur. He was also accepted as a juried artist for Paint Annapolis 2023! 

Jeffrey Neel McDaniel is on a roll! His painting, Laguna Light Show #3 won the 2023 Earth Day — Bay Day Art Contest in Corpus Christi. He also won 2nd Place, Works on Canvas at the 2023 Tri-Group Show at the Galvan House in Corpus Christi. And at the Kerrville Art Group 2023l All-Member show, he took first place in Landscapes.

Signature member Val Sandell's painting Illuminated was juried into OPA's 32nd National Exhibition, hosted by Reinert Fine Art in Charleston, SC.

Member News

En Plein Air Frisco is happening April 13-15, 2023. The deadline is extended to March 16. Paint in the city parks in Fr1sco, TX. For more information, go to https://www.vagf.org/events/ Thank you Nancy Tyler.

Sherry Wooley and Myra Knapp are reinstating the show, Two Rivers Plein Air, sponsored by the New Braunfels Art League, Oct. 9 - 14, 2023. Sign up begins on May 1st for the first 40 artists. They are giving OPS a heads up! To access an application go to: www.thenewbraunfelsartleague.com and look for Special Shows.

Margie Taylor wrote to us about the Exhibition, Celebrating 175 Years of Corsicana, sponsored by the Navarro Council of the Arts, June 8-July 31, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.corsicana175years.com/

Mindy Austin let us know about the brand new Bryan Street & Art Fair Paint Out, Sat. April 15, 10am-4pm. Register by April 10, go to their website HERE.

The Independence Historical Society is having it's open house March 25-26 & April 1-2 & 8, complete with artisans in period dress. They are inviting Plein Air Artists to paint (maybe even in costume!). Visit their website for more information.

Workshops

Deborah Paris, the Landscape Atelier, Practical Color Mixing for Landscape Painters starts Feb. 3rd:

https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/courses/color-mixing-landscape-painters

Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX March 16-18, 2023. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.
 

OPS Board members, (L to R) Myrrh Haslam, Nancy Tyler, Tina Bohlman, Marchita Priest.

From the editor:  Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, Myrrh, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month, and I will include include them in the next newsletter. 


Thank you to all those sending photos: Helen Siksek, Marchita Priest. Jefrey Neel McDaniel, Gay Joines, Jessie Sun and anyone else I might have missed!

January 2023

PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2023

May 7-13, 2023

Exhibition Preview VIP Reception
7:00 pm, May 12, 2023

Wet Painting Exhibition
Open to public all day, May 13, 2023

Plein Air Southwest is a juried membership paint out competition presented by the Outdoor Painters Society. The 2023 event is hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas. Juried artists compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise. Artists will paint for 6 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston. 


PASW Competition artists interpret this historic city as only a plein air painter can.  Our event takes place during the Annual Galveston Homes Tour  that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.  For 6 days, artists have access to paint on the grounds of the homes on tour as well as special permission to other private locations, including the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.  


The wet painting exhibition is in the Ballroom of the historic 1880 Garten Verein, 2704 Avenue O. The building's most unique octagonal design and panoramic windows allow spectacular views from every angle. 


We are grateful to have Patrick Saunders judging PASW this year. He has his work cut out for him with the great line up of artists painting the Island. 
 

Congratulations to all those artists juried into this years competition! We had a tremendous turn out this year, over 90 artists submitted applications. 


2023 COMPETITION ARTISTS

BEVERLY BOREN-TEXAS

TINA BOHLMAN-TEXAS

JIM BRAGG-TEXAS

KENT BREWER-TEXAS

ALLEN BROCKBANK-UTAH

JON BURLESON-OREGON

RANDALL COGBURN-TEXAS

SHAWN DAVIS-TEXAS

AUTHUR DEATLY-TEXAS

VLAD DUCHEV-MARYLAND

FRAN ELLISOR- TEXAS

ERIC FASKING-TEXAS

KAYE FRANKLIN-TEXAS

GARY FRISK-TEXAS

DIANE FOSSARD-TEXAS

FRANK GABRIEL-TEXAS

ELAINE HAAKE-KANSAS

KATHY HAMMOND-TEXAS

STEVEN HARRIS-TEXAS

MYRRH HASLAM-TEXAS

FRANCIS HUANG-TEXAS

OLIVETTE HUBLER-TEXAS

MICHAEL JAP-TEXAS

JANET LAY-TEXAS

FARLEY LEWIS-MISSOURI

JINGSHENG LIU-TEXAS

WILL MALLER-CALIFORNIA

LISETTE McCLUNG-TEXAS

MARY McINTOSH-TEXAS

SPENCER MEAGHER-ILLINOIS

MARK MONSARRAT-CALIFORNIA

JEFFREY NEEL McDANIEL-TEXAS

MARCHITA PRIEST-TEXAS

CHUCH RAWLE-TEXAS

TTATYANA ROBBERTS-ILLINOIS

ROBERT ROHM-TEXAS

PAUL ROSIAK-WASHINGTON

ROBERT SIMONE-FLORIDA

RICHARD SNEARY-MISSOURI

RICHARD SZKUTNIK-COLORADO

NANCY TYLER-TEXAS

RICHIE VIOS-TEXAS

DURRE WASEEM-CALIFORNIA

BARON WILSON-TEXAS

                                                                      

1880 Garten Verein, Galveston

OPS Calendar of Events

2023

February 17 & 18:  Frio River andConcan, TX. Paint Out

March 11 & 12: Bay City & Matagorda Bay Paint Out

April 20-23: Ennis/Dallas, TX

May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!  Competition, Show

Oct. 10-14: Pagosa Springs, CO    Paint Out

November: Caprock Canyons  Paint Out

2023 Paint Outs

Plein air painters are a sturdy lot. Despite weather that would have deterred the strongest, we had a great group show up for the first Paint Out of 2023, Bolivar Peninsula.

Our members know how to combat the rain and wind, not to mention the mosquitos! As one artist put it, we ran the gamut of adverse conditions. On the last day, we met for Show and Share at Myrrh's family home on Crystal Beach, where an amazing amount of paintings were displayed. Afterwards, everyone had a great time bopping to the music at a local restaurant. 
 


Mark your calendars!

The Frio River outside Leaky, TX


February 17 & 18, 2023 take a trip deep into the Hill Country to paint along the Frio River, home of Garner State Park, Concan, TX. Several low water crossings dot the country roads, and Los Maples State Park is nearby. Lots of great cabins rentals in the area with off season rates. Registration is open! Hope to see you there!

 Historic Bay City, TX

Registration is open! March 11 & 12 we adventure farther south to historic Bay City and Matagorda Bay, to paint history and coastlines. Our local hostess is arranging a number of great painting spots for us, including a beautiful birding center and local marina. There is character everywhere here in these historic cities. 

Dallas Old City Park

April brings wildflowers & bluebonnets in Ennis, TX and you won't want to miss it! A popular paint out designation, the beauty of the surrounding country is enhanced with bright patches of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush. April 20-23.
Exciting news! Dallas Old City Park has invited us to paint all day on their lovely grounds, and make our paintings for sale to the general public. More details coming soon.

Kerr Arts Center, our host, has invited us back in September this year for the competition event, Paint Kerrville!  Then on to exciting Pagosa Springs, CO October 10-14 to paint this very picturesque mountain town. To end the year, gorgeous Caprock Canyon calls, complete with invitations to paint on private ranches.

Pagosa Springs

Caprock Canyon

Want to Know if 
Your Dues are Paid up?

Well you don’t want to drop your membership to Outdoor Painters Society.  How to find out if you are up to date or overdue?  Just log on to the OPS website at www.outdoorpainterssociety.com and Go to JOIN US on the Menu Topic choices.  

About halfway down there will be a yellow box.  If you are paid up it will read “ You are already a member.  Edit your member profile.”  If you are needing to pay your dues it will give you options or instructions for renewing.

Click on the underlined words to bring up your profile.  At the top are Membership details, giving you your current membership level and status plus when you joined OPS, and when your dues are up.  (and here’s another tip:  If you have let your membership lapse, the Member date will register the last time you started a continuous membership, not your initial sign-up)  When you choose “Edit Profile” button in the upper left directly under My Profile you have the opportunity to update your profile in case you’ve moved, changed your cell phone or email address.  Please make sure your information is in the right slot, ie. Put the City in the City slot, The Street Address only in the Street Address or Address slot, etc. etc. You can also add a photo to your member file, see events you have registered for, and any invoices and payments you have made for workshops, dinners, competition entries, etc.  This area is very helpful if you are applying for Signature or Master Signature Status or if you are needing to update your very own CV for your website. 

Hit Save when you are finished.

Thank you for keeping your OPS membership dues and data current.

Help Us Purchase
Exhibit Panels

Thank you for your donations for display panels, but we are still needing more for our Plein Air Southwest Competition, Show & Sale. 25 panels, $3,500 total.  

Go to the DONATE HERE button on the front page of the website, or send a check to PO Box 8483, Ennis, TX 75120. Thank you!!!
 

Dallas Old City Park

Opportunities

The Old City Park in Downtown Dallasis open for plein air painters Thursday- Sunday when there is no afternoon wedding booked.  The Event Director, Stacey Doyle, is more than happy to have painters on the grounds painting, drawing, and engaging with visitors.  This historic village setting is free admission and has many painting opportunities including big old trees, architecture, farm animals, gazebo, a working blacksmith on Sat-Sun, wildflowers in the spring and lighted decorations before the holidays.   Nice restrooms are located on both north and south sides.  Snacks & drinks are sold at the Ticket office/Souvenir Shop, General Store or Saloon.  Painters/Sketchers are also welcome to sell their work off the easel or New Orleans/Paris style display around the easel on the grounds. 

Old City Park would also like to have art instructors for school and children’s programs.  Discuss with Event Director Stacey Doyle at 865-363-6239, amdoyle413@gmail.com .  For additional info and a map find  oldcityparkdallas.org

Winter Tip


Want to avoid the cold weather? Head inside for education until the temps reach comfortable levels for painting outside.  Your OPS membership entitles you to a large DVD library.  Just go to the Members Only section of the website and peruse the classic and recent titles to help you improve your work.  Members only pay postage to/from in order to enjoy 14 days of viewing pleasure. 

Workshops

Cecy Turner is teaching an intermediate watercolor workshop for the Ellis County Art Association in Waxahachie on February 6-7th . Hours are 9:30-4:00 both days and the cost is $175. We will be exploring the landscape through light and large shapes and demonstrations will be given each morning with plenty of time to paint in the afternoon. For more information see Workshops at  www.cecyturner.com/workshops or contact Barbara Woods at  or email her: babz1954@gmail.com. 

Deborah Paris, the Landscape Atelier, has a new online home! Check out our new site and teaching platform. 

 https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/ 

Practical Color Mixing for Landscape Painters starts Feb. 3rd!!

https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/courses/color-mixing-landscape-painters

Full Curriculum of On Demand Classes! https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/collections/on-demand

Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX several times a year. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.
 

 John Misner plein air painting at Santa Fe on All Saints' Day 2022. Very cool! Thanks for sending us your photo.

From the editor:  I know there are several more members out there receiving awards we don't know about! Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. 

Thank you to all those sending photos: Martha Watson,  Arthur Deatly, Nancy Tyler, Marchita Priest, John Misner.




December 2022

Thoughts for a 
New Year’s Resolution

Attitude is Everything!   

Hobbyists have a perfect attitude ... Don’t care if they make a dime. It’s a good attitude to have. Hobbyists do things they have a deep interest in ... no pressure to sell, win an award, to gain “recognition." It’s just for the fun of it.  For whatever reason the “art” may not be quite as good as they would like it to be, it doesn’t stop them from trying and enjoying. How fortunate for all who might engage in ANY art form, without fear of appearing to be less than they might wish, simply for the fun (or love) of it. 

There are different pressures at work for professionals.  They must put effort into other areas whether they are of interest or not. Most professionals must be their own office manager, publicist, bookkeeper, agent.  A full-time painter has to be able to switch from “left brain” to “right brain” and get into the right “attitude” to do what must be done.  It’s not easy.  Not everyone is “geared” to run a business/career and be creative too.

For many professionals, getting oneself into the “hobby attitude” can be the difference between a good work of art and a masterpiece. Hobby painters can concentrate completely on what their interests are. This focus can lead to steady improvement toward a genuine skill. Some professional artists lose their ability to play and to enjoy their work like they did when it was just a fun hobby. Renoir was once criticized as a student by his instructor. "We are not just doing this for fun,” the instructor fumed. Renoir responded, “If it wasn't fun I wouldn't be doing it!"

Painting or creating is always about loving what you do.  So ... attitude is everything ... Begin the New Year with a new attitude & resolve--to have fun with your art! 

Tina Bohlman
President, OPS

Now sign up for the fun

You have until
Midnight to enter!! 


Plein Air Southwest

May 7-13, 2023

1880 Garden Verein
Galveston, TX
 

The Exhibition is in the Ballroom of the historic  1880 GARTEN VEREIN. The building's most unique octagonal design and panoramic windows allow spectacular views from every angle.  It resembles a grand glassed-in gazebo!  A percentage of sales from the exhibition benefits the Galveston Historic Foundation.

Entries Accepted at ONLINE JURIED SHOWS.COM

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS  - 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

We are excited to announce
our juror will be PATRICK SAUNDERS.

Patrick will also be giving a workshop May 9-11, running concurrent to the PASW. At present it is full; you can use the link below to join the wait list. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP.

U-Tiki Beach
by Patrick Saunders

OPS Calendar of Events

2023

January 19, 20 & 21: Boliver Peninsula, TX Paint Out

February 17 & 18:  Frio River andConcan, TX. Paint Out

March 11 & 12: Bay City & Matagorda Bay Paint Out

April 20-23: Ennis, TX Paint Out

May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!  Competition, Show

Oct. 10-14: Pagosa Springs, CO    Paint Out

November: Caprock Canyons  Paint Out

Holiday Bash

Despite a forecast of rain and cold weather, the OPS Holiday Bash was a great way to end the year. We started with a half day paint out at the Davis Ranch, afterwards sharing a delicious BBQ lunch, courtesy of  Shawn and Ronnie Davis. They collected over $200 in donations towards our new exhibit panels, woohoo! After that, we shared paintings. A fun time had by all.
 

Boliver Point Lighthouse 
(photo by Russell Autrey)

2023 Paint Outs

Registration is open! To start off the new year right, we travel to to the Boliver Peninsula, TX, January 19, 20 & 21, 2023.  Here in the milder climate along the coast we find a myriad of painting subjects--marshlands, lighthouse, beaches, sand dunes, and all manner of boats--big shrimp boats, boat repair yards, small fishing vessels. The Peninsula is a narrow strip of land on the Texas Gulf Coast in the easternmost part of Galveston County. The peninsula is separated by less than three miles from Galveston Island by the channel of Bolivar Roads, the entrance from the Gulf of Mexico to Galveston Bay. Free public ferries, which run 24/7, link the Bolivar Peninsula with Galveston Island.
Hope to see you there! 

Frio River, Concan, TX

Mark your calendars


February 17 & 18, 2023 take a trip deep into the Hill Country to paint along the Frio River, home of Garner State Park, Concan, TX. Several low water crossings dot the country roads, and Los Maples State Park is nearby. We are looking into reserving several cabins at one of the local lodging spots.  

March 11 & 12 we adventure farther south to historic Bay City and Matagorda Bay, to paint history and coastlines. Our local hostess is arranging a number of great painting spots for us! 

April brings wildflowers & bluebonnets in Ennis, TX and you won't want to miss it! A popular paint out designation, the beauty of the surrounding country is enhanced with bright patches of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush. April 20-23.

Also, the Old City Park in Dallas has invited us to come and do a paint out/show/sale sometime in the spring. Watch for more details.

Kerr Arts Center, our host, has invited us back for the competition event, Paint Kerrville!  Then on to exciting Pagosa Springs, CO October 10-14 to paint this very picturesque mountain town. To end the year, gorgeous Caprock Canyon calls, complete with invitations to paint on private ranches.

 Historic Bay City, TX

Pagosa Springs

Caprock Canyon

Help Us Purchase
Exhibit Panels

Thank you for your donations for display panels, but we are still needing more for our Plein Air Southwest Competition, Show & Sale. 25 panels, $3,500 total.  

Go to the DONATE HERE button on the front page of the website, or send a check to OP Box 8483, Ennis, TX 75120. Thank you!!!

Congratulations!

Cecy Turner’s oil painting, “Wintry Creek,” won First Place in Two-Dimensional Work at the Women Artists of the West 52nd Annual National Exhibition, “When East Meets West.”  The judge for the show was Hiu Lai Chong and it was held at McBride Gallery in Annapolis, MD.

Workshops

Cecy Turner is teaching an intermediate watercolor workshop for the Ellis County Art Association in Waxahachie on February 6-7th . Hours are 9:30-4:00 both days and the cost is $175. We will be exploring the landscape through light and large shapes and demonstrations will be given each morning with plenty of time to paint in the afternoon. For more information see Workshops at  www.cecyturner.com/workshops or contact Barbara Woods at  or email her: babz1954@gmail.com. 
 

Deborah Paris, the Landscape Atelier, has a new online home! Check out our new site and teaching platform.

 https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/ 

Understanding Values in the Landscape (Full Access) starts January 6th 

https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/courses/values-in-the-landscape-full-access

Full Curriculum of On Demand Classes! https://learn.thelandscapeatelier.com/collections/on-demand

Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX several times a year. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  I know there are several more members out there receiving awards we don't know about! Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. 



November 2022

Plein Air Southwest

May 7-13, 2023

1880 Garden Verein
Galveston, TX

Plein Air Southwest is juried membership paint out competition presented by the Outdoor Painters Society.  The 2023 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise.  Artists will paint for 6 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston. 

PASW Competition artists interpret this historic city as only a plein air painter can.  Our event takes place during the  Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.  For 6 days, artists have access to paint on the grounds of the homes on tour,  as well as special permission to other private locations including the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA..

 

The Exhibition is in the Ballroom of the historic  1880 GARTEN VEREIN. The building's most unique octagonal design and panoramic windows allow spectacular views from every angle.  It resembles a grand glassed-in gazebo!  A percentage of sales from the exhibition benefits the Galveston Historic Foundation.

Entires Accepted at ONLINE JURIED SHOWS.COM

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS  - 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

We are excited to announce
our juror will be PATRICK SAUNDERS.


Patrick will also be giving a workshop May 9-11, running concurrent to the PASW. At present it is full; you can use the link below to join the wait list. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP.


Dates, Deadlines and

Events Schedule:


Entry deadline: January 2, 2023 

Acceptance notice: January 15, 2023

Orientation and Welcome: May 7, 2023

Official Paint Out: May 7 – May 13, 2023

Turn in Paintings: 9AM – 12 Noon May 12

VIP Reception:  May 12, 2023

Exhibition open to public:  May 13. 2023

Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work: 8:00 pm: May 13, 2023

Here Comes the Sun
by Patrick Saunders

OPS Calendar of Events


2022


December 4: Holiday Bash!
Ennis, TX Paint Out, BBQ and Party

2023

January 19, 20 & 21: Boliver Peninsula, TX Paint Out

February 17 & 18:  Frio River andConcan, TX. Paint Out

March 11 & 12: Bay City & Matagorda Bay Paint Out

April : Ennis, TX Paint Out

May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!  Competition, Show

November: Caprock Canyons Paint Out

Holiday Bash!

Registration is open, let the fun begin!Sunday, Dec. 4th is the annual Holiday Paint Out, Party, and Gift Exchange. 

9am-1pm: Paint Out
1pm-2pm: Lunch
2PM-3:30: Gift Exchange & Party!

We’ll start with a morning paint out onShawn and Ronnie Davis's ranchin Ennis, TX. Coffee and tea at 9am on the porch. We will convene back at the ranch for Bunch at 1pm, and enjoy some great BBQ, cooked up especially for us! Following lunch around 2pm, we have one heck-of-a-good-time swapping our plein air work.

More details on the website under events.

Painting Big Bend

November brought one of the most fun paint outs ever! Every 18 months OPS members (and friends) travel to the far Southwest of Texas to paint the majesty of Big Bend National Park, braving the wind and cold to do what we all love to do: Plein Air paint! And  to enjoy a bit of food, laughter, and sharing stories of the day's episodes. The photos tell it all.

 

Boliver Point Lighthouse 
(photo by Russell Autrey)

2023 Paint Outs

Registration opens next week! Make plans now to join us in the first paint out of 2023. We travel to to the Boliver Peninsula, TX, January 19, 20 & 21, 2023.  Here in the milder climate along the coast we find a myriad of painting subjects--marshlands, lighthouse, beaches, sand dunes, and all manner of boats--big shrimp boats, boat repair yards, small fishing vessels. The Peninsula is a narrow strip of land on the Texas Gulf Coast in the easternmost part of Galveston County. The peninsula is separated by less than three miles from Galveston Island by the channel of Bolivar Roads, the entrance from the Gulf of Mexico to Galveston Bay. Free public ferries, which run 24/7, link the Bolivar Peninsula with Galveston Island. 

Garner State Park

February 17 & 18, 2023 Take a trip deep into the Hill Country to paint along the Frio River, home of Garner State Park, Concan, TX. Several low water crossings dot the country roads, and Los Maples State Park is nearby. We are looking into reserving several cabins at one of the local lodging spots. More information coming up soon. 

March 11 & 12, 2023 we adventure farther south to historic Bay City and Matagorda Bay, to paint history and coastlines. Our local hostess is arranging a number of great painting spots for us! 

April brings wildflowers & bluebonnets in Ennis, TX, and you won't want to miss it! A popular paint out designation, the beauty of the surrounding country is enhanced with bright patches of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush.

More Big Bend Photos . . .

One of our Big Bend group wrote this poem while we there. Thanks for sharing Pete.


Terlingua Ghost Town

Near Big Bend National Park


Mercury miners piled these rocks

Into casitas where they lived

Most hollowed out and falling down

In hills of Terlingua Ghost Town


Mountains in Mexico rise across

     the hidden Rio Grande

Before it makes its slow Big Bend

Now a giant National Park

We join our friends for Plein Air art


The towering volcanic spires 
divide plains and draws where panther hunt

Remnants of the anglo ranches

Along rare water courses stand

     the impact barely shows


Chisos Mountains just either thousand feet

Pinion pine in rocky glades

Through the “Window" between two peaks

Lodge shelters inspiration seekers


Our Plein Air group goes sight to sight

Across the varied rugged park

to capture the magic color and space

Merge with supernatural place.


                                        Pete Hudgins

 

Member DVD Library

There’s a new title in the DVD Members Library to interest our watercolor artists and just about any artist that has issues dealing with architecture. Stewart White reminds us to “Look at things as Shapes. Don’t get caught up in what you are painting” in this new video ”Painting Architecture in Watercolor."

Your OPS membership entitles you to a large DVD library. Just go to the Members Only section of the website and peruse the classic and recent titles to help you improve your work. Members only pay postage to/from in order to enjoy 14 days of viewing pleasure.

Help Us Purchase
Exhibit Panels

Thank you for your donations for display panels, but we are still needing more for our Plein Air Southwest Competition, Show & Sale. 25 panels, $3,500 total.  

Go to the DONATE HERE button on the front page of the website, or send a check to OP Box 8483, Ennis, TX 75120. Thank you!!!

Congratulations

Congratulations Roy Smith! "My son Garret and I were awarded 1st and 2nd places, respectively, at the 8th Annual Burnet Art Fest, Nov 11 & 12 this year." 

Signature member Val Sandell's paintings "A Rancher's Backyard" and "Illuminated" were chosen as Top 100 finalists in PleinAirmagazine's 12th Annual Plein Air Salon. "A Rancher's Backyard" was also selected as part of the FAV15% in the October 2022 BoldBrush Painting competition.

Her painting "Canary Islander Descendant" is featured in Fine Art Connoisseur magazine Nov. - Dec. 2022 Today's Masters "Dressed to Impress" article. Kudos Val!

 

Workshops


Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX several times a year. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  I know there are several more members out there receiving awards we don't know about! Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. 

Thank you Nancy Viola, Marchita Priest, Martha Watson, Jim Bragg and Kimberly Hudgins for sending photos!

October 2022

Plein Air Southwest

May 7-13, 2023

1880 Garten Verein
Galveston, TX


Dates, Deadlines and
Events Schedule

  •  Entry deadline:
    January 2, 2023 
  •  Acceptance notice:
    January 15, 2023

  •  Orientation and Welcome: May 7, 2023

  •  Official Paint Out:
    May 7 – May 13, 2023

  •  Turn In Paintings:
    9 AM – 12 Noon
    May 12, 2023

  •  Exhibition Preview VIP Reception 7:00 pm
    May 12, 2023

  •  Exhibition open to public:  May 13. 2023

  •  Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work: 8:00 pm
    May 13, 2023

Plein Air Southwest is juried membership paint out competition presented by the Outdoor Painters Society.  The 2023 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise.  Artists will paint for 6 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston. 

PASW Competition artists interpret this historic city as only a plein air painter can.  Our event takes place during the  Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.  For 6 days, artists have access to paint on the grounds of the homes on tour,  as well as special permission to other private locations including the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.
 

The Exhibition is in the Ballroom of the historic  1880 GARTEN VEREIN ; The building's most unique octagonal design and panoramic windows allow spectacular views from every angle.  It resembles a grand glassed-in gazebo!   A percentage of sales from the exhibition benefits the Galveston Historic Foundation.

Entires Accepted at ONLINE JURIED SHOWS.COM

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS  - 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

We are excited to announce
our juror will be
 PATRICK SAUNDERS

Here Comes the Sun
by Patrick Saunders

Patrick Saunders Workshop

May 9-11, 2023

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

(Only five spaces left, so sign up quickly if you want to come. Please note the workshop runs concurrent to PASW Event.)

Patrick Saunders is an award-winning artist who travels the globe, creating fine art, teaching painting workshops, and judging painting competitions. Patrick paints a variety of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, and florals.

Patrick began plein air painting, and has won awards from numerous nationally recognized events, including Plein Air Easton, the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Maui Plein Air, Lighthouse Plein Air, Sedona Plein Air, the Airstream Fine Art Invitational, Plein Air Texas, Plein Air Richmond, and Telluride Plein Air. He was featured in Plein Air Magazine in 2018.

Patrick is a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, and a Signature Member of the Portrait Society of America. He is a former Signature Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, the American Impressionist Society, and the Outdoor Painters Society.

OPS Calendar of Events


2022


November 13-19:  Big Bend
Paint Out


December 4: Holiday Bash!
Ennis, TX Paint Out, BBQ and Party


2023


January 19, 20 & 21: Port Boliver, TX
Greater Houston Area Paint Out


February 17 & 18:  Frio River andConcan, TX. Paint Out


March 11 & 12: Bay City & Matagorda Bay Paint Out


April : Ennis, TX Paint Out


May 7-13: Plein Air Southwest

Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23: Paint Kerrville!
Paint Out, Competition, Show

November: Caprock Canyons Paint Out

December: Christmas Party

Shadows Paint Out


This wonderful venue had a wide variety of great painting subjects, something for everyone. Members showed over 70 paintings at the Shadows on the Teche Vistor's Center in New Iberia the last day. Over 20 folks joined our dinner outings each evening to share the day's adventures. The comaraderie was enjoyed by all. 

 

Big Bend Paint Out

November 13-19 we travel to Big Bend National Park, Terlinqua, and Big Bend State Park. The National Park gets its name from where the majestic Rio Grande takes a “big bend” on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes considered “three parks in one,” Big Bend has mountains, desert, and river environments. An hour-long drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. In this vast park, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and sunsets! 
 

To get the big picture of Big Bend: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=scnbMC-tcUI 

Also, check out YouTube by member, Jim Rogers, from the 2012 OPS trip to Big Bend at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB_mtS9lJ04

Visitbigbend.com is an excellent resource for park and lodging information.

Boliver Point Lighthouse, 
photo by Russell Autrey

2023 Paint Outs

Join us in the new year heading down to Port Boliver, TX, January 19, 20 & 21, 2023.  Here in the milder climate along the coast we find a myriad of painting subjects--marshlands, lighthouse, beaches, sand dunes, and all manner of boats--big shrimp boats, boat repair yards, small fishing vessels.

Garner State Park

February 17 & 18, 2023 we travel deep into the Hill Country to paint along the Frio River, home of Garner State Park, Concan, TX. Several low water crossings dot the country roads, and Los Maples State Park is nearby.

March 11 & 12, 2023 we adventure farther south to historic Bay City and Matagorda Bay, to paint history and coastlines. 

April brings wildflowers & bluebonnets in Ennis, TX, and you won't want to miss it! A popular paint out designation, the beauty of the surrounding country is enhanced with bright patches of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush.

Holiday Bash!

Registration is open, let the fun begin!Sunday, Dec. 4th is the annual Holiday Paint Out, Party, and Gift Exchange. 

9am-1pm: Paint Out
1pm-2pm: Lunch
2PM-3:30: Gift Exchange & Party!

We’ll start with a morning paint out onShawn and Ronnie Davis's ranchin Ennis, TX. Coffee and tea at 9am on the porch. We will convene back at the ranch for Bunch at 1pm, and enjoy some great BBQ, cooked up especially for us! Following lunch around 2pm, we have one heck-of-a-good-time swapping our plein air work.

More details on the website under events.

Help Us Purchase
Exhibit Panels

Want to help OPS purchase exhibit panels for our annual premier Plein Air Southwest Competition, Show & Sale? We need 25 panels, $3,500 total.  In the past we have borrowed/rented panels for this show from two art groups and that opportunity has closed. Our goal is to have our own and the Galveston Historical Foundation will provide storage.

Go to the DONATE HERE button on the front page of the website, or send a check to OP Box 8483, Ennis, TX 75120. Thank you!!!

OPS Shadows
Paint Out Fun!
 

Katy ISD Student Plein Air

In 2018 OPS members Jeanne Reavis, Marchita Priest and Chuck Rawle were invited to teach a plein air workshop to 16 Katy ISD art teachers.  The teachers introduced plein air techniques and tips to their students. Every year, a paint out competition for the students is held at a Katy park,  judged by Reavis, Priest, Rawle and former Katy art teacher Nancy Viola (now an OPS member). Sponsors Jerrysartarama and Wind River Arts donated prizes for the winners. 
The Katy ISD student winners
 

Rosemary Brushes

Several members use beautiful Rosemary Brushes, made in England. But did you know that you can buy local!!  OPS Board member Chuck Rawle is a distributor of Rosemary Brushes here in Texas. They are one of our sponsors of PASW. www.windriverarts.com 

Brushes on the Beach

Several members are entering this fun Galveston online competition. Entries are accepted  until November 7. And the reception is at the G. Lee Gallery during Galveston Boardwalk. For more information: https://gleegallery.net/brushes-by-the-beach-pleinair

Congratulations

Kurt Ritterpusch's paintings were included in the Tom Lea Combat Warrior art Exhibit in Austin, TX on Oct. 22. Sherry Wooley attended the event and said it was awesome--very emotional. Congratulations and thank you Kurt for your service.

We know that OPS member Jeffrey McDaniel has had an awesome October with sales. He was also juried into an international show and exhibit: https://www.artistsforconservation.org/virtual-exhibit/16754/artist/18583/artwork/rising-sun-falling-tide-copano-bay-19762

Cecy Turner had a busy summer in Estes Park, Colorado, and hopes that OPS members will return to Estes Park in the near future! Besides painting aspens this past summer, she is happy to have had paintings accepted in the OPA Western Regional, NOAPS Best of America (same painting was also a Boldbrush 15% Favorite), Southwestern Watercolor Society, and Mountain Oyster Club shows.

Julie Sanderson won the "Wet Paint Award of Excellence" at the Oil Painters of America National Convention in Santa Fe, NM, August 24-29, 2022.

Kathy Hammond: I’m excited that my painting, Waiting to Launch, made the September cover of Galveston Monthly! I’m also excited the painting sold along with two other paintings during ArtWalk. I am blessed to be able to do what I love! 

Donna McGee: My painting “A Little Light on the Crown” watercolor 21x15 inches received an Honorable Mention Award at the Hoover Watercolor Society’s Membership Show in Shreveport, LA 
 

Workshops

Let’s Jump Into the River! 

Cecy Turner’s new online mini session in watercolor shows how to paint moving water and cascades in watercolor. A complete demonstration, reference photo, supply list and critique are all included in this one hour and twelve minute session. Watch it any time you want, over and over again, because the link is good  until September of 2023, all for $11.95 special price. For more information and to register on Cecy’s website: https://www.cecyturner.com/workshop/28542/lets-jump-into-the-river


Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX several times a year. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  I know there are several more members out there receiving awards we don't know about! Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. 

Thank you Nancy Viola, Peggy Kingsbury and Marchita Priest for sending photos!

Happy Halloween!

September 2022

PAINT KERRVILLE!

Our second annual Paint Out, Competition and Show, Paint Kerrville!, was quite a success. Sponsored in conjunction with the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center in their beautiful facility downtown, next year they invited us to use their larger exhibition hall, and extended the event by two days! We think they like us. The enrollment was OPEN, without jury, and capped at 50 participating artists. Our artists were mostly from Texas, with a few from neighboring states. Artists enjoyed the camaraderie, the amazing dining Kerrville had to offer, the gorgeous hill country, including private ranches and venues opened up to the painters.

Thank you to our judge, artist, teacher and author Bob Rohm. He had his hands full, and he did an excellent job.

Next year the event runs Sept. 17th to Sept. 23, 2023. Mark your calendars, set your alarm clocks! This year's event filled up in just over 24 hours. Other interesting trivia about the event:

  • 10 artists had last names beginning with the letter ‘H’
  • 227 paintings in Gallery display on Friday night
  • 34 Quick draw paintings
  • 27 artists new to this event
  • 4 artists named Nancy
  • 48 artists from TX and 1 each from LA and OK
  • 12 Males and 38 Females competed
  • 1,000’s of laughs provided by Frank, Gary, Roy and Jeffrey
  • 13 awards presented for a total of $6,000
  • 18 paintings sold
  • 0 artists died from the Texas heat!

Best in Show

 "Sunrise Cactus" by Olivette Hubler.

Artists Choice
Myra Knapp

Quick Draw
"Back Alley Fun" by Julie Sanderson

Award of Excellence
"Lunch Time" by Linghui Wang
 

Award of Excellence
Michael Jap

Award of Excellence
"Breakfast at Bridget's"
Shaun Frankfurt

Award of Excellence
"Ranch Sunrise" Diane Duggan

Award of Excellence
"Texas Sun" Bruce Bingham

Award of Excellence
"River Dreams" Judy Beauford

Award of Distinction
"Sydney Baker & Water St.
Kurt Ritterpusch

Award of Distinction
"Farm Barn" Jinsheng Liu

Award of Distinction
"Sweet Tea on the Porch
@ Bridget's Basket"
Julie Sanderson

Award of Distinction
"International RI60 Off Duty"
Gary Frisk

OPS Calendar of Events


2022


October 20-22: New Iberia, LA
with the Shadows-on-the-Teche
Paint Out & Wet Paint Sale


November 13-19:  Big Bend
Paint Out


December: TBD OPS Holiday Party
Ennis, TX Paint Out and Party!


2023


January: George Historical Park,
Greater Houston Area Paint Out


February: Concan, TX Paint Out


March: Matagorda Bay
Texas Gulf Coast Paint Out


April: Ennis, TX Paint Out


May: Plein Air Southwest

Galveston, TX Competition & Show

Sept. 17-23, 2023: Paint Kerrville!
Paint Out, Competition, Show

November: Caprock Canyons Paint Out

December: Christmas Party

Shadows-on-the-Teche, a classic
Revival-style plantation built in 1834

Shadows Paint Out

October 20-22 takes us to New Iberia, LAwhere the Shadows-on-the-Teche are hosting us for a Paintout and Wet Paint Sale. The countryside is chock full of a variety of interesting and unusual painting locations, with moss-laden cypress trees and charming historical buildings. The Atchafalaya River runs through the Bayou Basin for miles and miles in a maze of lakes, ponds, and cypress swamps. There is a series of colorful islands to paint, and a small town on the coast with shrimp boats. You will find an abundance of hotels, charming rentals and Airbnbs. IberiaTravel has lots of information about the area, lodging, and dining options. 

Avery Island LA Historical Tabasco Shop
 

Big Bend Paint Out

November 13-19 we travel to Big Bend National Park, Terlinqua, and Big Bend State Park. The National Park gets its name from where the majestic Rio Grande takes a “big bend” on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes considered “three parks in one,” Big Bend has mountains, desert, and river environments. An hour-long drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. In this vast park, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and sunsets! 

For those of you who want to know more information ahead of time, you can always go to our website, sign in, and then click the tab for "members only." Select "paint out itineraries" from the pop up menu, and you can see the itinerary that Irma Ward put together from the paint out last year. It might change a bit this year, but you can definitely get the feeling of what each day will be about, including lodging options. We like to stay in the budget friendly hotel, Chisos Mining Company. It is open for fall registration and we recommend getting on the horn to them. The link also includes other options.

Garner State Park

Sneak Peek at 2023 Paint Outs

We start the new year venturing to the Greater Houston area. January begins with a trip to the George Historical Park, known for historical buildings, a blacksmith shop and pretty countryside. Nearby Brazos Bend State Park is a popular destination of local Plein air painters in the area.

In February, we travel deep into the Hill Country to paint along the Frio River, home of Garner State Park, Concan, TX. Several low water crossings dot the country roads, and Los Maples State Park is nearby.

In March, we will adventure down south to Matagorda Bay, to paint the sand, sea and beautiful marshes along the coast. 

April finds painting bluebonnets and wildflowers in Ennis, TX. A popular paint out designation, the beauty of the surrounding country is enhanced with bright patches of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush.

Paint Kerrville! FUN
Thank you to all the members who sent in photos! 
Look for a slide show of  photos on the website under the tab "Kerrville."

Dinner at Mamacita's in Kerrville
 

OPS Signature Membership
Welcome New Members!

Four applications were approved this year for OPS Signature Membership. Congratulations!

Bruce Bingham
Myrrh Haslam
Jeffrey McDaniels
Irma Ward

The Board of Directors reviews applications for Signature Membership during the period August 15 through September 15 of each year. Look on the website for more information.
 

Social Media is Our Friend


Did you know that the Outdoor Painters Society has a Facebook page? Be sure to “Follow” and share experiences with fellow members. You may show and share your Plein Air paintings, clever tips, locations to paint, workshop and class info, etc. Just keep it Plein Air related, please, and include a short story related to your pic. When the administrators post something about you participating in an event, winning an award, or anything related to Plein Air, please feel free to “share” to your personal page.  

Congratulations

Congratulations Jing Zhao for your Award of Merit at the NOAPS 32 Best of American National Juried Exhibition, for her painting, "Girl at the Market." The exhibit will be on display at the Wilcox Gallery in Jackson, WY until October 8th.

Jing also received the Artwork Archive Award of Excellence at the American Impressionist Society 23rd Annual National Exhibition for her painting, "The Face Painted Boy." The show will be on display at Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder, CO through October 22nd.

To top it off, she was also awarded the Silver Medal in the Associate & Signature Division of the OPA American Western Regional Exhibit, which is on display at Southwest Gallery this month. Big Congrats, Jing!
 

Workshops

Dina Gregory has a pastel demo on Friday, Oct. 7th, 4-7 pm at Marta Stafford Fine Art Gallery in Marble Falls: "Piano, Pastel and Prosecco." If you are in the area, stop by and see our longtime OPS Signature member Dina demo her Pastel skills while her husband tickles the piano keys. They are an entertaining duo, for sure. 

Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX several times a year. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  I know there are several more members out there receiving awards we don't know about! Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. 

August 2022

Plein Visions in
Miniature 2022

Aug. 5-Sept. 12


Congratulations to the
Award Winners!


The 2022 OPS Associate Members Show & Exhibition, “Plein Visions in Miniature" is a beautiful show in an excellent venue. Every painting is outstanding and for sale! Thank you to all the Associate members who participated! The show runs through Sept. 12th if you want to drop by and see it. Our host is the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. 3rd St, Temple, TX., 254-773-9926. CAC Current Gallery Hours: M-F 8:30am - 4:00pm, unless otherwise posted. Tues. and Thurs. evenings until 7:30pm, Sat. 9am - 1 pm.

Best in Show

"Seeding Galveston" by Krystal Brown

First Place
"Up For Roping" by Durre Waseem

Second Place
"Meadow Pond" by Michael Japp
 

Third Place
"Loading Station Sunset" by Gary Frisk

Honorable Mention
"View Towards Johnson City"
by Frank Gabriel

Honorable Mention
"Texas Underbrush" by Susan Sterle

Honorable Mention
"Winter Morning on Boliver"
by Myrrh Haslam


2022 OPS
Calendar of Events


Associates Salon Show:
August 5-September 12, 2022
Show, Sale & Exhibition


September 20-24:  Paint Kerrville!

Competition, Show & Sale


October 20-22: New Iberia, LA
with the Shadows-on-the-Teche
Paint Out & Wet Paint Sale


November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
Paint Out


December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

Cliffs alongside the Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX


PAINT KERRVILLE! filled up in less than 48 hours! For those of you who missed the registration, you still have a good chance to be included if you put your name on the waiting list. You only pay the fee for entry when you are officially accepted.

Taking place September 20-24, the variety and beauty of the Kerrville area is hard to beat! The 2nd Annual OPS Membership Competition, Show & Sale is hosted by Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Artists will be painting  throughout Kerrville and the surrounding area including several private property locations. Click HERE for the schedule.

Shadows-on-the-Teche, a classic
Revival-style plantation built in 1834


Shadows Paint Out


Registration is open! October 20-22 takes us to New Iberia, LA where the Shadows-on-the-Teche are hosting us for a Paintout and Wet Paint Sale. The countryside is chock full of a variety of interesting and unusual painting locations, with moss-laden cypress trees and charming historical buildings. The Atchafalaya River runs through the Bayou Basin for miles and miles in a maze of lakes, ponds, and cypress swamps. There is a series of colorful islands to paint, and a small town on the coast with shrimp boats.  There is an abundance of hotels, charming rentals and Airbnbs. IberiaTravel has lots of information about the area, lodging, and dining options. 

Avery Island LA Historical Tabasco Shop
 

Big Bend National Park


Big Bend Paint Out Opens Soon!


Registration is opening next week, so watch your email. November 13-19 we travel to Big Bend National Park, Terlinqua, and Big Bend State Park. The National Park gets its name from where the majestic Rio Grande takes a “big bend” on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes considered “three parks in one,” Big Bend has mountains, desert, and river environments. An hour-long drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. In this vast park, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and sunsets! 

For those of you who want to know more information ahead of time, you can always go to our website and sign in, and then click the tab for "members only." Select "paint out itineraries" from the pop up menu, and you can see the itinerary that Irma Ward put together from the paint out last year. It might change a bit this year, but you can definitely get the feeling of what each day will be about, including lodging options. We like to stay in the budget friendly hotel, Chisos Mining Company. It is open for fall registration and we recommend getting on the horn to them. The link also includes other options.

Garner State Park


Sneak Peek at 2023 Paint Outs



We start the new year venturing to the Greater Houston area. January begins with a trip to the George Historical Park, known for historical buildings, a blacksmith’s shop, and pretty countryside. Nearby Brazos Bend State Park is a popular destination of local Plein air painters in the area.

In February, we travel deep into the Hill Country to paint along the Frio River, home of Garner State Park, Concan, TX. Several low water crossings dot the country roads, and Los Maples State Park is nearby.


In March, we will adventure down south to Madagorda Bay, to paint the sand, sea and beautiful marshes along the coast. 


April finds painting bluebonnets and wildflowers in Ennis, TX. A popular paint out designation, the beauty of the surrounding country is enhanced with bright patches of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush.

Ennis, TX Bluebonnets

OPS Signature Membership

Deadline to apply: Sept. 15

What is Signature Membership in OPS? It is a recognition or acknowledgement by your artist peers that you have grown in skill, education, technique, and willingness to share, while producing a consistent body of art. Achieving Signature Membership with Outdoor Painters Society shows that an artist is serious in producing a professional body of Plein Air work. 

Your peer Signature and Master Signature artists review your body of outdoor work and other criteria to determine if the applicant is yet ready to add the OPS to their signature (example- mysignature, OPS). While the application process does not guarantee this merit badge, it does demonstrate that you are seriously striving to professionally improve your Plein Air painting and marketing. 
 

Our Signature and Master Signature members willingly share helpful tips and resource ideas to all OPS Members who strive to earn the Signature Member achievement. We encourage you to apply, and we will do all we can to help you succeed.

The Board of Directors reviews applications for Signature Membership during the period August 15 through September 15 of each year. An applicant must be an Active Associate or Supporter Member for 5 consecutive years, including current year, and meet at least 1 of the following eligibility criteria:  A) Participated as a juried artist in at least 2 OPS events within past 10 years.   B) Participated in 5 monthly OPS paint outs within past 5 years including current year. Below is the direct link to the application & guidelines for electronic submission:

Application Instructions for Signature Membership

Congratulations

Big congratulations to Gary Frisk, for his 2022 National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society Merit Award for his painting, “Lhoist Revisited.” 

Signature member Val Sandell's painting "Tall in the Fall"  (20" x 20") has been juried into Oil Painters of America Western Regional, to be held at Southwest Art Gallery in Dallas, TX from 9/10/22 to 10/1/22.

Marjorie Shanks painted at the Estes Valley Plein Air event, and then will be a part of Plein Air @Altitude in Winter Park, CO from Sept 2 - Sept 10.  Upon returning home to Louisiana, she will host the 3rd Annual Plein Air Marksville (aka PAM) in Marksville, LA on September 17th, including a plein air pastel workshop in Marksville on September 16th taught by Mark Monk.

Melanie Stokes has a solo show, “Glory Fills the Skies,” at the Warehouse Living Arts Center, Corsicana, TX,  Aug. 20 - Sept. 28, 2022. Opening reception, Aug. 25, 5pm-8pm.
 

Workshops

Deborah Paris. The Painted Sky. Online class. September 2- 30. Learn to paint big atmospheric skies and billowing clouds.
With over 50 lessons and exercises and 16 videos, this course will give you the  tools to paint big, beautiful skies.

https://thelandscapeatelier.com/product/the-painted-sky/

John Lasater: The 2nd annual plein air retreat at Palo Duro State Park, hosted by my Views Community of Artists, is happening Oct. 19-23. Click here to read more about it. All are invited! 

Rusty Jones online workshop, "In Celebration of Nature" is 92 online lessons,  three video lessons each month, private facebook group, and more. Join at https://rustyjonesart.com/

Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop in Athens, TX, Sept. 15-17, 2022. Plein Air and/or Studio. Three day format, lodging available. For more information, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  Send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. We would love to include you!

ReplyForward



July 2022

Plein Visions in
Miniature 2022

Aug. 5-Sept. 12, 2022

Opening Reception & Awards Aug. 5, 5-7pm

2022 Associate Members Show & Sale “Plein Vision in Miniature” is sponsored by the Outdoor Painters Society and hosted by  Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. 3rd St, Temple, TX.  254-773-9926.

An awesome show that you won't want to miss! Please join us. All work submitted is created outdoors by the following OPS Associate Members and available for purchase. 

Cultural Activities Center, Temple, TX
 

BRUCE BINGHAM - AUSTIN, TX; KENT BREWER, WAXAHACHIE, TX; KRYSTAL BROWN - SPRING, TX; JOHN CAGGIANO - ROCKPORT, MA; CARL CANGA - AUSTIN, TX; EMILY CHILES - THE WOODLANDS, TX; SHERYL CRAIG - LEEDY, OK; SHAWN DAVIS - ENNIS, TX; JUDYELLIOTT - FRANKLIN, TX; STEPHEN GARY FRISK - RICHMOND, TX; FRANK GABRIEL - AUSTIN, TX; KATHY HAMMOND -FRIENDSWOOD, TX; MYRRH HASLAM - HOUSTON, TX; NANCY HODGES - WHITNEY, TX; HAI-OU HOU - STEVENSVILLE, MD; FRANCIS HUANG - SAN ANTONIO, TX; AMY CARTER ISHMAEL - MURPHY, TX; MICHAEL JAP - HOUSTON, TX; JANA JENNINGS - OVILLA, TX; LYNN LaROSE - WAXAHACHIE, TX; MYRL LUPER - WOODWAY, TX; JIM LYON - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK; KARLA BRADY MASSINGILL - HURST, TX; ANN McCANN - DALLAS, TX; LISETTE McCLUNG - LEAGUE CITY, TX; DONNA McGEE - WEST MONROE, LA; TERI McREYNOLDS - SAN ANTONIO, TX; JEFFREY NEAL McDANIEL - RIO FRIO, TX; ROBIN POPP - TRENTON, FL; KURT RITTERPUSCH - BELTON, TX; PHYLLIS RYSER - HONEY GROVE, TX; ROY SMITH - BURNET, TX; KAREN STORM - COPPELL, TX; SUSAN STERLE - TEMPLE, TX; MELANIE STOKES - MART, TX; AUSTIN STUBBLEFIELD - FORT WORTH, TX; MARGIE TAYLOR-CORSICANA, TX; IRENA TAYLOR - SAN ANTONIO, TX; NANCY VIOLA - KATY, TX; IRMA WARD, FORT WORTH, TX; DURRE WASEEM - CORONA, CA; HELEN WILSON - THE WOODLANDS.

CAC Current Gallery Hours: M-F 8:30am - 4:00pm unless otherwise posted. Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 7:30pm Saturday mornings 9am - 1 pm.

2022 OPS
Calendar of Events

Associates Salon Show:
August 5-September 12, 2022
Award Ceremony and Exhibition


September 20-24:  Paint Kerrville!

Competition and Exhibition


October 20-22: New Iberia, LA with the Shadows-on-the-Teche
Paintout


November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
Paintout


December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

Cliffs alongside the Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX

Paint Kerrville! 
Competition Event

Entries open in August for our fall events, so mark your calendar and plan on joining us! September 20-24 we venture to one of our favorite hill country painting spots, Kerrville, TX. Complete with a competition and show, the variety and beauty of the Kerrville area is hard to beat! The 2nd Annual OPS Membership Competition & Exhibition, the "wet paint" show & sale is hosted by Kerr Arts & Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas. Artists will be painting  throughout Kerrville and the surrounding area including several private property locations. 

This event does not have a juried entry—it is first come first serve. There is a limit of 50 folks, so watch for the notice that this event registration is open and enter immediately. 

Shadows-on-the-Teche, a classic
Revival-style plantation built in 1834.

Shadows Paint Out

October 20-22 takes us to New Iberia, LA where the Shadows-on-the-Teche are hosting us for a Paintout and Wet Paint Sale. The countryside is chock full of a variety of interesting and unusual painting locations, with moss-laden cypress trees and charming historical buildings. The Atchafalaya River runs through the Bayou Basin for miles and miles in a maze of lakes, ponds, and cypress swamps. 

Registration opens for the Shadows in August. There is no limit to how many can come, and there is an abundance of hotels, charming rentals and Airbnbs. IberiaTravel has lots of information about the area, lodging, and dining options. 
 

Jungle Gardens along the Bayou Basin

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Paint Out

OPS is going back to Big Bend National Park, November 13-19. A spectacular painting location, Big Bend summons painters from all over the US. Located way out in southwest Texas, the National Park gets its name from where the majestic Rio Grande takes a “big bend” on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes considered “three parks in one” Big Bend has mountains, desert, and river environments. An hour-long drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. In this vast park, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and sunsets! 

For those of you who want to know more information ahead of time, you can always go to our website and sign in, and then click the tab for "members only." Select "paint out itineraries" from the pop up menu, and you can see the itinerary that Irma Ward put together from the paint out last year. It might change a bit this year, but you can definitely get the feeling of what each day will be about, including lodging options. We like to stay in the budget friendly hotel, Chisos Mining Company. It is older, but the rooms are spacious and comfortable. It opens for fall registration tomorrow, and there is another large event happening during the time we are there, so we recommend getting on the horn to them. The link also includes other options.

Rio Grande River, Big Bend

Now that's how to paint in July!

Jeanne Reavis and Nancy Boren Paint Poppies in Crested Butte, CO

Congratulations

Kathy Hammond: I am the featured Artist for the month of August at the Galveston Art League. I will have 17 plein air pieces on display. Galveston Art Walk is on August 27, so don’t miss it.

Debbie Carroll was juried into the Coors Western Art Sale & Exhibition in Denver for January 2023. Congrats!!

Melanie Stokes has a solo show, “Glory Fills the Skies,” at the Warehouse Living Arts Center, Corsicana, TX,  Aug. 20 - Sept. 28, 2022. Opening reception, Aug. 25, 5pm-8pm.

Stuart Roper: Happy that two of my paintings, “Prickly Pear Study” and “Autumn Along the Brazos” were juried into the 2022 National Juried Art Show at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center in Breckenridge, TX, July 23 – Sept. 10. Another piece, “Early Snow At Caprock Canyon” was also accepted into the 23rd Annual National Juried Exhibition of The American Impressionist Society which will be held in Boulder, CO  Sept 15- Oct 22.

Tina Bohlman: I am honored & excited that my painting "Fixer Upper" has been accepted into this prestigious exhibition!  Women Artists of the West, 2022 52nd National Exhibition East Meets West, Nov. 6, 2022 - Jan. 7, 2023, The McBride Gallery, 215 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401. 

Jing Zhao: Glad to know that my painting, "Young Girl at the Market," has been accepted into NOPAS 2022 Best of America National Juried Exhibition, hosted by the Wilcox Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY, Sept 8. thru Oct. 8, 2022, opening reception on Sept. 16.

Cecy Turner was notified that her painting, "Evening Silence," was also accepted into the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society "Best of America" show! (See dates above).

Bruce Bingham: I was so excited to find out that my painting "Tea Thyme" made it into the 23rd AIS National Juried Exhibition! It will be held from Sept. 15- Oct. 22, 2022 at Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder Colorado. 

Linghui Wang: So excited to know that my painting, “Daydream," has been accepted into the 52nd National Women Artists of the West Exhibition! The show will be at McBride Gallery in Annapolis, MD, November 6-January 7. 

Carol Devereaux: I was selected to participate in Texas Portrait Society Face Off.  The event took place June 26th. Community leaders were the models, the sales benefitting Chandor Gardens.  I was fortunate to have the fire chief sit for me. 
 

Workshops

Deborah Paris. The Painted Sky. Online class. September 2- 30. Learn to paint big atmospheric skies and billowing clouds!
With over 50 lessons and exercises and 16 videos, this course will give you the  tools to paint big, beautiful skies. Class starts September 2nd.

https://thelandscapeatelier.com/product/the-painted-sky/

The Landscape in Oil, with Julie Sanderson. August 23, 30th and Sept. 6th, 13th. Tuesday, 1-3:30pm. Adults, teens, beginner to intermediate, join us as you learn the fundamentals of painting, as well as the techniques of Plein air painting.
The Woodlands Art League
 http://www.woodlandsartleague.org

John Pototschnik: Just published in Fine Art Today, I believe you'll find this helpful..."Color Mixing For Beginners."
https://www.outdoorpainter.com/color-mixing-for-beginners/

John Lasater: The 2nd annual plein air retreat at Palo Duro State Park, hosted by my Views Community of Artists, is happening October 19-23. Click here to read more about it. All are invited!

Rusty Jones: Come join the fun! If you want to improve you landscape paintings,  "In Celebration of Nature" is the place. 92 online lessons available 24/7 on any device. Three video lessons each month, private Facebook group, monthly critiques, monthly demo challenges with prizes, a community of like minded artists. Join at https://rustyjonesart.com/

Bruce Peil has Art Workshops in Athens, TX. Three day formats, lodging available. For more details, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  I try to make a note of as many folks as possible who post awards on their social media page, or the Outdoor Painters Facebook page. But I know I miss members, so please send any good news, awards, etc., including photos of you  painting outdoors, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 28th of the month. We would love to include you!




June 2022

Plein Visions in
Miniature 2022

Entries are in, acceptance notices go out July 1st, the first step in putting this extra opportunity together for Associate Members to show their plein air work in a salon setting.  Associate Members must concentrate on getting their accepted entry(s) framed, labeled and delivered to the gallery on time.  If you missed the entry deadline start now getting ready for next year by accumulating an inventory of paintings in the required sizes.   

Our new location for this show is centrally located in Texas at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. 3rd Street, downtown Temple.  The four galleries at the Cultural Arts Center are beautiful and the entries will look spectacular whichever gallery is chosen for our exhibit.  
 

Make plans now to stop by for a visit to see Plein Visions in Miniature 2022, August 5-September 12. Opening reception and Awards Ceremony on August 5, 2022 with details TBA soon.

CAC Current Gallery Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 7:30 p.m. Saturday mornings 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cultural Activities Center, Temple, TX

2022 OPS
Calendar of Events

Associates Salon Show:
August 5-September 12, 2022
Award Ceremony and Exhibition


September 20-24:  Paint Kerrville!

Competition and Exhibition


October 20-22: New Iberia, LA with the Shadows-on-the-Teche
Paintout


November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
Paintout


December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

Cliffs alongside the Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX

Paint Kerrville!

Entries open soon for our fall events, so mark your calendar and plan on joining us!  September 20-24 we venture to one of our favorite hill country painting spots, Kerrville, TX. Complete with a competition and show, the variety and beauty of the Kerrville area is hard to beat! The 2nd Annual OPS Membership Competition & Exhibition, the "wet paint" show & sale is hosted by Kerr Arts & Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas. Artists will be painting  throughout Kerrville and the surrounding area including several private property locations. This event does not have a juried entry—it is first come first serve. So watch for the notice that this event registration is open and jump on it!

Shadows-on-the-Teche, a classic
Revival-style plantation built in 1834.

Shadows Paint Out

October 20-22 takes us to New Iberia, LA where the Shadows-on-the-Teche are hosting us for a Paintout and Wet Paint Sale. The countryside is chock full of a variety of interesting and unusual painting locations. Moss-laden cypress trees and charming, historical buildings. The Atchafalaya River runs through the Bayou Basin for miles and miles in a maze of lakes, ponds, and cypress swamps. 
 

Jungle Gardens along the Bayou Basis

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Paint Out

OPS is going back to Big Bend National Park, November 13-19. A spectacular painting location, Big Bend summons painters from all over the US. Located way out in southwest Texas, the National Park gets its name from where the majestic Rio Grande takes a “big bend” on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes considered “three parks in one” Big Bend has mountains, desert, and river environments. An hour-long drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. In this vast park, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and sunsets! 

Richie Vios painting plein air in a truck on a very busy Telluride Street.

Trish Butler, Richie Vios and Bruce Bingham at a paintout in Austin, TX

Plein Air Southwest
2022 Sales Trivia

Plein Air Southwest 2022 Sales Results were slightly above the previous two years.  Olivette Hubler sold the most paintings, six to be exact.  Congratulations to Olivette for excellent sales results for first time competing in the PASW.  Richie Vios, a veteran in PASW competitions who also won Best of Show, sold a total of four paintings but excelled in the highest dollar amount for PASW 2022 sales.  Thirty artists sold at least one painting.
 

(From L to R) Grace Tang, Joy Yao, Linghui at the Dallas Arborteum 

Tools to Add to
Your Artist Tool Kit Now

(This article ran in the newsletter lat year, but is very useful information!)

Feeling green to the whole Art Show entry process?  Set up a file on your computer with the following: (1) Headshot/Selfie; (2) Short Bio (like below); (3) Long Bio (chock full of workshop, formal instruction, and gallery representation info); and (4) Basic Artist Statement that can be quickly altered to fit each Show theme. 

When entering a show and the organization is asking for a Brief Bio (50 words max) for Social Media promotion purposes here is what you want to focus on: 

• Artist Name

• Artist Location (where you live & paint)

• Artist Media, Style, and Inspiration

• Website and/or Social Media site
 

Example: Betty Brushwork currently residing in Sandstone Texas is inspired by the Gulf Coast sunsets. Betty loves the strong color transitions attainable by layering soft pastels. Her impressionistic style with pastels creates an interesting balance to the almost abstract watercolors she also enjoys painting outdoors. See examples of her work at www.BettyBrushwork.com.

OK, it’s 51 words but can be edited down easily to fit in a template. It’ll save you tons of time and boost your confidence when entering shows and competitions.  You’ll be prepared and ready. 

Also, when entering a show or competition there are many magazine articles, blogs, internet sites and YouTube videos to give you a general idea of what to expect, but first and foremost, the most important thing to do is READ the Prospectus for the event and follow the instructions given exactly. 

Congratulations

Melanie Stokes in front of her art at the Professional Artist of Central Texas Show at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple TX. Show runs until July 22.

Texas Artist Alice Leese and her husband, Rob, spent the month of March 2022 painting and documenting on Loggerhead Key, a pristine and remote island at Dry Tortugas National Park. In June, Alice gave an online presentation about her Plein air painting process and the 49 works created on the island. The works and studies created during this residency will be the basis of future work elaborated back home in her studio.  Three University Shows and one nature center show are being scheduled. For more of what Alice is doing, check out her website   www.aliceleese.com or Instagram @aliceleese.

Jeffrey McDaniels is happy to report that his painting “Early Morning, Late Summer, Upper Laguna Madre” was juried into the 2022 Artists For Conservation Show.  It will be seen in the Virtual Show and Book. Congrats also for all the sales at his Rockport Artfest Poster Artist Show!
 

Caroline Ratliff won an Honorable Mention in the G. Lee Gallery SWAN day in Galveston. She later sold her painting! Congrats Caroline!


Lon Brauer: I was delighted to hear that I won 'Impressionist Honorable Mention' for my painting, "Saturday's Project," at the OPA 31st Annual National Exhibition in Steamboat Springs. It is always an honor just to get into an OPA National Exhibition...particularly with all my nonsensical scratchings. But to garner a nod with an award is a true honor!

Durre Waseem recieved Best of Show and 2nd Place in the Quick Draw (pictured above) at the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival. 

Workshops

Bruce Peil has an Art Workshop July 14-16, 2022, three days of painting both studio and plein air in Athens, TX. For more details, go to BrucePeilArt.com.

From the editor:  I try to make a note of as many folks as possible who post awards on their social media page, or the Outdoor Painter's Facebook page. But I know I miss members, so please send any good news, awards, etc., including photos, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month. We would love to include you!

MAY 2022

Plein Air Southwest 2022
May 8-14, Galveston, TX

Plein Air Southwest 2022 exceeded all expectations! The city of Galveston continued to welcome us with open arms. The Galveston Historical Society did an excellent job hosting us at the beautiful Ashton Villa. A big thank you to all the artists and volunteers who, once again, joined together to make this a premiere event. 
Mitch Baird did an outstanding job as our judge. For more fun photos of the event, be sure to visit our facebook page.
 

PASW '22 Best in Show

Richie Vios, “Morning Mist”

Judge Mitch Baird and Richie Vios

Award of Excellence

Fine Art Connoisseur

John P. Lasater IV, “Under the Murdochs”

Award of Excellence

Durre Waseem
“All That Goes Around Katies”

and Artist Choice Award

Award of Excellence

Allen Brockbank, “Play Ball”

Award of Merit

Suzie Baker, “White Oleander”

Award of Merit

Lon Brauer, “Station in the Sun”

Award of Merit

Orville Giguinto, “Prepped & Ready”

Award of Merit

Diane Frossard, “Baby Bear”

Award of Merit

Rusty Jones, “Katie’s Shrimper”

Award of Merit

Jing Zhao, “Dinner at Seaside”

Award of Merit

Spencer Meagher, “Sunshine on Hollywood”

Award of Merit 

Chris Willey, “Morning Garden”

Award of Merit 

Randall Cogburn, “Hold Fast”

Award of Merit 

Fran Ellisor, “Blue Crabs Group”

Award of Merit 

Krystal Brown, “Enchanted Passage”

Award of Merit 

Roy Smith, “West End Palm”

Painting Big Red

Top: John Lasater IV admires Spencer Meagher’s work.

Bottom: Bob Rohm comments as Suzie Baker finishes her painting.

Dr. Paula Summerly, the curator of Old Red Medical Museum contacted the Galveston Historical Foundation to see if any of our PASW artists would like to commemorate the 130 year Anniversary of the first Texas Medical School Building, lovingly called Old Red. The University of Texas Medical Branch supplied the artists with parking passes and high security clearance for one day only, Wednesday. Eight artists completed this historical project and each one did a superb job.

Lather,

Rinse,

Repeat…

That describes our summer for OPS members as we take a brief break to catch our breath after Plein Air Southwest and the Mitch Baird workshop held on Galveston Island where we ‘Lathered’ in the overall experience and fellowship.  So now we ‘Rinse’ before the Associates Member Show with a July entry and an August-September exhibition in central Texas. The prospectus for Visions in Miniature is coming soon to all Associate Members with details on this late summer Salon Show.  Then September will be here before you know it and ‘Repeat’ will be in force for our second Paint Kerrville! competition.  Our OPS Board has worked really hard to offer up a variety of painting opportunities to help you grow as a plein air artist.   

 Our hope is that you take advantage of as many of the paint-outs, competitions, workshops, shows and demos as you can.  And don’t forget about casual paint-outs at New Iberia, LA in October and the all-time favorite Big Bend National Park in November.  

If you have ideas for a future paint-out location be sure and contact one or both of our paint-out gurus, Myrrh Haslam & Marchita Priest.

Nancy Tyler 

Frank Gabriel
 

Julie Sanderson
Shawn Davis

Caroline Sanderson

Jeanne Reavis

Spencer Meagher

Irena Taylor, Sami Ali and Robin Popp

Lisette McClung and Kathy Hammond

Jing Zhao, John Lasater, Sheryl Craig
Krystal Brown

Chuck Rawle

Aliona Price
 

Suzie Baker

Spencer Meagher
Roy Smith, Robin Popp

Jon Burleson

Susan Sterle

Rusty Jones

Randall Cogburn and Gary Frisk

Rachael Wiley-Janota

Welcome new member!

Gail Greenoe

Olivette Hubler

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA with  The Shadows on the Teche 

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
December: TBD OPS Holiday Party
 

Summer Library News

Head inside for education until the temps reach comfortable levels for painting outside.  Good news for our water media painters, we have enlarged our library offerings for watercolor and acrylic.  Your OPS membership entitles you to a large DVD library. Just go to the Members Only section of the website and peruse the classic and recent titles to help you improve your work.   Members only pay postage to/from in order to enjoy 14 days of viewing pleasure.

Congratulations

Nancy Sterling Tyler will have a solo show entitled “Mostly Texas” from June 11-July 9th featuring her Texas travels to OPS paint-outs. Over 40 pieces of Texas themed plein air and studio oil pieces will deck The Grand gallery in downtown Lewisville. 

Bruce Bingham "I am over the moon with gratitude. My painting "Zoom" was recognized by judge Ann H. Larsen with an Award of Merit in the American Impressionist Online Associate Show. Big thank you to Ann and to AIS's Debra Joy Groesser and Liz Gowans Ahrens who's hard work make AIS such a great organization! Lots of people miss my reflection in the right hand corner, lol."  #brucebinghamart


 

From the editor:  Please send any good news, awards, etc., including photos, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month. That gives me time to incorporate your input into the newsletter. 

Big thank you to Kent Bohls who did an amazing job taking photos at PASW!!  Thanks also for awesome photos from Marchita Priest, Rusty Jones, Stephen Haslam and Susan Sterle.




April 2022

May 8 - 14, 2022

Galveston, TX

Plein Air Southwest is a big deal for Outdoor Painters Society and we dedicate a lot of time and effort toward the production. The location of our exhibition is especially unique, because what other art group gets to exhibit in a large southern estate like the 1859 Historic Ashton Villa on Galveston Island? Outdoor Painters honor Ashton Villa’s longtime resident Bettie Ashton Brown’s artistic legacy. Bettie traveled to Europe to study art in the 1800’s and her larger-than-life creations hang in the enormous front parlor of the Villa.  
 


Our stay in Galveston is a full week.  On Friday night we wine and dine the VIP Members of Galveston Historical Foundation while they enjoy our exhibit.  On Saturday, May 14th our artists will paint in the morning light of the grounds and house producing small landscape paintings and perhaps a few Alla Prima Portraits. Over 200 freshly painted works created during the week will be on exhibit and for sale in the ballroom, an event to see for sure. Painting sales will assist the historic preservation efforts of The Galveston Historical Foundation.

Remember entry opens for the 2023 Plein Air Southwest in November and you too can have the opportunity to be part of this experience we call Plein Air Southwest in the future. 

Follow the link below to see the entire catalog for the Galveston Homes Tour, describing the history of the beautiful homes. In addition, there is an article on Plein Air Southwest, including photos of all the artists juried in! 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t7kzn0jj3vfhurd/2022%20HHT%20Catalog.pdf?dl=0



2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

May 8-14: Plein Air Southwest in Galveston, TX Competition

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA, with the Shadows on the Teche

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

OPS Paint Out, Art Cottage

New Braunfels, TX


OPS enjoyed three days painting Gruene, Canyon Lake and New Braunfels in April. Fifty four artists registered. A big thank you to Sherry Wooly, Myra Knapp and George Rhys who hosted us and went above and beyond helping put together an outstanding paint out. There were beautiful places to paint everywhere! On Friday, we enjoyed a fun wine social outside Sherry’s gallery, the Art Cottage, in New Braunfels. Krause's Restaurant went all out to set up canopies and tables to let us show and sell our art Saturday afternoon, where over 50 paintings were shown. We even made the news! A very exciting paint out.

We normally take a summer break, and begin paint outs again in the fall. Mark your calendars for the fall schedule including the Paint Kerrville!, Shadows on the Teche at New Iberia and Big Bend paint outs.

Painting at a private ranch in Gruene

Nancy Viola and Roy Smith

Julie and Caroline Sanderson

Jim Bragg, Joan Bohls, Francis Huang
 

Show and Sell at Krause's

Teri McReynolds

Linghui Wang

Joan Bohls

Joy Yao, Sherry Wooley, Linghui Wang and Grace Tang at the Art Cottage.

Admin note: Any time you need to cancel from a Paint Out, now you can self-cancel. In order to do this, go to the website, sign in, and click on the "Events" menu. Find the Paint Out event and click on the “already registered” notice at the bottom. A window will pop up with a “cancel” option button at the top. We will miss you, but hope to see you soon!

Congratulations

OPS member and plein air painter Lon Brauer has a very interesting article "On Seeing - and Perceiving" on the Outdoor Painter website:

https://www.outdoorpainter.com/on-seeing-and-perceiving-as-a-plein-air-artist/

Congratulations Linghui Wang for her painting, Cows in Cow Creek, to win an Award of Merit at WAOW 2022 Spring Online Show. You will also find the beautiful paintings of OPS artists Cecy Turner, Bruce Bingham and Mary Jabens (and perhaps other OPS members) in the catalog.

https://user-erryoby.cld.bz/WAOW-Online-Show-Spring-Fling/200/

This online show is open from April 10 through June 30.


Ann Hardy is honored by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the State Convention in Houston, Texas, to receive the 2022 “Women in the Arts Recognition” Award for the state of Texas. A-mazing Ann!

From Kathy Hammond: "It is always exciting to be recognized as an artist. I am thrilled to have won three awards over the last couple of weeks. Two Honorable Mentions at the Paint Texas! Plein Air Event in Columbus, Tx. Yesterday I was awarded Third Place for "All Roads Lead Home" at Arts’ International Invitational - Road Trips, in Schulenburg, Tx.  If you are out looking at the wildflowers and want to see some awesome art, both galleries are right off I-10. You won’t be disappointed!"

Let's add to that with an Award of Merit from the Paint the Town, Marble Falls!
 

The Awards at Paint the Town Marble Falls. (OPS members rocked it!) From L to R: Judge Tim Newton, Best in Show winner Richie Vios, 1st Place Roy Smith, 2nd Place  Gary Frisk, 3rd Place Janice Yow-Hindes, Best Nocturne and Artists Choice Shea Daniel Youngblood, and Awards of Merit went to Kathy Hammond and Liz Bonham.

Member News

The Strong Start - a six week online class to learn the techniques and strategies to make a strong start in your landscape paintings in the field or in the studio!
May 13-June 24
The Landscape Atelier—Deborah Paris

https://thelandscapeatelier.com/product/the-strong-start-techniques-and-strategies-for-successful-paintings/

“…the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow."

~ Henry David Thoreau

From the editor:  Please send any good news, awards, etc., including photos, to the newsletter editor, myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month. That gives me time to incorporate your input into the newsletter. 

Big thank you to Marchita Priest, Kent Bohls and Sherry Wooley for sending photos! 

Our hearts and prayers are with
the people of Ukraine


March 2022

Outdoor Painters Society Continues Recording History in Galveston in 2022!

Plein Air Southwest, the annual members competition for Outdoor Painters Society, is recording the history of the island. The Galveston Historical Foundation will partner with OPS for the third year. Our juried selection of artists will add to the local interest and flavor of the 48th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour in early May. The entire art event will span May 8-14, 2022.
 

And just how can a painter record history? Art preserves what fact-based historical records cannot: how it felt to exist in a particular place at a particular time. Tina Bohlman, President of Outdoor Painters Society tells us “47 artists have been juried into the 2022 competition from the droves of entries across the US and Texas." These outdoor artists visiting from Alaska to Maryland will help to record history by depicting the Galveston vibe as it feels today.

Wet paintings will be displayed in the Grand Ball Room at the 1859 Ashton Villa on Broadway. Friday night preview is exclusive for Galveston Historical Foundation Members to meet the artists is on May 13 and the exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, May 14th with a new Alla Prima Portrait Challenge. Plan now to stop by to see a painting of your favorite vintage home featured on the 48th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour, or perhaps other memorable island scenes. Or just support your fellow OPS members that have painted all week.                      Nancy Tyler



Pop Up Paint Out

Wildflowers and Bluebonnets

April 3rd, 2022, Ennis, TX

From 7:30am til dark, OPS members are invited to Davis Hill, 1600 fm 85, Ennis, TX 75120 for a pop up paint out! There will be no hunters so you have a large choice of locations at which to paint. A beef fajita dinner will be available starting at 5:00 pm on the porch for $10.00 per person. Free coffee and iced tea will be on the porch all day. Come and paint at the Hill or all over the 40 miles of Ennis Bluebonnet Trails. Shawn will have maps available from the Chamber of Commerce.

Please RSVP to let us know you are coming: Shawn Davis, sdavis75119@gmail.com.

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

April 3: Paint Wildflowers, Ennis, TX

April 14-16: New Braunfels, TX

May 8-14: Plein Air Southwest in Galveston, TX Competition

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

The Brenham, TX paint out in February was well attended. The weather, although windy the first day, turned gorgeous. We painted historical buildings, flowers and cabins, and Washington on the Brazos. While we were there they hosted a demonstration of the natural farming methods of pioneers, complete with plow, draft horses, oxen and costumes! An enjoyable event for all.

Dinner at Guadalajara

Jingsheng Liu

Marchita Priest & Myrrh Haslam
 

Arthur Deatly

George Rhys

Canyon Lake/New Braunfels, TX

April 14-16, you will not want to miss this paint out. We are painting three days so that you have time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this area of Texas. Three wonderful days of painting the river, historical buildings and the landscape surrounding. We are so fortunate to have the assistance of OPS members George Rhys, Sherry Wooley and Myra Knapp, who live in the area and shared with us all the best places to paint! We have an invitation to a wine social that Friday evening on the shaded patio outside Sherry's art studio, which is conveniently connected to the restaurant where we are scheduled for dinner.

That Saturday late afternoon we are hosted by Krause’s restaurant for a unique Show/Tell and Sale on their large patio. Krause's is advertising we will be there, and the live band will announce us to the patrons. We can round out the evening with German food, fun and maybe a little polka!

Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake

Old town Gruene, TX

Amin note: Participation in paint outs is not manditory. If you can’t come for some reason, please feel free to cancel! Recently we added the “cancel” option on the registration for paint outs, so you can cancel yourself on the website. No need to write the organizer. In order to do this, go to the website and sign in. Click on the events menu. Find the event that you registered for and click on the “already registered” notice at the bottom. It will bring up the details of your registration, along with a “cancel” option button at the top. Click. Ta da! (For paint outs only)

March Tip

Just a heads-up tip from a recurring glitch in our paint filled lives.

Tip: Review and update your profile information annually on ALL your art related sites. Example: Recently we worked from the list of accepted artists for the 2022 PASW competition sent to us from OnLineJuriedShows.  The contact information on a few of the artists was different from the contact data found on the OPS member page.  Reason:  The artists had not reviewed and updated the contact information with OnLine Juried Shows for several years but their email address had changed, or the phone listed was no longer in service, or they had moved to another town, etc.

Associate members, keep building your supply of plein air paintings for entry to the Annual OPS Associate Member Show Plein Visions in Miniature this summer.  Watch for details in the May newsletter.

                                       Nancy Tyler

Congratulations

Irena Taylor receiving an Award of Distinction from judge Rusty Jones for her painting "River Island" at the 2021 Paint Kerrville! competition. 

Shadows on the Teche Plein Air Competition 2022

Big congrats to Farley Lewis taking First Place for Red Awning and Best Use Water for Bayou Down at the Shadows on the Teche Plein Air Competition.

Spencer Meagher (photo below) placed 2nd place in Quick Draw for "Mossy Oak."

Also, he shared with us: "I have recently been working with Etchr Studio based out of Australia. With the onset of COVID they began a program of online learning utilizing various artists around the world. Last fall they reached out to me to work with them. I've had a great time doing demos for them, as well as teaching an online 90 minute workshop.

Last week I was interviewed by their Podcast Host Jhesy Romano for their "Make More Art" Podcast. It is now available for listening or viewing on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, as well as other platforms. Anyone interested in listening can find it at the following links." A second video is also available that is fun and educational. 

iTunes 

Spotify

YouTube

Congratulations Richie Vios for your multiple awards in the Shadows on the Teche Competition: First Place, Quick Draw; Best Delcambre, and Mt. Carmel Academy Awards! You continue to amaze us.
 

And a shout out goes to the members of the Rattlesnake gang, Jeff Williams, Richie Vios, Richard Sneary and Tom Brown for their Teche awards! 

Also juried into the Shadows competition, Julie Sanderson and Lisette McClung.

In the Shadows on the Teche Community Paint Out, members Marjorie Shanks (top) took First Place, and Kathy Hammond (above) was awarded Second!

In the Shadows Quik Draw, Amateur Division, Stacy Rhoades took First Place.

Big kudos to Gay Joines for organizing a paint out in Wharton, TX! She hopes to make it a yearly event.

From the editor: Thank you to those who sent in notices for recent awards, kudos, shows, etc. I did steal a few notices from Facebook, but I know I didn't get everybody. Please send any good news, including photos, to Myrrh myrrhsart@gmail.com by the 25th of the month. That gives me time to incorporate your input into the newsletter.  

Big thank you to Marchita Priest and Kathy Hammond for sending photos! And Marchita and Nancy Tyler for your eagle eyes and editing skills.

Our hearts and prayers are with
the people of Ukraine


February 2022

Galveston, TX

Juror of Awards

Mitch Baird

May 8-14, 2022

"Congratulations to the 47 members that will be participating in PASW 2022!  This event showcases some of the best talent of OPS membership…. these painters are really GOOD!" 
 

The PASW Chairperson's words were so true. However, two of the artists she was referring to accidentally got left out of the list last month: Fran Ellisor, from Conroe, TX and Kaye Franklin, Graham, TX. Also, Hai-ou Hou has not moved to Stevensville, TX, but hails from 
Stevensville, MD. 

Please remember to renew your membership for 2022.  Thank you for your support! Continuing your membership allows you the privilege of applying for Signature status and also retains your status as Signature or Master Signature Member once you have achieved it. No one wants to start over.

 Click here to go to the membership page. 

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

March 18-19:  Brenham, TX

April 14-16: New Braunfels, TX

May 8-14: Plein Air Southwest in Galveston, TX Competition

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX

The weather was cold, but the camaraderie was warm at the paint out in Temple, TX. Over 30 artists came together to paint trains, barns, rivers, trucks, silos and various historical buildings. Many thanks to Susan Sterle, who helped to set up the paint out and hosted us in her studio downtown. She fit all of us and over 41 paintings at the Show and Share the last day. And thank you to the folks at the Respondek Farm for welcoming us and escorting us to wonderful painting venues.

Paint Out at Respondek Farm, Temple, TX

Dinner at Oscar Store, Temple

Olivette Hubler painting Summer Mills

Train Station Museum in Temple

Nelda Smith at Respondek Farm, Temple
 

Jay Wilbur

Brenham, TX

Coming up March 18 and 19, 2022 is Brenham, TX, a historic Texas town surrounded by rolling grassy hills full of wildflowers, and sprawling farmland. Here you will find historic homes and barns that grace the hill country. A few minutes away from Brenham is Washington on the Brazos, the birthplace of Texas.  Or visit Independence, TX, with it's ancient Oak trees and historical buildings. The Antique Rose Emporium is down the street, eight acres of flowers and unique walkways.

Hope to see you there!

Old Baylor Park in Independence, TX Brenham Paint Out

Canyon Lake/New Braunfels, TX

April 14-16, we are heading south again to Gruene, Canyon Lake and New Braunfels for three days of plein air painting. If you have been to this part of Texas, you will want to come again! If you haven’t been, you will definitely want to come. In the heart of the Texas hill country, New Braunfels is known for it’s rustic Texas feel, colorful buildings and river views. Gruene is located within the city, and it’s famous Dance Hall and historical buildings are legendary.

This year we are adding in an extra day to go to Canyon Lake, a reservoir on the Guadalupe River. There are numerous pretty views of the lake from parks and overlooks. The road which connects Canyon Lake and New Braunfels is a hill country destination in itself, and is lined with beautiful cypress trees.

The Show and Share for this paint out will be extra fun. We will meet at the patio of the colorful restaurant, Krause's Cafe, where we will have dinner after.

Mark your calendars! Registration for this paint out will be open within a day or two.

Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake

Old town Gruene, TX

OPS Library News

A quick review of the video loans in the past year (2021) revealed some new trends in OPS Member studies.  No one favorite Artist was at the top, but instead a tie between four video titles requested for viewing.  The top four frequently viewed videos in 2021 were: En Plein Air Water Media by Stephen Quiller; Sonoran Desert by Matt Smith; Mastering Trees by Paul Krauter, and Painting The Effectsof Late Light with Jason Sacran.  We’ve built up our educational library quite a bit so check out our titles  on the OPS website to learn something new or review the basics for improving your painting skills.  And if you feel a particular video was beneficial to you consider purchasing your very own copy direct from the artist. Keep learning and experimenting!

Note to Associate Members 

Begin building your supply of plein air paintings for entry to the Annual OPS Associate Member Show Plein Visions in Miniature this summer.  Watch for details in May newsletter.

                                       Nancy Tyler

Congratulations

The Austin Pastel Society's exhibit, "Celebrating Pastels" is at the Austin Art and Frame Gallery on Bee Cave Rd. until March 24th. Dina Gregory was presented the prestigious Britta Herzog Award for her pastel painting, " Field of Gold."
 

Jessica Respondek

From the editor:  Anyone doing workshops, or have good news,  and/or photos of you out there painting, please share! Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

Big thank you to LaDonna Daniels, Marchita Priest and Nancy Tyler for sending photos! 

Our hearts and prayers are with
the people of Ukraine


January 2022


Plein Air Southwest 2022GMay 8-14, 2022

Galveston, TX

Juror of Awards

Mitch Baird

May 8-14, 2022

A Note from the

OPS PASW 2022 Event Chairperson

Congratulations to the 47 members that will be participating in PASW 2022!  This event showcases some of the best talent of OPS membership…. these painters are really GOOD!  Beginning May 8th, the “heart and soul” of historic Galveston Island will be captured and documented in plein air paintings as the artists compete for about $25,000 in cash and merchandise awards. The event takes place during the annual Galveston Historic Home Tour that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.  The event organizing committee is working on a task list that seems endless at this point, but over the next 90+ days, it all comes together.  Watch for updates in the newsletter over the next 3 months. Again, a big “Shout Out” & Well Done to the PASW 2022 competition artists! 

                  ~ Tina Bohlman, OPS President
 

Sami Ali, Anchorage, AK
Suzie Baker, Shenandoah, TX
Tina Bohlman, Waxahachie, TX
Liz Bonham, Keller, TX.
Beverly Boren, Trophy Club, TX
Lon Brauer, Granite City, IL
Allen Brockbank, Centerville, UT
Krystal Brown, Spring, TX
Jon Burleson, Portland, OR
Randall Cogburn, Austin, TX
Sheryl Craig, Leedey, OK
Vlad Duchev, Baltimore, MD

Fran Ellisor, Conroe, TX

Kaye Franklin, Graham, TX

Gary Frisk, Richmond, TX
Diane Frossard, Tyler, TX
Frank Gabriel, Austin, TX
Orville Giguiento, Littleton, CO
Kathy Hammond, Friendswood, TX
Myrrh Haslam, Houston, TX
Hai-ou Hou, Stevensville, MD
Olivette Hubler, Dallas, TX
Jana Jennings, Ovilla, TX
Rusty Jones, McKinney, TX
Peggy Kingsbury, Pasadena, TX
John Lasater IV, Siloam Springs, AR
Marla Luttrell, Houston, TX
Lisette McClung, League City, TX
Donna McGee, Wests Monroe, LA
Spencer Meagher, Mount Vernon, IL
Lorie Merfeld-Batson, Westcliffe, CO
Jeffrey Neel McDaniel, Rio Frio, TX
Rita Pacheco, Ridgeway, CO
Robin Popp, Trenton, FL
Marchita Priest, Rosenberg, TX
Chuck Rawle, Richmond, TX
Jeanne Reavis, Houston, TX
Robert Rohm, Lago Vista TX
Julie Sanderson, Montgomery, TX
Robert Simone, St. Petersburg, FL
Roy Smith, Burnet, TX
Nancy Tyler, Dallas, TX
Richie Vios, Austin, TX
Irma Ward, Ft. Worth, TX
Durre Waseem, Corona CA
Chris Willey, Kansas City, MO
Jing Zhao, Frisco, TX

"Approaching Twilight" by Mitch Baird 

The juror of Plein Air SW will be Plein Air Painters of America Signature Member MITCH BAIRD. Mitch resides in the desert southwest in Mesa, Arizona with his wife and children.  He is a Signature Member of the following organizations: Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society and the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA). As a representational painter, Mitch believes that painting is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us.  He is devoted to the traditions of the late 19th century artists who looked to the figure and nature for inspiration regarding light, color, and design. 

Please visit Mitch's website: https://www.mitchbaird.com/
 

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

January 20-22:  League City, TX

February 18-19:  Temple, TX

March 18-19:  Brenham, TX

April 13-16: New Braunfels, TX

May 8-14: Plein Air Southwest in Galveston, TX Competition

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX

A great start to the new year!! OPS had a fantastic paint out and show and sale this weekend in League City! Over 30 artists froze their fingers and toes to come out and paint. The city gave us a warm welcome, complete with a fancy swag bag and media coverage. The public was invited to see our work, and local art students came out to paint with us! Click below to see the article and a cool video on the event.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/bayarea/article/Chilly-day-doesn-t-deter-Paint-Out-artists-16794451.php

https://www.fox26houston.com/video/1026210

Below: Bill Kalwick and student plein air painters and group dinner at Tookies
 

February, 18 and 19, 2022: Registration is open on the website for Temple, TX, a small town with a rural and small town feel that preserves its historic past as a railroad town.  The historic 1911 Sante Fe Depot with the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum display railroad equipment on the grounds, next to an active railroad yard where rail-fans can observe daily operations. The beautiful Santa Fe Gardens, Whistlestop Playground, and Temple Visitor Center are also nearby. Paint on rural private property near and around Temple. This will include the beautiful Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center, a nearby 100 acres of private property with a windmill, Texas Ranger Cemetery, barns, tractors, old trucks, and a variety of livestock. Links: Railroad and Heritage Museum, Temple Historic District, Mill Retreat & Conference Center

Summer's Mill, Belton, TX 

Coming up March 18 and 19, 2022 is Brenham, TX, a historic Texas town surrounded by rolling grassy hills full of wildflowers, and sprawling farmland. Here you will find historic homes and barns that grace the hill country. A few minutes away from Brenham is Washington on the Brazos, the birthplace of Texas.  Or visit Independence, TX, with it's ancient Oak trees and historical buildings. The Antique Rose Emporium is down the street, eight acres of flowers and unique walkways.

You will receive an invitation shortly to register! Hope to see you there!

Old Baylor Park in Independence

OPS Library News

Yes our video library is a bit “old fashioned," all physical DVD’s. But the advantages are plenty!  Choose a video set and when it arrives you can watch it several times, take notes, paint along, rerun the highlights, view all the sidebars and extras. Many contain timeless advice by really good artists, some presenters have since gone to painters’ heaven, and many are not available on YouTube. If you really immerse yourself in the video and take advantage of the full 14-day use it can be like a workshop, but without the expense and travel. OPS Members just pay postage to and from the library. Check it out.

Note to Associate Members 

Begin building your supply of plein air paintings for entry to the Annual OPS Associate Member Show Plein Visions in Miniature this summer.  Watch for details in May newsletter.

                                       Nancy Tyler
 

The Live Oak Art Center Presents

Paint Texas 2022!

March 23-26, 2022 in Columbus, TX, a national competition open to all plein air artists. Click here for more information and to register.

Workshop

Cecy Turner Watercolor: Landscape and Architectural, March 1-2, 2022, 9:30-4:00, Sponsored by Visual Art Society of Texas (VAST), 400 E. Hickory, Denton, TX. Cost: $175 (VAST members) $210 (non-members).

Cecy will also be doing a watercolor floral demo the evening of March 2nd. Contact: Jo Williams email: texjo@msn.com

Congratulations

Jeffrey Neel McDaniels for being awarded Rockport's 2022 Art Fest Poster Artist! 

Lisette McClung in League Park

Thank you again for all your support for 2021! It's been an exciting year, with three great competition events and lots of fun paint outs! Please remember to support OPS by renewing your membership for 2022.  Click here to go to the membership page.

From the editor:  Anyone doing workshops, or have good news,  and/or photos of you out there painting, please share! Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

Big thank you to Stephanie Polk for sending photos! 
 

Suzie Baker painting with a student

Tina Bohlman





December 2021

For the annual Outdoor Painters Society’s Holiday Party this year, we were hosted by Shawn and Ronnie Davis  to paint on their beautiful ranch in Ennis, TX. Lots of great paintings, good food and camaraderie. Thank you Frank Gabriel for capturing this awesome photo below with the Batdrone! 

Special note: if you look to the far right, you will see the photographer Jim Rogers, who is so frequently behind the camera, not in front of it! 


CALL FOR ENTRIES

Deadline to Enter

January 3!

Plein Air Southwest 2022

Galveston, TX
May 8-14, 2022

Enter for the chance to compete on Galveston Island located on the Texas Gulf Coast to record another year of history.  $25,000  to be awarded in cash and merchandise.

CLICK HERE for the Prospectus and Rules.
 

We're excited to announce juror will be Plein Air Painters of America Signature Member MITCH BAIRD. Mitch resides in the desert southwest in Mesa, Arizona with his wife and children.  He is a Signature Member of the following organizations: Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society and the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA). As a representational painter, Mitch believes that painting is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us.  He is devoted to the traditions of the late 19th century artists who looked to the figure and nature for inspiration regarding light, color, and design. Seeking out this inspiration, Mitch works directly from life to capture the qualities and nuances of natural light and color harmony. He has a strong conviction that great artistic communication depends on solid draftsmanship, design and vision. His artistic desire is to “portray a positive visual statement and hope the viewer will experience what I see and in some sense be inspired, uplifted, or moved by my painting, whether it is of a small intimate setting or a grandiose subject.”

Please visit Mitch's website: https://www.mitchbaird.com/


Mitch Baird
Workshop

May 11, 12 & 13

Galveston, TX

Successful ‘Seeing’
in Outdoor Painting 

Plein Air SW 2022 is pleased to announce a workshop by Mitch Baird. The format is a 3-day "Plein Air" intensive workshop in and around Galveston island. This workshop is limited to 15 participants and will fill up fast. Open to intermediate and advanced artists. 

Class description
What does the act of ‘seeing ’ mean for an artist?  It is the most important part of the creative process for plein air painting.  Discover the keys to understanding and breaking down an outdoor scene.  We will explore the specifics of observing a subject, interpreting the visual elements, and executing it all onto canvas.  We will discuss the way the optics of the eye work as well as seeing light, form, atmosphere and space.  The fundamental principles of painting - composition, drawing, value, color, and edges will also be stressed.  Students will sharpen their focus by pushing for simplification of form, shape, and the larger masses.  There will be daily demos each morning covering the principles mentioned above, followed by plenty of  painting and personal instruction.  Individual attention will be a high priority as well as laughs and lots of enthusiasm!

There are a few spaces left, register soon! $425.00 due upon registration. Refunds: $100 cancellation fee on or before April 15, 2021.  No refunds after April 15, 2021. 
Click here for more information.

"Approaching Twilight" by Mitch Baird 

Thank you for all your support for 2021! It's been an exciting year, with three great competition events and lots of fun paint outs! Please remember to support OPS by renewing your membership for 2022. Your participation is what makes this 'not for profit' organization exist. Everything we do is facilitated and organized by member volunteers. If you can think of any way to lend a hand, let us know! Click here to go to the membership page.

The Outdoor Painters Society

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

January 20-22:  League City, TX

February 18-19:  Temple, TX

March 24-26:  Columbus, TX

April 13-16 Canyon Lake/New Braunfel, TX

May 8-14: Plein Air Southwest in Galveston, TX Competition

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November:  Big Bend

Gulf Coast Parks and Marshland, TX 

January 20-22, 2022: Registration is now open for League City, TX, on the scenic gulf coast of Texas. 

Brave the elements and join us! There are painting venues for everyone, from boats to marshes to historic buildings and churches. For more adventure, there are even rockets to paint at the Johnson Space Center!

League City is extending a warm welcome to those members coming for the League City paint out. There will be a Wet/Dry Plein Air Painting Sale Saturday afternoon for those who wish to participate. The city is providing promotion and advertising, food trucks and public signage. There will be a swag bag for the artists, with lots of goodies. They are welcoming us painting "League City Plein Air." A map of the city with marked sites for us to consider painting will be available. We are still waiting for hotel discounts from the city, and will get word out as soon as a hotel is confirmed.

Above: South Shore Harbour
Below: St. Mary's Church
League City, TX
 

February, 18 and 19, 2022: Susan Sterle, our local co-ordinator, had an article published about her and the upcoming OPS Paint Out, in the local newspaper, "Our town Temple." Click here to read. Temple, TX is off I35 between Austin and Waco. It has a  rural and small town feel that preserves its historic past as a railroad town.  The historic 1911 Sante Fe Depot with the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum display railroad equipment on the grounds, next to an active railroad yard where rail-fans can observe daily operations. The beautiful Santa Fe Gardens, Whistlestop Playground, and Temple Visitor Center are also nearby. Paint on rural private property near and around Temple. This will include the beautiful Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center, a nearby 100 acres of private property with a windmill, Texas Ranger Cemetery, barns, tractors, old trucks, and a variety of livestock. Links: Railroad and Heritage Museum, Temple Historic District, Mill Retreat & Conference Center

Summer's Mill, Belton, TX 

March 24-26: Columbus, TX: Live oaks in bluebonnets, Victorian architecture, ranches and the Colorado River, all filled with history and charm await you at the OPS Columbus Paint Out, 2022! From the meticulously restored 1887 courthouse with a copper dome to crumbling barns in seas of bluebonnets, every corner and every roadside is another perfect painting. Hosted by Live Oak Art Center, housed in the 1891 Brunson Saloon, with three galleries, ample meeting space and relaxing Courtyard area including an outdoor kitchen and bar, you will have a great space to display your art, meet and share your work and just relax after orientation or hard days behind the brush. The historic saloon and its original Whiskey Warehouse may keep you on the property from coffee in the morning to wine-thirty. 


Marchita Priest and Myrrh Haslam

Above: Colorado River, Columbus, TX
Below: Columbus Street Scene

From the editor:  Anyone doing workshops, or have good news,  and/or photos of you out there painting, please share! Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

Big thank you to Jim Rogers, Frank Gabriel, and Marchita Priest for sending photos! 

Below: Fun from the OPS
2021 Holiday Party.
 





November 2021

The dates are set for Outdoor Painters Society premier event, Plein Air Southwest 2022.  Enter for the chance to compete on Galveston Island located on the Texas Gulf Coast to record another year of history.  $25,000 total to be dispersed in cash and merchandise awards.