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October 2024

PAINT KERRVILLE! 2024

Another successful member event, the Paint Kerrville! competition, exhibition and sale, is  in the books! Over 36 artists participated this year, with 220 plein air paintings created in four and a half days. Judge Cecy Turner, OPS Master Signature member, had her job cut out for her.  The weather was wonderful—a little hot on Monday, but cooled down the rest of the week. 

The OPS Board did an excellent job (again) organizing the event and with the help of our logistics team and the volunteers from the art center, produced an incredible exhibition. 

The Kerr Arts and Cultural Center hosted OPS artists with the Center's entire gallery space for display of our art. Under the guidance of Director Lanza Teague, KACC provided the marketing, the patrons preview invitational, the refreshments, and host families for the artists. Not to mention fantastic new venues in which to paint!

There was a steady flow of visitors in and out of the art center all day on Saturday, with lots of sales. And we've been invited back! Be sure and mark your calendars for October 20-25, 2025.

BEST IN SHOW

"Chapel on the Hill" by Becky Smith

Al Kline was given the prestigious
ARTIST CHOICE AWARD (top)

by the Artists for the best body of work

 and an AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

for his painting, "Rusty"

Olivette Hubler won both the
QUICK DRAW AWARD (top)

for "Pumpkin Market"

 and an AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

for her painting, "Sunrise Snacks"

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

"Young Cypress" by Roy Smith

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

"Well Cared For" by Myrrh Haslam

 

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

"Guadalupe" by Martha Watson

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

"Retired" by Gay Joines

AWARD OF DISTINCTION

"Barely Standing" by Tina Bohlman

AWARD OF DISTINCTION

"See Ya Next Summer" by Cindy Schiffens

AWARD OF DISTINCTION

"The Long View" by Ryan Henry

AWARD OF DISTINCTION

"Myrtle Street Beauty" by Amie Gonser

JUDGES NOD

"Hidden Vines" by Shaun Frankfurt

JUDGES NOD

"Gray Day at Schriner Mansion"
by Leisa Luis-Grill

New members remember to sign into the website with the email address that you signed up with, then hit the Login button, and all the member information will appear, including events and paint outs.

The Outdoor Painters Society

Holiday Bash!

December 15th, 9am-6pm

This event is everyone's favorite Ho-Ho-Ho! of the year; fun, food, camaraderie, a lively "painting exchange" game, and a bonus day of painting on, "Davis Hill”,  Shawn Davis' picturesque acreage SE of Ennis, TX. We start the day with the Paint Out, 9am to 2pm.  There is an abundance of scenic vistas—you won't have to trek far to get a good painting here. Plenty of parking and a 4-wheel "mule" to take you anywhere on the property. Lunch is catered by OPS member Ronnie & Shawn Davis. No charge for food & drinks (water, coffee & tea) but donations to reimburse the Davises for their hospitality are encouraged. One guest is allowed per member.                                                 

At 2pm, we gather at Shawn's "Barn-dominium" for socializing. Note: There may not be enough chairs available - so as a "back-up" bring your own camp chair & BYO adult beverage. The menu is all you can eat veggie stew and French bread or cornbread. You may also bring a favorite dessert to share.

The Painting Exchange Game is not mandatory to participate, but it's our tradition that members bring a dry 8x10 painting  (unframed) wrapped in plain brown paper (no identification on the wrapper, please). After lunch, around 3:30, the fun begins when we start a lively game for exchanging the "unidentified" paintings.  This has been a long time traditional activity, and dozens of OPS members have quite a collection of originals as a result of participating in this game over the years.  

Register early (you can do so on the website, be sure to log in) so Shawn can plan on how big a pot she needs! We hope you can join us. GPS address:  1600 FM 85, Ennis, TX 75119. OPS signs at entrance.

OPS Calendar
of Events 2024

Paint Corsicana! Nov. 9th
Paint Out & Sale

Palo Duro Canyon & National Ranching Heritage Center
Nov. 11-13 & 14-15  Paint Outs, Palo Duro Canyon & Lubbock, TX

Dickens on the Strand
Dec. 6-8 Registration Full

OPS Holiday Bash Dec. 15th 
Paint Out, Lunch & Painting Exchange

OPS paint outs are always free to members and their guests. It is tremendous fun to paint and socialize with other plein air artists, so we invite you to join us for one, two or all. You can easily self cancel if you need to. Contact Myrrh Haslam or Marchita Priest if you have questions.

PAINT CORSICANA!

November 9, 2024

A One Day Paint Out
Plus

Wet Paint Sale


CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY


This paint out is hosted by Navarro Council of the Arts and the historic Palace Theater. After spending the day painting Corsicana's many historic landmarks, we have been invited to set up our easels under the Palace Theater's marquee for a "wet paint sale" (4:30 pm to 6:00 pm), prior to that evening's program.


Following the wet paint sale, through a "blind draw" of artist's names, 12 lucky artists will receive a complimentary ticket to the evening's program, Seger System, A Bob Seger Tribute.


Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon &
The National Ranching
Heritage Center

November 11 - 15, 2024

Two paint outs in one week! You can sign up for one or the other, or both. When you register, there will be options for you to choose. 


The first three days of the week, we will paint Palo Duro Canyon State Park, a very popular painting destination, near Amarillo & Canyon, TX.  On Thursday & Friday our paint out continues south to Lubbock, TX (about an hour and a half away) to the National Ranching Heritage Center, full of historical buildings & charming scenery. 

November 11, 12 & 13: 
Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The landscape is dramatic: canyon walls, stunning hoodoo formations, cliffs with red rocks, low water crossings with cottonwoods. This terra cotta badlands attracts plein air painters for hundreds of miles around. Formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, the Palo Duro Canyon system is 120 miles long and as much as 20 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet, and its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level.

November 14 & 15:
The National Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock, TX

A brand new OPS paint out location, here is an opportunity to capture national pioneer and ranching history. This 19 acre Park on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock, TX presents historic structures that are arranged to exhibit the evolution of ranch life from the late 1700s through the mid 1900s. A mile-and-a-half of paved pathways and trees provides easy walking access to all of the buildings, which includes a Blacksmith shop, a stable, period barns, houses and much more. Posted signs give a history of each structure. We have been given permission to sell our wet paintings in the park. There will be a short agreement to sign at their visitor’s center. For more information on NRHC, visit their webpage.

 

2025 OPS Paint Outs

2025 will be another exciting year for members! Paint Outs are being planned for exciting venues such as the George Ranch Historical Park and Brazos Bend State Park in the greater Houston area early in 2025.  Make plans for Rockport, TX, in March. April wildflower paint out will be in Ennis, TX again. Eureka Springs AR in August/September, and return to the very popular & amazing Big Bend National Park in November. More details posted in the next couple of Plein Talk issues.

Rockport, TX

More Paint Kerrville! Fun

Dinner at Billy Gene's

Katy, TX ISD Student Paint Out

OPS board members Marchita Priest, Chuck Rawle, and Myrrh Haslam judged the Katy ISD student plein air competition at Willow Fork Park in Katy. Twenty three students completed a painting of scenes around the lake in 2 hours. The Artist Choice Award was wonderful and very creative. Tough decisions for us to choose Best of Show and Award of Excellence. The kids did an awesome job!! (Jeanne Reavis, we missed you.)

Congratulations!

We know that OPS members are winning awards right and left, and we love to share good news! Please remember to send to notices and photos to myrrhsart@gmail.com.

(Above) Joy Yao: I’ve seen confused people, but never anyone as confused as me! Today, I discovered the award I won wasn’t for “Best Setup” (there wasn’t even such a “Setup” award), but rather the highest honor—the ‘Spirit of En Plein Air Grand Prize’! At the time, I didn’t hear it because I was looking at my phone. I only heard the judge mention that my setup was great. Today, I finally realized. I’m absolutely overjoyed! Many thanks to Judge Melissa Murphy!!! 

(Above) Dena Davis: I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention at En Plein Air McKinney yesterday. Congratulations to all the award winners and to the 37 amazing artists who participated. Thanks to our judge, Milessa Murphy @artbymilessa who provided a written critique on every piece of artwork that was entered. -wow! Also we couldn’t have had better volunteers who made the day possible. 

 

Workshops and Events

Plein Air France
Castle Workshop

with Cecy Turner, July 14-21, 2025
Only a few more rooms left!

Experience this painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information:cecy@cecyturner.com or  go to cecyturnerfineart.com. Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

September 2024

Guadalupe River, Kerrville, TX

Deadline To Enter
October 1st

PAINT KERRVILLE!

October 14 - 19, 2024
KERR Arts & Cultural Center

$5,000 in Awards & Prizes

Judge Cecy Turner 

Host Homes Available For Artists

Don't miss signing up for this membership paint out & competition event in gorgeous hill country of Kerrville, TX. Presented by the Outdoor Painters Society and Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Kerrville, Texas, artists will compete for $5000+ in awards and paint for 6 days at selected locations. This is an "open competition" that will be capped at 50 artists - with additional registrations wait listed. Competition artists will have the opportunity to interpret Kerrville and the Hill Country as only a plein air painter can.  


The Exhibition will be in the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. A percentage of sales from the exhibition will benefit KACC.


 

"Out on the Line" by Kathie Odom

Just a few places left
in the second 

Kathie Odom
Texas Plein Air
Workshop

May 2-4, 2025
Galveston, TX


Kathy's first Texas Plein Air workshop filled so fast, she let us schedule a second one. It is right before the 2025 Plein Air Southwest.

Find all the details on the OPS website's event page at www.outdoorpainters.com. 

We proudly applaud  our newest Outdoor Painters Society Signature Member, Stephen Gary Frisk. 

OPS Calendar
of Events 2024


Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)


Paint Corsicana! Nov. 9
Paint Out, Corsicana, TX

Palo Duro Canyon & National Ranching Heritage Center
Nov. 11-13 & 14-15 Paint Outs, 
Palo Duro Canyon & Lubbock, TX

Dickens on the Strand Oct. 7-8th
Paint Out, Registration Full

OPS Holiday Party: TBA, 2024

OPS paint outs are always free to members and their guests. It is tremendous fun to paint and socialize with other plein air artists, so we invite you to join us for one, two or all. You can register, and for any reason easily self cancel if you need to (on your registration form). Contact Myrrh Haslam or Marchita Priest if you have questions.

Dickens on the Strand Paint Out, Dec. 7-8, is currently full. Please write to Myrrh at myrrhsart@gmail.com, if you would like to be on the wait list. 

Estes Park "Show and Share"

The Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park Paint Out

Estes Park and the RMNP did not disappoint. Each day greeted us with beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery. In the morning we scattered to paint the meadows, mountains, lakes and rivers. At night we had dinner together, sharing the day’s adventures and surprises. 

We learned how to navigate the complexities of the new national park “timed reservation” entry system with the help of our local artist, Cecy Turner. Thank you Cecy for everything you did to make this an incredible experience for all, including hosting the “Show and Share” party at your mountain home. We not only shared our paintings, but also shared a cake with two OPS members who happened to have their birthdays on that day!

At the end of the week, everyone left tired and happy, with wonderful paintings, lots of photos and memories of this awesome experience.

Birthday Gals 
Leslie Wristers and Olivette Hubler

Dinner at Mama Rose's 

 

PAINT CORSICANA!

November 9, 2024

A One Day Paint Out
Plus

Wet Paint Sale


CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY


This paint out is hosted by Navarro Council of the Arts and the historic Palace Theater. After spending the day painting Corsicana's many historic landmarks, we have been invited to set up our easels under the Palace Theater's marquee for a "wet paint sale" (4:30 pm to 6:00 pm), prior to that evening's program.


Following the wet paint sale, through a "blind draw" of artist's names, 12 lucky artists will receive a complimentary ticket to the evening's program, Seger System, A Bob Seger Tribute.


Registration is open

Palo Duro Canyon &
The National Ranching
Heritage Center

November 11 - 15, 2024

Palo Duro Canyon

The National Ranching Heritage Center

Two paint outs in one week! You can sign up for one or the other, or both. When you register, there will be options for you to choose. 


The first three days of the week, we will paint Palo Duro Canyon State Park, a very popular painting destination, near Amarillo & Canyon, TX.  On Thursday & Friday our paint out continues south to Lubbock, TX (about an hour and a half away) to the National Ranching Heritage Center, full of historical buildings & charming scenery. 

November 11, 12 & 13: 
Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The landscape is dramatic: canyon walls, stunning hoodoo formations, cliffs with red rocks, low water crossings with cottonwoods. This terra cotta badlands attracts plein air painters for hundreds of miles around. Formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, the Palo Duro Canyon system is 120 miles long and as much as 20 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet, and its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level.

November 14 & 15:
The National Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock, TX

A brand new OPS paint out location, here is an opportunity to capture national pioneer and ranching history. This 19 acre Park on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock, TX presents historic structures that are arranged to exhibit the evolution of ranch life from the late 1700s through the mid 1900s. A mile-and-a-half of paved pathways and trees provides easy walking access to all of the buildings, which includes a Blacksmith shop, a stable, period barns, houses and much more. Posted signs give a history of each structure. We have been given permission to sell our wet paintings in the park. There will be a short agreement to sign at their visitor’s center. For more information on NRHC, visit their webpage.

2025 OPS Paint Outs

2025 will be another exciting year for members! Paint Outs are being planned for exciting venues such as the George Ranch Historical Park and Brazos Bend State Park in the greater Houston area, Rockport, TX, Eureka Springs AR and Ennis, TX. In the fall be sure and keep your calendars open for very popular & amazing Big Bend National Park in November. More details posted in the next couple of Plein Talk issues.

Rockport, TX

More Estes Park Fun

New members remember to sign into the website with the email address that you signed up with, then hit the Login button, and all the member information will appear, including events and paint outs.

Congratulations!

(Above) Cindy Schiffens: I’m so honored that my painting of the Rabb Plantation House at Sabal Palms at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art 49th International Art Show was accepted and received a watercolor honorable mention and was sold at the opening reception.

(Above) Karla Brady Massingill: Congrats on selling your painting at your Corsicana Show last month!

Cecy Turner: So happy about getting two paintings into this great show in Tucson, Arizona! I recently got this email: “The Art Committee met last week to select pieces for the 2024 Show and we are delighted to accept “One Winter Day” and “Out on a Limb.” Congratulations and we hope to see you at the Show! Warm regards, Mountain Oyster Club Art Committee.”

Jeffrey McDaniel: It’s been a pretty good summer. "The Day's Promise" went Second place at the 2024 Port Aransas Art Center Sunrise and Sunsets Show. “Hurricane Survivors” was awarded Meritorious Art Status in the 2024 Richeson 75 Landscape, Seascape, and Architecture Show. “Winter Texans," was juried into the 2024 Artists for Conservation annual show.

Workshops and Events

On October 15-19th, the Amarillo Art Center is hosting a Plein Air Paint Out, including demonstrations, painting in Palo Duro Canyon and a nearby ranch, ending with a Plein Air Show and reception. Go tohttps://www.artsinthesunset.org/service-page/plein-air-paint-out?referral=service_list_widget for more information.

Rusty Jones: Come join the fun! If you want to improve your landscape paintings, In Celebration of Nature is the place. Hundreds of 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/

 

Plein Air France
Castle Workshop

with Cecy Turner, July 14-21, 2025
Only a few more rooms left!

Experience this painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information:cecy@cecyturner.com or  go to cecyturnerfineart.com. Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

Editor’s note: Our members love to hear good news. Send member news, photos of events where you won an award, workshop notices, and/or photos of yourself or your friends painting, by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

When sending in news of shows, please include a. Show Name b. Show Location    c. Show dates and d. the title of the painting(s) juried in or awarded a ribbon.  If room, we can also publish a small graphic with the details. Thank you! 

The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

August 2024

"Plein Vision in Miniature"

The Warehouse Of Living Arts andNavarro Council of the Arts hosted the Annual Outdoor Painters Society Associate Member Show in August. The show revealed some wonderful results from our entries.  Artists at the Associate Member level qualified over 40 fresh plein air paintings.  Easily recognizable and very enjoyable to the viewer, this outstanding volume of Plein Air paintings consisted of oil, pastel and water media. 

Congratulations to the members recognized with awards this year. 

Best in Show
Gary Frisk - "West Texas Pumpjack
Elkin Nichols Unit 1"

First Place
John Caggiano - "Called To The Sea"

Second Place
Millie Gosch - "American Houses"

Third Place
Martha Watson - "Prismatic Colors"

Master Signature artist Beverly Boren was our judge this year. Here are her comments:


Truly, there were many paintings created that might be on any judges' "Best" list.  But it is always challenging, as I realize my vote for "best" anything is precisely that: a vote, or an opinion.  No amount of letters after my name will assure that I will infallibly select the "best" painting.  So there is not a simple answer, all art is subjective which is why we all appreciate and relate to different artwork.

That said, I needed a way to judge that eliminated my personal preferences and focus on the quality of the work alone.  My goal was to remain as objective as possible.

I choose 6 specific categories - creativity, technique, originality, composition, overall impression and content.  

I look for a unique perspective, style or message.  Can I feel the hand of the artist at work?  Drawing skills, paint and brush handling and boldness of execution should be evident throughout the work.  Originality may show through unique viewpoints, material handling, brush technique and sometimes through some unidentifiable thing that just makes it stand out from the rest of the paintings. 

The WOW factor!  Did it give me a feeling?

I was amazed at the amount and quality of the work.  Everyone who took part has much to be proud of. Congratulations to the award winners and those recognized for outstanding work. Many thanks for having me as part of the judging process! I congratulate all of you and wish you all the best.

 

Award of Merit
Bob O'Brian - "New Leaves, New Colors"

Award of Merit
Karla Brady Massingill - "Golden Valley"

Award of Merit
Lynn LaRose - "Shacky Sheek"

Guadalupe River, Kerrville, TX

Filling up quickly!
Only a few spaces left

PAINT KERRVILLE!

October 14 - 19, 2024
KERR Arts & Cultural Center

$5,000 in Awards & Prizes

Judge Cecy Turner 

Don't miss signing up for this membership paint out & competition event, presented by the Outdoor Painters Society and Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Kerrville, Texas.  Artists will compete for $5000+ in awards and paint for 6 days  at selected locations within the city of Kerrville and the surrounding Hill Country area. This is an "open competition" that will be capped at 50 artists - with additional registrations wait listed. Competition artists will have the opportunity to interpret Kerrville and the Hill Country as only a plein air painter can.  


The Exhibition will be in the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. A percentage of sales from the exhibition will benefit KACC.

Signature Membership status applications deadline is September 15th. View requirements in the Members Only section of the OPS website.

Also, new members remember to sign into the website with the email address that you signed up with, then hit the Loginbutton, and all the member information will appear, including events and paint outs.

OPS Calendar
of Events 2024


Estes Park: Sept. 16-20, 
Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

Palo Duro Canyon & National Ranching Heritage Center
Nov. 11-13 & 14-15 Paint Outs, 
Palo Duro Canyon & Lubbock, TX

OPS Holiday Party: TBA, 2024

Below is information on upcoming OPS Paint Outs (free to members and their guests). It's always tremendous fun and educational to paint and socialize with other plein air artists, so we invite you to join us for one, two or all. 

Paint Outs are one of the OPS member benefits--you can register, and for any reason easily self cancel if you need to (on your registration form). Contact Myrrh Haslam or Marchita Priest if you have questions.

Still time to register!

Estes Park, CO &

Rocky Mountain
National Park

September 16 - 20, 2024

It’s time to return to a favorite plein air location Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Spectacular mountain scenes, lakes, streams, wildlife, aspens, and much more await OPS members this fall.   Such an awesome place, you won’t want to miss this iconic paint out!!

Registration is open

Palo Duro Canyon &
The National Ranching
Heritage Center

November 11 - 15, 2024

Palo Duro Canyon

 

The National Ranching Heritage Center

Two paint outs in one week! You can sign up for one or the other, or both. When you register, there will be options for you to choose. 


The first three days of the week, we will paint  Palo Duro Canyon State Park, a very popular painting destination, near Amarillo & Canyon, TX.  On Thursday & Friday our paint out continues south to Lubbock, TX (about an hour and a half away) to the National Ranching Heritage Center, full of historical buildings & charming scenery. 

November 11, 12 & 13: 
Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The landscape is dramatic: canyon walls, stunning hoodoo formations, cliffs with red rocks, low water crossings with cottonwoods. This terra cotta badlands attracts plein air painters for hundreds of miles around. Formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, the Palo Duro Canyon system is 120 miles long and as much as 20 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet, and its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level.

November 14 & 15:
The National Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock, TX

A brand new OPS paint out location, here is an opportunity to capture national pioneer and ranching history. This 19 acre Park on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock, TX presents historic structures that are arranged to exhibit the evolution of ranch life from the late 1700s through the mid 1900s. A mile-and-a-half of paved pathways and trees provides easy walking access to all of the buildings, which includes a Blacksmith shop, a stable, period barns, houses and much more. Posted signs give a history of each structure. We have been given permission to sell our wet paintings in the park. There will be a short agreement to sign at their visitor’s center. For more information on NRHC, visit their webpage.

2025 OPS Paint Outs

2025 will be another exciting year for members! Paint Outs are being planned for exciting venues such as the George Ranch Historical Park and Brazos Bend State Park in the greater Houston area, Rockport, TX, Eureka Springs AR and Ennis, TX. In the fall be sure and keep your calendars open for very popular & amazing Big Bend National Park in November. More details posted in the next couple of Plein Talk issues.


"Out on the Line" by Kathie Odom

 

Just a couple of 
places left in the second 

Kathie Odom
Texas Plein Air
Workshop

May 2-4, 2025
Galveston, TX


Kathy's first Texas Plein Air workshop filled so fast, she let us schedule a second one. 

Find all the details on the OPS website's event page at www.outdoorpainters.com. (Be sure to sign in first)

Congratulations!

Nancy Paris Pruden: My painting, “Flowers in a Window” was accepted into the NOAPS online show.

Jeffrey McDaniel: It’s been a pretty good summer. "The Day's Promise" went Second place at the 2024 Port Aransas Art Center Sunrise and Sunsets Show. “Hurricane Survivors” was awarded Meritorious Art Status in the 2024 Richeson 75 Landscape, Seascape, and Architecture Show. “Winter Texans," was juried into the 2024 Artists for Conservation annual show.

Richie Vios: I'm honored to be one of the selected artists in this year's Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, TX.  It’s my second year, and one of my accepted paintings is "Cowboy Zen."

Julie Sanderson: Heading to New York City this week to see the members show at Salmagundi Club. My painting, “What Kiwi Does For A Living,” and was used as an advertisement for the show! It was painted near my home in San Leon. Kiwi is the fisherman who owns the shrimp boat.

Judi Beauford: I’m pleased that “Hay In the Sunshine” and “Morning Vista” have been accepted into the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts 49th Annual Juried Show that will run from September 29 through October 23, 2024.  Reception is Friday, September 20, 2024, 

Linghui Wang: I am honored to be invited to show some my works at the Aspen and Evergreen Gallery in Estes Park, August 20 to October 7, the reception will be September 6, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  The reception will start at Aspen and Everygreen Gallery and then end at Seed and Sage for the Artist talk. Welcome my friends come by to join!!

Jing Zhao: Sending "Blue Bonnet Meadows" to Bosque art Classic 39th juried Annual exhibition! The show will open from September 14 to 28. Hope to see you Saturday, September 14 open night!

Shannon Hill: Omg! So excited that my painting of "Melrose Vineyard" was selected for the Top 40 in the Umpqua Valley Arts Plein air! I’m in the Big room This has been a great week! Judge Anton Pavlenko has been so gracious and kind and inspiring! 

JC Burleson’s painting, “Hills of Gold,” went “Best Umpqua River" at the Umpqua Valley Arts Plein Air. Congrats!

Bruce Bingham: So pleased “My French Window” painting made it into NOAPS 2024 Best of America International Juried Exhibition! I’m honored to be one of the 150 selected out of close to 1000 entries. It will be headed to the Beverly McNeil Gallery for the October Show.

Cecy Turner: I got an email: Dear Artist, Congratulations on your acceptance into the NOAPS 2024 Best of America International Juried Exhibition! for your painting, "Reaching Beyond." With nearly 1,000 entries, only the top 150 paintings were selected for this exhibition. Thank you, National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society, for this honor! The show will be held at Beverly McNeil Gallery in Birmingham, AL, and the opening reception is October 10th. 

Member News

 

Workshops

Rusty Jones: Come join the fun! If you want to improve your landscape paintings, In Celebration of Nature is the place. Hundreds of 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/

Plein Air France
Castle Workshop

with Cecy Turner, July 14-21, 2025
Only a few more rooms left!

Experience this  painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information:cecy@cecyturner.com or  go to cecyturnerfineart.com. Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

Editor’s note: Our members love to hear good news. Send member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, notices of shows, photos of yourself or your friends painting, and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

Occasionally I capture news from a personal Facebook page, but you can't depend on me lol!

When sending in news of shows, please include a. Show Name b. Show Location c.Show dates and d. the name of the painting(s) juried in (if applicable). If room, we can also publish a small graphic with the details. Thank you! 

The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

July 2024

"Plein Vision in Miniature"

July 15 - August 16, 2024

Reception August 6, 5-6:30pm

The Warehouse, Corsicana, TX

The Warehouse Of Living Arts andNavarro Council of the Arts is hosting the Annual Outdoor Painters Society Associate Member Show and paintings are on display now.  Outdoor Painters Society artists at the Associate Member level have entered some amazing and fresh plein air paintings for your viewing.  All pieces are for sale and the show runs through August 16.  Plein Vision in Miniature, the title of the Gallery Show, features small paintings produced outdoors, on the spot, of familiar and intimate areas of Texas and throughout the USA. 

The Warehouse is open 12-5pm Wednesday-Friday.  An opportunity to meet the artists at a reception and award presentations will be Tuesday, August 6, from 5-6:30 pm. at The Warehouse, 119 w. 6th Ave, Corsicana.  We hope you will come out and support your fellow members. 

Navarro Council of the Arts will retain a portion of the sales proceeds to further their local art programs. Easily recognizable and very enjoyable to the viewer, this outstanding volume of Plein Air paintings consists of oil, pastel and water media. 

 

Guadalupe River, Kerrville, TX

Watch your email! 
Entries Open the Middle of August

PAINT KERRVILLE!

October 14 - 19, 2024
KERR Arts & Cultural Center

$5,000 in Awards & Prizes

Judge Cecy Turner 

Don't miss signing up for this membership paint out & competition event, presented by the Outdoor Painters Society and Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Kerrville, Texas.  Artists will compete for $5000+ in awards and paint for 6 days  at selected locations within the city of Kerrville and the surrounding Hill Country area. This is an "open competition" that will be capped at 50 artists - with additional registrations wait listed. Competition artists will have the opportunity to interpret Kerrville and the Hill Country as only a plein air painter can.  


The Exhibition will be in the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. A percentage of sales from the exhibition will benefit KACC.

Reminder: Signature Membership status applications deadline is September 15th. View requirements in the Members Only section of the OPS website.

OPS Calendar
of Events 2024


Estes Park: Sept. 16-20, 
Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

Palo Duro Canyon & National Ranching Heritage Center
Nov. 11-15
Paint Outs, Amarillo & Lubbock, TX

Dickens on the Strand: Dec 7-8, 
Paint Out and Sale, Galveston, TX

OPS Holiday Party: TBA, 2024

Below is information on upcoming OPS Paint Outs (free to members and their guests). It's always tremendous fun and educational to paint and socialize with other plein air artists, so we invite you to join us for one, two or all. 

Paint Outs are one of the OPS member benefits--you can register, and for any reason easily self cancel if you need to. Contact Myrrh Haslam or Marchita Priest if you have questions.

Open For Registration

Estes Park, CO &

Rocky Mountain
National Park

September 16 - 20, 2024

It’s time to return to a favorite plein air location Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Spectacular mountain scenes, lakes, streams, wildlife, aspens, and much more await OPS members this fall.  In the words of the author,  Isabella Bird (1831-1904), “This is an upland valley of grass and flowers, of glades and sloping lawns, and cherry-fringed beds of dry streams, and clumps of pines artistically placed, and mountain sides densely pine-clad, the pines breaking into fringes as they come down upon the ’park,’ and the mountains breaking into pinnacles of bold grey rock as they pierce the blue of the sky.” Aside from the traffic, it’s much like this today. Such an awesome place, you won’t want to miss this iconic paint out!!

Registration Opening Soon

Palo Duro Canyon &
The National Ranching
Heritage Center

November 11 - 15, 2024

Palo Duro Canyon

 

The National Ranching Heritage Center

Two paint outs in one week! Because these outstanding painting locations are so close to each other, OPS is combining them into one week long paint out. The first three days of the week, we will paint  Palo Duro Canyon, a very popular painting destination, outside of Amarillo, TX.  On Thursday & Friday our paint out continues south to Lubbock, TX (about an hour and a half away) to the National Ranching Heritage Center, a new venue, full of historical buildings and charming scenery. 

November 11, 12 & 13: Palo Duro Canyon, Amarillo, TX

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The landscape is dramatic: canyon walls, stunning hoodoo formations, cliffs with red rocks, low water crossings with cottonwoods. This terra cotta badlands attracts plein air painters for hundreds of miles around. Formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, the Palo Duro Canyon system is 120 miles long and as much as 20 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet, and its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level.

November 14 & 15:
The National Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock, TX

A brand new OPS paint out location, here is an opportunity to capture national pioneer and ranching history. This 19 acre Park on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock, TX presents historic structures that are arranged to exhibit the evolution of ranch life from the late 1700s through the mid 1900s. A mile-and-a-half of paved pathways and trees provides easy walking access to all of the buildings, which includes a Blacksmith shop, a stable, period barns, houses and much more. Posted signs give a history of each structure. We have been given permission to sell our original paintings on the grounds of the Center.

They are letting their followers on social media know, and we have been given permission to sell our wet paintings in the park. There will be a short agreement to sign at their visitor’s center. For more information on NRHC, visit their webpage.

Dickens on the Strand

December 7 & 8, 2024
Galveston, TX


We've been invited back! Start collecting your 1800’s/Victorian costumes and practicing quick paints in preparation for  our return to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston as festive street painters and portrait painters (people and pets). It’s a magical two day event opportunity. Last year was very successful. 

"Out on the Line" by Kathie Odom

Don't Miss this 
Three Day Plein Air Workshop with

Kathie Odom

May 6-8, 2025
Galveston, TX


Registration is quickly filling up for a new Plein Air Workshop, sponsored by OPS, with Tennessee artist Kathy Odom in 2025. 


Running concurrent to next year’s PASW, sign up now for this highly experienced plein air artist and teacher. Find all the details www.outdoorpainters.com event page.



 

Your OPS membership entitles you to a large DVD library.  There are titles and artists that you will not find on YouTube or on Eric Rhoads daily demos.  Just go to the Members Only section of the website and peruse the classic titles to help you improve your work.   Members only pay postage to/from in order to enjoy 14 days of viewing pleasure. Head inside for education until the temps reach cooler levels for more comfortable painting outside.

Congratulations!

OPS signature member Robert J. Simonewon the Grand Prize at Plein Air Easton 2024! The judge, renowned artist Nancy Tankersly, chose Robert’s paintingThe Shipwright’s Apprentice (26 x 28; oil) from among a total of 116 competition paintings. Robert’s work is available onlineat http://RobertJSimone.com and can be found on social media @robertjsimone.

OPS member Richie Vios won two awards at Plein Air Easton 2024!  The Life of a Waterman award for his painting, “Restoration Journey.” And the awesome Artists Choice Award  for the Oxford location, for his painting, “Cutts and Case” watercolor. See Richie's work at  Vioswatercolor.com

Also, OPS Signature member Susan Lynn’s painting, "Hay Loft," watercolor, won the Life on the Farm Award at the Plein Air Easton 2024. See more of Susan's work at susanlynnwatercolors.com.

Judi Beauford: I am delighted to share that “Hello There!” (Oil on canvas, 18”x24”) has been accepted into the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center 32nd Annual Fine Art Show that runs from July 23 through October 5, 2024.  For more information please visit Breckenridge Fine Art Center, Breckenridge, Texas, at https://breckenridgefineart.org/

Karla Brady: I’ve got 3 pieces accepted into the annual show at Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckinridge, TX.  Show runs 7/23-10/5. My solo show “For the Beauty of the Earth” will open at the WLAC in Corsicana 8/21 and run through 9/27.

Workshops

Plein Air
France Castle Workshop

with Cecy Turner, July 14-21, 2025
Only 3 more rooms left!

Experience this  painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information:cecy@cecyturner.com or  go to cecyturnerfineart.com. Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

 

Rusty Jones: Come join the fun! If you want to improve you landscape paintings In Celebration of Nature is the place. Hundreds of 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 athttps://rustyjonesart.com/

Editor’s note:Send member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, notices of shows, photos of yourself or your friends painting, and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

June 2024

"Plein Vision in Miniature"

July 15 - August 16, 2024

Reception August 6

The Warehouse, Corsicana, TX

OPS is excited to present another awesome Associates Show this summer! "Plein Visions in Miniature Show & Sale 2024" is sponsored by the Outdoor Painters Society and will be hosted by the Navarro Council of the Arts again this year. This will be a salon-style show and sale for Associate members. All work submitted will be for sale.

OPS Master Signature member, Beverly Boren, will be judging the show this year. All are invited to join us for the Opening Reception on August 6th at The Warehouse, 119 W. 6th Ave., Corsicana, TX.

     

    PAINT KERRVILLE!

    October 14 - 19, 2024
    KERR Arts & Cultural Center

    The 4th Annual OPS Membership Paint Out Competition & Exhibition is October 14 through October 19, 2024.  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. About 200 paintings are expected to be completed by the 50 competition artists in the 4-day event. Entry into this event is “first come, first serve.” It will open sometime near the end of summer, so watch for an email! Last year it filled up in less than 24 hours. Visit the events page on the OPS website for more information.

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2024


    Estes Park: Sept. 16-20, 
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

    National Ranching Heritage Center: Nov. 14-16
    Paint Out and Sale, Lubbock, TX

    Dickens on the Strand: Dec 7-8, 
    Paint Out and Sale, Galveston, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: TBA, 2024

    Below is information on upcoming OPS Paint Outs (free to members and their guests). It's always tremendous fun and educational to paint and socialize with other plein air artists, so we invite you to join us for one, two or all. 

    Paint Outs are one of the OPS member benefits--you can register, and for any reason easily self cancel if you need to. Contact Myrrh Haslam or Marchita Priest if you have questions.

    Estes Park, CO &
    Rocky Mountain
    National Park

    September 16 - 20, 2024
    Open For Registration!

    It’s time to return to a favorite plein air location Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Spectacular mountain scenes, lakes, streams, wildlife, aspens, and much more await OPS members this fall.  In the words of the author,  Isabella Bird (1831-1904), “This is an upland valley of grass and flowers, of glades and sloping lawns, and cherry-fringed beds of dry streams, and clumps of pines artistically placed, and mountain sides densely pine-clad, the pines breaking into fringes as they come down upon the ’park,’ and the mountains breaking into pinnacles of bold grey rock as they pierce the blue of the sky.” Aside from the traffic, it’s much like this today. Such an awesome place, you won’t want to miss this paint out!!

     

    The National Ranching Heritage Center

    November 14 - 16, 2024

    Lubbock, TX

    A brand new OPS Paint Out and Sale, here is an opportunity to paint national pioneer and ranching history. This 19 acre Park on the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock, TX presents historic structures that are arranged to exhibit the evolution of ranch life from the late 1700s through the mid-1900s. A mile-and-a-half of paved pathways and trees provides easy walking access to all of the buildings, which includes a Blacksmith shop, a stable, period barns, houses and much more. Posted signs give a history of each structure.

    The NRHC also has 42 life-size bronze outdoor art pieces and a 44,000-square-foot museum with seven galleries featuring permanent as well as temporary exhibits of art, photography and artifacts that capture historical and contemporary Western life. 

    They are letting their followers on social media know, and we have been given permission to sell our wet paintings in the park. There will be a short agreement to sign at their visitor’s center. For more information on NRHC, visit their webpage.

    Dickens on the Strand

    December 7 & 8, 2024
    Galveston, TX


    We've been invited back! Start collecting your 1800’s/Victorian costumes and practicing quick paints in preparation for  our return to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston as festive street painters and portrait painters (people and pets). It’s a magical two day event opportunity. Last year was very successful. 

    "Out on the Line" by Kathie Odom

    Don't Miss this 
    Three Day Plein Air Workshop with

    Kathie Odom

    May 6-8, 2025
    Galveston, TX


    Registration is quickly filling up for a new Plein Air Workshop, sponsored by OPS, with Tennessee artist Kathy Odom in 2025. 


    Running concurrent to next year’s PASW, sign up now for this highly experienced plein air artist and teacher. Find all the details www.outdoorpainters.com event page.



    Kudos to all you plein air artists painting in the Texas heat! Pic of Grace Tang by Joy Yao.

     

    Entering Art Shows 101

    Editor’s note: This article by Nancy Tyler was originally published in Plein Talk, 2020. 

    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; (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!
    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. 

    Congratulations

    Nancy Paris Pruden: My Painting, “The Other Side of the Creek, Small” was juried into the NOAPS '24 show in Santa Fe in July. The Show is at the Sugarcane Peterson Gallery, 130 W Palace Ave., Santa Fe, NM. 

    Liz Bonham recently showed at the Oil Painters of America National Show in Wichita Kansas. She is also one of four artists chosen for the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art En Plein Air fellowship. The museum will be hosting a show for the four accepted artists this October.

    Laura Williams: I wanted to share that one of my paintings, "DG Loves BC", has been juried into the Oil Painters of America 2024 Salon Show in Indianapolis, IN at the James R. Ross Fine Art Gallery. The exhibition will be on display from July 25-August 17. It is a dream come true to receive notification that I am included among artists whose work I have admired for years.  

    Workshops

    Plein Air Workshop in France

    with Cecy Turner, July 14-21, 2025

    Experience this  painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information: cecy@cecyturner.com

    Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

     

    Editor’s note:Send member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, notices of shows, photos of yourself or your friends painting, and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    May 2024

    Staying in the historic theme to honor our gracious hosts Galveston Historical Foundation, our 2024 Award-winning artists immersed themselves into the history of the Island. Suzie Baker of the Woodlands, TX took Best of Show with a large painting of the 1877 square-rigged iron ship, “ Elissa” in port one of the overcast days of the competition.

    Durre Waseem of Corona, CA continued the history theme with her oil painting “Visiting History” for 1st in Excellence, and Martin Geiger of Staunton, VA for his “Looming Cathedral” for 2nd in Excellence. Other awards were presented in tandem with historical landmarks of the town: Quintessential Galveston Award went to Carla Gauthierof Houston, TX for her watercolor “Martini Cottage;” Richie Vios of Austin, TX wowed us for Best Use of Perspective in his watercolor “Strand from the Top;” Best Seashore or Seascape award went to Liz Bonham of Keller, TX for her “Stewart Beach:” Steven McDonald of Sunnyvale, CA won Best Nocturne  for “Closing Time;” Best Interior  went to Hai-Ou Hou of Stevensville, MD for "Sunday Night;” Best Sunrise or Sunset was captured by Millie Gosch of College Park, GA  for “Sunset Peek-A-Boo;” Best Working Waterfrontworked for Stephen Gary Frisk of Richmond, TX for his impressive “HELIX Producer I;” Best in Architecture award went to Carolyn Lindsey of Cuervo, NM for “Demolition;” and Best Garden Scenewas awarded to Kaye Franklin of Graham TX, for “Oleander.”

    Randall Cogburn of Austin TX captured the coveted Artists Choice Award, voted as best body of work by his peers. 

    Congratulations to all the winners! Click on the tab "Plein Air Southwest 24" on the OPS website to see photographs of the winning paintings. Thank you to the judge this year, Thomas Jefferson Kitts.

    PASW 24 BEST IN SHOW
    "Elissa" by Suzie Baker (above)

    PASW 24 FIRST IN EXCELLENCE
    "Visiting History" by Durre Waseem

     

    PASW 24 SECOND IN EXCELLENCE
    "Looming Cathedral" 
    by Martin Geiger

    PASW 24 ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD
    Randall Cogburn

    Below are the photos of the 3 teams and winner of the Battle of the Brushstokesfundraiser for the Galveston Historical Society, a fun and exciting new addition to our PASW.

    TEAM ACRYLIC
    Myra Knapp, Randall Cogburn, Kathy Hammond

    TEAM OILS
    Steven McDonald, Suzie Baker
    Durre Waseem 

    TEAM WATERCOLOR
    Beverly Boren, Richie Vios, Kaye Franklin

    THE WINNERS! TEAM ACRYLIC

    Battle of the Brushstokes  

    OPS Presents the 2024 Exhibition

    "Plein Vision in Miniature"

    July 15th - August 16

    The Warehouse, Corsicana, TX

    Call for Entry! Our annual OPS Associates Member Show and Sale will be hosted by the Navarro Council of the Arts, Corsicana, TX. This will be a salon-style show for Associate Members only. 

    Calendar

    • Entry Deadline: June 16, 2024
    • Acceptance notice: June 24, 2024
    • Show Dates: July 15 — August 16
    • Opening Reception: TBA
     

    Entry Fees

    Artists may submit three entries; a minimum of two images or a maximum of three, and pay the entry fee of $70. Click on this link to enter the show: Online Juried Shows. (Best viewed on a computer.) Entries submitted must be available for the show and be for sale.

    Show Format

    This is a juried competition of miniature plein air paintings.

    • Only Original paintings created en plein air will be accepted.
    • All paintings must be available and be for sale.
    • One painting is guaranteed accepted from artist’s entry application.
    • A maximum of two entries will be accepted per artist.
    • There are size restrictions so please read all the rules before submitting your entries.

    Find complete information on the OPS Website. 

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2024


    Estes Park: Sept. 16-20, 
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

    National Ranching Heritage Center & Cap Rock Canyon:
    November (Dates TBD),     Paint Out, Lubbock, TX

    Dickens on the Strand: Dec 7-8, 
    Paint Out, Galveston, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December, 2024

    Estes Park, CO &
    Rocky Mountain
    National Park

    September 16-20, 2024
    OPENS IN A FEW DAYS!

    It’s time to return to a favorite plein air location Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Spectacular mountain scenes, lakes, streams, wildlife, aspens, and much more await OPS members this fall.  In the words of the author, Isabella Bird (1831-1904), “This is an upland valley of grass and flowers, of glades and sloping lawns, and cherry-fringed beds of dry streams, and clumps of pines artistically placed, and mountain sides densely pine-clad, the pines breaking into fringes as they come down upon the ’park,’ and the mountains breaking into pinnacles of bold grey rock as they pierce the blue of the sky.”  Aside from the traffic, it’s much like this today.  Such an awesome place, you won’t want to miss this paint out!!

     

    If you plan to attend (or hope to!) we recommend you make your accommodations now, as lodging fills up quickly. A few suggestions below: 

    Econo Lodge at 1040 Big Thompson Ave., (970)586-5338  

    Hotel Estes, 1240 Big Thompson Ave., (970)586-3382

    ValhallaResort.com Cabins

    Silver Moon Inn,  175 Spruce Dr., Estes Park, CO,  (970)586-6006

    The Stanley Hotel, 333 E. Wonderview Ave.,  (970)577-4000

    Saddle n Surrey Motel, 1341 S. St. Vrain Ave., (970)586-3326

    Also try:  Airbnb.com, Vrbo.com, Homeaway.com. 

    Dickens on the Strand
    Galveston, TX

    We've been invited back! Start collecting your 1800’s/Victorian costumes and practicing quick paints in preparation for  our return to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston as festive street painters and portrait painters (people and pets). December 7th and 8th for 2024. It’s a magical two day event opportunity. Last year was very successful. Full details coming soon. Mark your calendars!

    More Plein Air Southwest fun!

     

    Reasons to Share Your Plein Air Work with Others

    You can't help but tell a story of location when you create a Plein air piece. So why not show your art and share that story with others.

    Sharing your art will encourage you to try new things, grow your skills, venture into uncertain (but good) paths, and help you find the courage when you need it to keep going. 

    Take the risk.  If you keep your art to yourself, it may hinder you from expanding from your comfort zone, which in turn will hinder your art skills. Art exhibitions are vital tools for artists at any level. Exhibits allow you to get your work out of your closet and in front of an audience who can see it and appreciate it.

    Self-critique can also be a good process to go through when wondering whether to show your work. It's a way of evaluating where your work stands in the context of what's already out there, and provides some validation. It's scary, but a really good thing. When you put your art out into the world, you're telling the world, "This is what I do. This is what I enjoy."

     

    And once you put your art out into the world, you'll feel free and not quite so scared for the next time.  You want to grow more as an artist. You want to inspire and encourage others to do the same. You strive to become better.

    Gaining entry and winning awards aren’t the only benefits of entering shows and competitions. Be sure to keep your eye on the “bigger prizes” of sticking your neck out and bettering yourself as an artist. No matter the outcome, with every submission you’ll be building your reputation and self esteem, getting your work out there, and improving yourself and your plein air art.

    PS: If you haven't already, please consider participating in the OPS 2024 Associates Show. (See details on the website)

    Reminder: Signature Membership status applications deadline is September 15th. View requirements in the Members Only section of the OPS website.

    Above: Distant Lake
    Below: In the Shadows
    by Bob Rohm


    In Memory of Bob Rohm

    We mourn the passing of a great friend, artist, teacher and educator. Known for his ability to capture the poetry of light, Bob Rohm received many awards and was a signature member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA), Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the Outdoor Painters Society (OPS). In addition to having created several books and instructional DVDs, Bob has been featured in numerous publications including Southwest Art, American Artist, The Artist’s Magazine, The Pastel Journal, International Artist and Pure Color. His work is represented by a number of fine galleries including Sorrel Sky in Santa Fe, Aspen Grove Fine Arts in Aspen and Southwest Gallery in Dallas.

     

    From his wife, Lynn Hollinger Rohm:

    "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” 

    My dear husband, Bob Rohm flew into the heavens on May 2, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. Bob played an instrumental roll in the art community in the Southwest painting the broad vistas and teaching workshops for over 40 years.I am devastated but know Bob lived his life to the fullest. He will be sorely missed.

    Celebrate his life and remember the many gifts he left to the art community.


    The Last Hill by Bob Rohm

    Congratulations

    Roy Smith: Happy to hear my painting “Texas Blues” was awarded 2nd place in the Brownwood Arts, “Texas” themed competition this April.

    Dena Davis: I’m honored to receive the third place award for my bluebird painting, “Springfield Park Resident,”  in the Artists 'Round Texas Paint and Photograph Rowlett competition. A big thanks goes to the judge, Carlos Donjuan, and to all the volunteers for making the event happen. Show is up until August 10th at the Rowlett Public Library.

    Susan Sterle: This past week I participated in the 17th Annual “Paint Historic Waxahachie” Plein air event. I am so honored to have won first prize in the National Historic Preservation Award, sponsored by Historic Waxahachie Inc. (HWI). It was such a pleasure to meet the owners of this beautiful historic home and to add them to my list of collectors. 

    Peggy Kingsbury: So honored to be among the winners at the 17th Paint Waxahachie event. Patrick Saunders judged the show. Historic Waxahachi picked Historical Grace for second place and Sunny Blue won honorable mention. Congratulations to all the winners. And to all who entered. Lots of wonderful work. The Ellis County Art Association did a good job.

    Congratulations to all the winners of the Paint Waxahachie Plein air event. If I missed you here, please drop me a note and I'll include your news!

    Member News

    Lizette McClung: If you haven't checked out Marina Gallery at Watergate, League City, TX, swing by this June. We are having an art opening, Friday, June 14th from 4-8pm & Saturday, June 15th from 11am-4pm. New artwork and lots of fun. Food and beverages will be served. See you there, Lisette Mcclung, Shop Gilmore and Friends, and Dianne Greeley Duggan/

    We'd love to see a few painters in the garden for people to observe and maybe learn about your group and what you do!

    For all our hill country plein air painters: Hi my name is Sarah Stewart and I'm the director at the pollinator garden inside Kerrville Schreiner Park. The park will be free to the public on June 8th.As part of a focus on the arts, I wondered if some of your members would be present that day for plein air painting? We'll likely have a musician playing and maybe a hands-on art project for kids. We'll have someone there from the local photography group talking about their art as well.

    Our primary featured time is from 9:45am to 10:45am, but the park is available to all for the entire day. Our music, camera, and garden folks will be there during that time slot so we'd love to have some of your group there also!

    Please contact me if you are interested! Sarah Stewart indigal@gmail.com

     

    Workshops

    Plein Air Workshop in France

    with Cecy Turner, July 14-21, 2025

    Experience this  painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations, which include:

    Bourdeilles Village and Castle, Brantome town on the Dronne River, Grotte de Vellars caves and St. Jean de Cole Village, Perigueux City with cathedral and Roman ruins, Riberac Market Day and more! All locations are from 8-35 minutes from the castle.

    Watercolor and Oil will be the mediums demonstrated, but other mediums are welcome. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information: cecy@cecyturner.com

    Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

    www.cecyturner.com

    Editor’s note: Please let us know of any good news you might have.  Sometimes I see a post on Facebook and include it, but you can't count on it lol! 

    Send member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, notices of shows, photos of yourself or your friends painting, and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    April 2024

    OPS Presents the 2024 Exhibition

    "Plein Vision in Miniature"

    July 15th - August 16

    The Warehouse, Corsicana, TX

    Call for Entry! Our annual OPS Associates Member Show and Sale will be hosted by the Navarro Council of the Arts, Corsicana, TX. This will be a salon-style show for Associate Members only. 

    Calendar

    • Entry Deadline: June 16, 2024
    • Acceptance notice: June 24, 2024
    • Show Dates: July 15 — August 16
    • Opening Reception: TBA

    Entry Fees

    Artists may submit three entries; a minimum of two images or a maximum of three, and pay the entry fee of $70 to Online Juried Shows. Entries submitted must be available for the show and be for sale.

    Show Format

    This is a juried competition of miniature plein air paintings.

    • Only Original paintings created en plein air will be accepted.
    • All paintings must be available and be for sale.
    • One painting is guaranteed accepted from artist’s entry application.
    • A maximum of two entries will be accepted per artist.
    • There are size restrictions so please read all the rules before submitting your entries.
     

    About the Host Venue

    Navarro Council of the Arts exhibition space, “The Warehouse,” is one of the best known and highly respected exhibition venues in north Texas. It has hosted fine art group and solo exhibitions of traditional, contemporary, western and impressionist works.

    About the Jury Panel

    A panel consisting of two OPS Signature Members will jury the entries. The decision of the jury is final. Participants will be notified no later than June 24th of the jury panel selections by email when results are available in your OnlineJuriedShows artist profile and a posting on the Outdoor Painters Society’s website.

    Juror of Awards

    OPS Master Signature, Beverly Boren

    Plein Air Southwest 2024

    May 5-11, 2024

    Plein Air Southwest is the Outdoor Painters Society premiere plein air event in beautiful Galveston, TX.  For several years we have been fortunate to be hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation.

    • VIP Reception: May 10, 7pm
    • Exhibition open to public:
      May 11,  9am-8pm
    • Exhibition ends, pick up unsold work: May 11, 7pm

    The wet painting exhibition, show and sale 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. Come by on Saturday to see the week long work of 40+ OPS members.

    The 1880 Garten Verein

     

    "Sometimes a Great Notion"
    by Thomas Jefferson Kitts

    A few spaces left!
    Thomas Jefferson Kitts

    May 6-9, 2024


    Our judge for PASW 24 will be the esteemed plein air landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is under the tab  "Events" on the website. To learn more about Thomas: www.thomaskitts.com or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2024

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11,  Galveston, TX  Juried Competition, Show & Sale

    Estes Park: Sept. 16-20
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

    National Ranching Heritage Center & Cap Rock Canyon:
    November (Dates TBD),     Paint Out, Lubbock, TX

    Dickens on the Strand: Dec 7-8, 
    Paint Out, Galveston, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December, 2024

    The April Paint Out to Medicine Park, OKwas charming, quirky, and full of history. The Wichita Mountains with its red rock mountains, gorgeous lakes, and abundant wildlife was spectacular. The weather did pose a challenge for many. But a small group of plein air painters braved the elements and found niches out of the wind and rain to do what they love. Hopefully we can travel again in the future to this awesome location.

     

    Upcoming Paint Outs

    Estes Park, CO &
    Rocky Mountain
    National Park

    September 16-20, 2024

    Opens in May, so
    Make your plans now

    It’s time to return to a favorite plein air location Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Spectacular mountain scenes, lakes, streams, wildlife, aspens, and much more await OPS members this fall.  In the words of the author, Isabella Bird (1831-1904), “This is an upland valley of grass and flowers, of glades and sloping lawns, and cherry-fringed beds of dry streams, and clumps of pines artistically placed, and mountain sides densely pine-clad, the pines breaking into fringes as they come down upon the ’park,’ and the mountains breaking into pinnacles of bold grey rock as they pierce the blue of the sky.”  Aside from the traffic, it’s much like this today.  Such an awesome place, you won’t want to miss this paint out!!

    If you plan to attend (or hope to!) we recommend you make your accommodations now, as lodging fills up quickly. A few suggestions below: 

    Econo Lodge at 1040 Big Thompson Ave., (970)586-5338  

    Hotel Estes, 1240 Big Thompson Ave., (970)586-3382

    Silver Moon Inn,  175 Spruce Dr., Estes Park, CO,  (970)586-6006

    The Stanley Hotel, 333 E. Wonderview Ave.,  (970)577-4000

    Saddle n Surrey Motel, 1341 S. St. Vrain Ave., (970)586-3326

    Also try:  Airbnb.com, Vrbo.com, Homeaway.com.

    Dickens on the Strand

    We've been invited back! Start collecting your 1800’s/Victorian costumes and practicing quick paints in preparation for  our return to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston as festive street painters and portrait painters (people and pets). December 7th and 8th for 2024. It’s a magical two day event opportunity. Last year was very successful. Full details later.

     

    In an addition to last month's memorandum, here is Ron Bausch's photo as he looked painting with OPS. Below is a painting of his that hangs in Cecy Turner's Estes Park home--anyone who is on the upcoming paint out is welcome to see it! 

    Congratulations

    Joy Yao: (above) I’m so thrilled and Honored to find out that my “The Pedestrians in Cusco” was awarded the 2nd place Award from AIS 8th Annual Impressions: Small Works Showcase."  The Exhibition takes place at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, Georgia, April 25 - May 25, 2024.  This is awesome news Joy!

    Karla Massingill: My paintings will be in the People’s Choice Show in at the JN Long Cultural Arts Center 425 Cleburne St., Granbury. Sale runs through May 4. Take a day trip and see the show!

    Susan Sterle: (above) I recently competed in the 2024 Paint Out Bryan competition, hosted by the Visual Art Society of Bryan/College Station (VAS). I had a lot of fun and was so grateful to win a second place and also sold the painting “Queen”. 

    Congratulations to all those members who were juried in and won awards in this year's Marble Falls "Paint the Town" event! And to Richie Vios for doing a great job as judge. 

    Kurt Ritterpusch: I have a show at the Old Bakery and Emporium in Austin, "Eyes To See," running now through May 4. Come out and see it!

    Congratulations to Marchita Priest for her very successful Plein Air Demo at the Brenham, TX Art League! Workshop to follow.

     

    Workshops

    Plein Air Workshop in France

    with Cecy Turner

    July 14-21, 2025

    Experience this  painting paradise and paint in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne! All participants will stay seven nights in Marouatte Castle on 270 acres with all meals included, the workshop, transportation to and from train station, transportation to the painting locations, which include:

    Bourdeilles Village and Castle, Brantome town on the Dronne River, Grotte de Vellars caves and St. Jean de Cole Village, Perigueux City with cathedral and Roman ruins, Riberac Market Day and more! All locations are from 8-35 minutes from the castle.

    Watercolor and Oil will be the mediums demonstrated, but other mediums are welcome. You do not need to be an experienced plein air artist to attend this trip of a lifetime. Email  Cecy for more information: cecy@cecyturner.com

    Castle photos and information: www.artatthecastle.com

    www.cecyturner.com

    "Plein Air Workshop in Spain"

    with Baron Wilson

    4/10/2024 - 4/17/2024
    $4,200.00     

    For complete information:

    https://baron.faso.com/workshop/35595/plein-air-workshop-and-painting-retreat-in-spain-spring-2024 Baron Wilson Fine Art

    www.baron.faso.com

    baron@baronwilson.com 512 484 6065


    Arts in the Sunset, Amarillo Arts Institute

    "3 Day Plein Air Oil Painting

    Workshop For Beginners"

    with Kelly Pennington 

    May 17, 18 & 19,  2024

    Website for more information:

    https://www.artsinthesunset.org/service-page/outdoor-oil-painting-for-beginners

    Editor’s note: Please let us know of any good news you might have.  Sometimes I see a post on Facebook and include it, but you can't count on it lol! Send member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, notices of shows, photos of yourself or your friends painting, and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    March 2024

    2024

    May 5-11, 2024

    Plein Air Southwest is a juried competition event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society. The 2024 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas. 

    • Orientation and Welcome: May 5
    • Official Paint Out: May 5 – May 11
    • Turn In Paintings: May 10, 9am – 12 Noon
    • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception May 10, 7pm
    • Exhibition open to public: May 11,       9am-8pm
    • Exhibition ends, pick up unsold work: May 11, 8pm

    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.

    The 1880 Garten Verein
     

    "Sometimes a Great Notion"
    by Thomas Jefferson Kitts

    Upcoming Workshop
    Thomas Jefferson Kitts

    May 6-9, 2024


    Our judge for PASW 24 will be the esteemed plein air landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is open. Look for it on the website. To learn more about Thomas: www.thomaskitts.com or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2024

    Medicine Park: April 19-20 Paint Out, Lawton, OK 

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11,  Galveston, TX  Juried Competition, Show & Sale

    Estes Park: Sept. 16-20
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

    National Ranching Heritage Center & Cap Rock Canyon:
    November (Dates TBD),     Paint Out, Lubbock, TX

    Dickens on the Strand: Dec 7-8, 
    Paint Out, Galveston, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December, 2024

    OPS artists painted the bluebonnets, wildflowers and historical buildings in the charming small town of Fredericksburg, TX, March 22-23rd. One of our biggest paint outs to boot, over 40 artists enjoyed the pretty weather and gorgeous countryside. The bluebonnets at the Catholic Cemetery were a quite a sight! The show and share was held at the Fredericksburg Brewery. The colorful party room at the back of the building filled up with conversation, laughter and food. There was an incredible collection of wet paintings created in the two day paint out. A special thanks to Ken Bohls for taking photos and sharing them on Facebook! And to all who sent photos to share, much appreciated.
     

    Upcoming Paint Outs

    Medicine Park, OK 

    April 19-22, 2024

    Less than 3 weeks away!

    Known for its red cobblestones, the tiny town of Medicine Park is unique. An oasis of beauty off the beaten path, it has both a lake and a river running through it. And all of this is set in a backdrop of the gorgeous Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge nearby. You will never run out of beauty to paint here, and may want to schedule a day or two extra! Visit https://medicinepark.com/ to learn more about this exciting paint out venue! 

    Estes Park, CO &
    Rocky Mountain
    National Park

    September 16-20, 2024

    Mark your calendars

    It’s time to return to a favorite plein air location Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Spectacular mountain scenes, lakes, streams, wildlife, aspens, and much more await OPS members this fall. In the words of the author, Isabella Bird (1831-1904), “This is an upland valley of grass and flowers, of glades and sloping lawns, and cherry-fringed beds of dry streams, and clumps of pines artistically placed, and mountain sides densely pine-clad, the pines breaking into fringes as they come down upon the ’park,’ and the mountains breaking into pinnacles of bold grey rock as they pierce the blue of the sky.”  Aside from the traffic, it’s much like this today. Such an awesome place, you won’t want to miss painting.

    More Fredericksburg fun . . . 

    Dickens on the Strand

    Start collecting your 1800’s/Victorian costumes and practicing quick paints in preparation of our return to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, as festive street painters and portrait painters (people and pets)December 7th and 8th for 2024. It’s a magical two day event opportunity. Last year was very successful sales-wise on smalls, and we’ve been invited back! Full details later.

    We say goodbye to Spencer Meagher and Ron Bausch

    Spencer Thomas Meagher, 63, of Mount Vernon, passed away after battling cancer on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. Spencer battled his cancer with unwavering faith and strength. The support of each and every one of you over the past year meant the world to him and brought him so much joy. As a family, we would like to say a special thank you for every prayer, text message, meal, word of encouragement and painting sale over the past year. It is our hope that his art and legacy will live on for generations. 

    He was a professional artist, specializing in plein air-style painting.  In addition to his art career, Spencer served as a baptist minister of various local churches for nearly twenty years. He also worked as a laborer and designer for Airtex Products in Fairfield, IL for nearly thirty years.  Spencer Meagher, a loving husband of 41 years, father, grandfather, pastor, Sunday school teacher at Summersville Missionary Baptist church, artist, and friend, left his mark on the world and will be remembered as a man of deep faith. Spencer's passion for art and painting will continue to be enjoyed by many. For more information, and to see more of his artwork,  Spencer Meagher Fine Art.
     

     Spencer won Artist Choice Award at PASW 2019 with The Tall Ship Ellisa. He also took PASW Artist Choice in 2021 with Toujouse Bar--The Tremont House above.

     Ron Bausch artwork

    Ron Bausch, long time OPS member, died peacefully on March 9th after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His lovely wife, Claire, said that this type of Parkinson’s had a life expectancy of nine years, and Ron fought it for fifteen years. Of thirty-eight years of marriage, fifteen were spent having this disease while his wife, Claire, took care of him in their home.


    Ron was an avid plein air painter and went on many OPS trips, mostly accompanied by his longtime good friend and OPS member, Andrew Wages. Ron was also a Signature Member of Associated Creative Artists (ACA) in Dallas. His beautiful paintings were mostly landscapes, and he enjoyed fishing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities all his life and took his five children on many occasions. Those of us who knew Ron will miss his quiet, friendly nature and his incredible talent.

    Email Cecy Turner if you’d like Claire Bauch’s address: cecy@cecyturner.com

    Congratulations

    Kathy Hammond: Thanks to Paint Texas jurors for my first place award in Quick Draw. Rain was forecasted so I painted “Boxwood Bungalow” on the front porch of our BnB. I also took home a second and third place for “Whistle Stop” and “Magnolia Oaks." I had so much fun painting Columbus with Michele Wile Choate and Julie Vincze Sanderson, I am grateful to have them as friends and painting buddies! I am truly blessed beyond measure!

    Cecy Turner's paintings have been accepted into several other upcoming shows, in addition to the OPA show at Mark Arts in Wichita April 5th through May 31st.  Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Spirit Juried Exhibit at the Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY, through April 14th. Women Artists of the West 54th National Exhibit at the Phippen Museum, Prescott, AZ, through June 23rd.

    Member News

    Tina Bolhman: Here's a plein air event in a Texas city with a town square courthouse and mile-long Main street that are all on the National Historic Register! In fact, approximately 20% of all Texas Historic Landmarks are in Waxahachie!  If your event calendar has room, Paint Historic Waxahachie is recommended & will be a great addition to your competition Spring schedule. 

    Waxahachie is my home town & our local citizens & downtown businesses on the Square LOVE plein air painters! Deadline has been extended to April 18 - come paint with me!  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

    Mindy Austin: our local art non-profit’s Paint Out Bryan is on April 12 & 13.    For more information: publicity@visualartsociety.org
     

    Workshops

    "Plein Air Workshop in Spain"

    with Baron Wilson

    4/10/2024 - 4/17/2024
    $4,200.00     

    Embrace your passion for painting and take a journey with us into the heart of old Spain. Plein Air Artist Baron Wilson is offering a painting Workshop & Retreat planned around the beauty of springtime in the rustic and historic Extremadura region in western Spain. Your creativity will flow as you paint surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval cities, picturesque castles and antiquated villages.

    For complete information:

    https://baron.faso.com/workshop/35595/plein-air-workshop-and-painting-retreat-in-spain-spring-2024 Baron Wilson Fine Art

    www.baron.faso.com

    baron@baronwilson.com 512 484 6065

    Arts in the Sunset
    Amarillo Arts Institute

    "3 Day Plein Air Oil Painting

    Workshop For Beginners"

    with Kelly Pennington 

    May 17, 18 & 19,  2024

    Website for more information:

    https://www.artsinthesunset.org/service-page/outdoor-oil-painting-for-beginners

    Editor’s note: Send any member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, and/or photos of yourself or your friends painting and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.
    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432



    February 2024

    Plein Air Southwest

    2024

    May 5-11, 2024

    Plein Air Southwest is a juried competition event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society. The 2024 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists will compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise. Artists paint for 5 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston.

    • Orientation and Welcome: May 5
    • Official Paint Out: May 5 – May 11
    • Turn In Paintings: May 10, 9am – 12 Noon
    • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception May 10, 7pm
    • Exhibition open to public: May 11,       9am-8pm
    • Exhibition ends, pick up unsold work: May 11, 8pm

    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. 

    The 1880 Garten Verein
     

    Don't Miss the Workshop with
    Thomas Jefferson Kitts

    May 6-9, 2024


    Our judge for PASW 24 will be the esteemed landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. We are excited to present a workshop with him May 6-9. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is open. Look for it on the website. To learn more about Thomas: www.thomaskitts.com or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2024

    Fredericksburg: March 22-23
    Wild Flower Paint Out

    Medicine Park: April 19-20
    Paint Out, Lawton, OK 

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11,  Galveston, TX  Juried Competition, Show & Sale

    Estes Park: Sept. Dates TBD
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19,  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

    National Ranching Heritage Center & Cap Rock Canyon:
    November (Dates TBD),     Paint Out, Lubbock, TX

    Dickens on the Strand: Dec 7-8,  Paint Out, Galveston, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December, 2024

    Big Bend National Park

    Feb 19-23, 2024

    What a great week! The weather, gorgeous. The people, so much camaraderie! The food, excellent. Everything you hoped a paint out  to be. 

    Over 35 OPS members and friends came on this exciting adventure. Several people left early, but 18 folks came to the show and share, bringing over 100 incredible plein air paintings of a majestic park venue. Mark your calendar for Nov. 2025 to join us here again in 18 months. 
     

    Upcoming Paint Outs

    Fredericksburg, TX

    March 22-23, 2024

    Next month, OPS artists are going to paint the charming small town of Fredericksburg, TX, March 22-23rd. Here is something for everyone, as well as being the premiere location to see and paint bluebonnets and wildflowers in Texas in the Spring.

    Fredericksburg has a quaint downtown with historical buildings, stretching over two miles. Because it is a tourist location, you will find all the usual motels, loads of AirBnB's and Bed and Breakfasts. Sign into the OPS website, and visit the event page to sign up for this fun and colorful event.

    Medicine Park, OK

    April 19-22, 2024

    Registration opens 
    this weekend!

    Known for its red cobblestones, the tiny town of Medicine Park is unique. An oasis of beauty off the beaten path, it has both a lake and a river running through it. And all of this is set in a backdrop of the gorgeous Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge nearby. You will never run out of beauty to paint here, and may want to schedule a day or two extra! Visit https://medicinepark.com/ to learn more about this exciting paint out venue! 

    More Big Bend fun . . . 

    Dickens on the Strand

    Start collecting your 1800’s/Victorian costumes and practicing quick paints in preparation of our return to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston as festive street painters and portrait painters (people and pets)December 7th and 8th for 2024. It’s a magical two day event opportunity. Last year was very successful sales-wise on smalls and we’ve been invited back! Full details later.

    We say Goodbye to
    Joe Anna Arnette

    A beloved member of OPS, Joe Anna Arnette died the on evening of February 3, 2024, at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, James Asher. Together, they traveled the world, capturing their favorite scenes in paint.

    Joe Anna was a Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, Signature member of Laguna Plein Air Painters and Master Signature member of Plein Air Artists Colorado, a master signature member of Plein Air Painters of New Mexico and an elected member of The Salmagundi Club. Joe Anna participated in Plein Air Maui, Plein Air Southwest, En Plein Air Texas, Paint Grand Traverse, and En Plein Air Masters in France.

    Stillted
     

    Joe Anna was the author of Painting with Passion, The Best of Flower Painting, I and II and Sketchbook Confidential II. Her still life painting book, Painting Sumptuous Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers in Oil, and taught workshops all over the world. She once said, “If there is a passport in art, I think it must be painting en plein air. You’re in business anywhere you can put your easel.”

    A full biography with more photos of her artwork can be found on https://www.outdoorpainter.com/joe-anna-arnett-obituary/ 

    The family suggests memorials to: Christ Church Santa Fe, 1213 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87505

    Captain Carl's Pride

    Congratulations

    Cecy Turner: I'm honored to have my painting, "Reaching Beyond" accepted into the 33rd Oil Painters of America 33rd National Exhibition! This year's national will be held at Mark Arts in Wichita, Kansas, from April 5th through May 31st. 

    Diane Arnette was pleased by the of acceptance of two of her paintings in the Texas Invitational at the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, TX. 

    Member News

    Mindy Austin:  our local art non-profit’s Paint Out Bryan is on April 12 & 13.     It’s our second year. Artists can paint on Friday, also on Saturday during the Downtown Bryan Street and Art Fair. Plein Air artists pay no fee. Also, we plan to have a reception Friday evening. Last year we had good sales at the Art Fair Saturday. Artists need to register in advance please. For more information email me, Mindy Austin: publicity@visualartsociety.org

    Myrrh Haslam: The Independence Historical Society is celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Independence, TX, with free tours of historic Texas buildings on Saturdays March 23 & 30, 2024, 10am-4pm. Artists in pioneer costumes much appreciated! One of the most beautiful locations to paint Texas Bluebonnets.  For more info go to wwww.ISHTexas.com.

    Workshops


    "Plein Air Workshop in Spain"

    with Baron Wilson

    4/10/2024 - 4/17/2024
    $4,200.00     

    Embrace your passion for painting and take a journey with us into the heart of old Spain. Plein Air Artist Baron Wilson is offering a painting Workshop & Retreat planned around the beauty of springtime in the rustic and historic Extremadura region in western Spain. Your creativity will flow as you paint surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval cities, picturesque castles and antiquated villages.

    For complete information:

    https://baron.faso.com/workshop/35595/plein-air-workshop-and-painting-retreat-in-spain-spring-2024 Baron Wilson Fine Art

    www.baron.faso.com

    baron@baronwilson.com 512 484 6065
     

    "Plein Air Oil Painting"

    with Suzie Baker

    ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

    March 6-9, 2024 | 10:ooam-4:30pm

    204 S Austin St Rockport, TX

    For information and registration:

    https://www.rockportartcenter.com/classes-workshops-events/suziebaker  

    Arts in the Sunset
    Amarillo Arts Institute

    "3 Day Plein Air Oil Painting

    Workshop For Beginners"

    with Kelly Pennington 

    May 17, 18 & 19,  2024

    Website for more information:

    https://www.artsinthesunset.org/service-page/outdoor-oil-painting-for-beginners

    Editor’s note: Send any member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, and/or photos of yourself or your friends paintings and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    Thank you for your participation!

    Your membership allows the Outdoor Painters Society to provide interesting opportunities for members to grow as artists and to meet, paint and compete with other like minded creatives. We look forward t0 another amazing year!!


    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.
    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    January 2024

    Plein Air Southwest

    2024

    May 5-11, 2024

    Plein Air Southwest is a member juried competition event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society.  The 2024 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists will compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise. Artists paint for 5 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston.

    • Orientation and Welcome: May 5, 2024
    • Official Paint Out: May 5 – May 11, 2024
    • Turn In Paintings: 9 AM – 12 Noon, May 10, 2024
    • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception 7pm, May 10
    • Exhibition open to public: May 11. 2024
    • Exhibition ends, pick up unsold work: 8pm, May 11

    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. 

    Don't Miss a Workshop with
    Thomas Jefferson Kitts

    May 6-9, 2024


    Our judge for PASW 24 will be the esteemed landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. And we are excited to present a workshop with him May 6-9, 2024. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is open. Look for it on the website. To learn more about Thomas: www.thomaskitts.com or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts
     

    The 1880 Garten Verein

    Congratulations to the 
    2024 Competition Artists

    SAMI ALI - ANCHORAGE, AK

    SUZIE BAKER, SHENANDOAH, TX

    TINA BOHLMAN, WAXAHACHIE, TX

    LIZ BONHAM, KELLER, TX

    BEVERLY BOREN, TROPHY CLUB, TX

    JIM BRAGG, KEMAH, TX

    J.C. BURLESON, PORTLAND, OR

    RANDALL COGBURN, AUSTIN, TX

    SHAWN DAVIS, ENNIS, TX

    MONICA EDWARDS, SILVERADO, CA

    KAYE FRANKLIN, GRAHAM, TX

    STEPHEN GARY FRISK, RICHMOND, TX

    FRANK GABRIEL, AUSTIN, TX

    MARTIN GEIGER, STAUNTON, VA

    MILLIE GOSCH, COLLEGE PARK, GA

    ELAINE HAAKE, LEAWOOD, KS

    KATHY HAMMOND, FRIENDSWOOD, TX

    STEVEN HARRIS, MANVEL, TX

    MYRRH HASLAM, HOUSTON, TX

    HAI-OU HOU, STEVENSVILLE, MD

    OLIVETTE HUBLER, DALLAS, TX

    JANA JENNINGS, BRENHAM, TX

    CAROLYN LINDSEY, CUERVO, NM

    JINGSHENG LIU, PLANO, TX

    WILL MALLER, LOS ALTOS, CA

    LISETTE McCLUNG, LEAGUE CITY, TX

    STEVEN McDONALD, SUNNYVALE, CA

    DONNA McGEE, WEST MONROE, LA

    TERI McREYNOLDS, SAN ANTONIO, TX

    JEFFREY NEEL McDANIEL, RIO FRIO,TX

    MARCHITA PRIEST, ROSENBERG, TX

    CHUCK RAWLE, RICHMOND, TX

    KURT RITTERPUSCH, BELTON, TX

    ROBERT ROHM, LAGO VISTA, TX

    JULIE SANDERSON, MONTGOMERY, TX

    ROBERT SIMONE, ST. PETERSBURG, FL

    RICHARD SNEARY, KANSAS CITY, MO

    SUSAN STERLE, TEMPLE, TX

    IRENA TAYLOR, SAN ANTONIO, TX

    NANCY TYLER, DALLAS, TX

    V....VAUGHN, ROUND ROCK, TX

    RICHIE VIOS, AUSTIN, TX

    DURRE WASEEM, CORONA CA

    BARON WILSON, AUSTIN, TX

    JING ZHAO, FRISCO, TX

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2024

    Big Bend Paint Out: Feb 19-23, 2024

    Fredericksburg: March 22-23, 2024
    Wild Flower Paint Out

    Medicine Park: April 19-20, 2024
    Paint Out, Lawton, OK 

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11, 2024Galveston, TX  Juried Competition, Show & Sale

    Estes Park: Sept. TBD
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19, 2024  Member Competition, Show & Sale (limit 50 members)

    National Ranching Heritage Center & Cap Rock Canyon, November, 2024 
    Paint Out, Lubbock, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December, 2024

    Big Bend National Park

    Feb 19-23, 2024

    Registration Still Open

    Join us for one of OPS's most iconic paint outs. It is so popular we put it on the calendar every 18 months. If ever a landscape  beckoned, 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 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!

    View this short video to get the big picture: 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 information.


    Please note that lodging fills up quickly. There is a link to the preliminary itinerary when you register for the event, or  https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/park/bigbend-national-park/lodges/?msclkid=4935f386b1f4199ad5029617111f1337 to see the options!
     

    Fredericksburg, TX

    March 22-23, 2024

    Registration Opens Soon!

    Come springtime, we are going to paint the charming small town of Fredericksburg, TX, March 22-23rd. Sometimes referred to as the "crown jewel of the hill country," there is something for everyone. It is the premiere location to see and paint bluebonnets and wildflowers in Texas in the Spring.

    There is also a quaint downtown, stretching over two miles, with historical buildings. Because it is a tourist location, there are all the usual motels, loads of AirBnB's and Bed and Breakfasts. Watch your email or visit the event page on the OPS website!

    Medicine Park, OK

    April 19-22, 2024

    Known for its red cobblestones, the tiny town of Medicine Park is unique. An oasis of beauty off the beaten path, it has both a lake and a river running through it. And all of this set in a backdrop of the gorgeous Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge nearby. Visit https://medicinepark.com/ to learn more about this exciting paint out venue! Registration opens soon. 

    Renew Your Membership

    If you already haven't, please renew your OPS membership.  The dues allow the Outdoor Painter's Society to provide interesting opportunities for members to grow as artists and to meet, paint and compete with other like minded creatives. Log onto the OPS website and find the JOIN OPS! page. While you are there, take a chance to edit your profile page and renew your OPS membership for another amazing year!!

    Congratulations

    Another great surprise for Nancy Sterling Tyler in today’s email was acceptance of two pieces in the Texas Invitational at a the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, TX.  This years' theme is Modern Texas through Western Art and Nancy’s plein air pieces completed during OPS travels across the state of Texas will fit in nicely with this theme. Pull on your Cowboy boots for a great opening reception on Tuesday evening February 20th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

    Susan Pape: Just found out I was invited to participate in the Wimberley Arts Festthis April 27 -28th at Waters Point Resort, Wimberley, Texas! I’m so excited! Come join us for live music, great food, beautiful scenery and of course wonderful, inspiring artwork! 

    Member News

    Lisette McClung: This past weekend, I spent a wonderful time painting in Fayetteville, Texas preparing for our Arts for Rural Texas, Plein Air Perspectives: A Texas Trio Exhibit with Kathy Womack Hammond and Julie Sanderson. We made the newspaper and made some fantastic friends, including, 'Honey the Cat' who stayed curled up by my feet the whole time I was painting at the "Triple R Farm". The show will be up at ARTS Ross Galleryin Fayetteville until February 17th. Come by and check out the artwork.

    Also, League City is hosting an Aviary Art Show: 100 Birds of Galveston Countybenefiting the League City Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation. The opening will be Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the League City Civic Center on Walker St.

    League City is also looking for artists to participate in a ‘live painting session’ of two different birds (provided by Wild Bird Adventures). The live painting session is from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  Artists may sell their paintings from their easels and keep 100% of the profits. BYO materials. League City’s goal is to have our guests (many who are attending the Galveston FeatherFest) watch the live painting as an added attraction to the gallery, reception, and silent auction happening that evening. If interested, please let me know. lismcclung26@gmail.com 

    Mindy Austin:  our local art non-profit’s Paint Out Bryan is on April 12&13. It’s our second year. Artists can paint on Friday , also on Saturday during the Downtown Bryan Street and Art Fair. Plein Air artists pay no fee. Also we plan  to have a reception Friday evening. Last year we had good sales at the Art Fair Saturday. Artists need to register in advance please. For more information email me: publicity@visualartsociety.org

    Myrrh Haslam: The Independence Historical Society is celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Independence, TX, with free tours of historic Texas buildings on Saturdays March 23 & 30, 2024. Artists in pioneer costumes much appreciated! One of the most beautiful locations to paint Texas Bluebonnets.  For more info, contact Cynthia George, cw3424@gmail.com 
     

    Workshops

    "Plein Air Oil Painting"

    with Suzie Baker

    ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

    March 6-9 , 2024 | 10AM-4:30PM

    204 S Austin St Rockport, TX

    For information and registration:

    https://www.rockportartcenter.com/classes-workshops-events/suziebaker  



    "Plein Air Workshop in Spain"

    with Baron Wilson

    4/10/2024 - 4/17/2024
    $4,200.00 

    Embrace your passion for painting and take a journey with us into the heart of old Spain. Plein Air Artist Baron Wilson is offering a painting Workshop & Retreat planned around the beauty of springtime in the rustic and historic Extremadura region in western Spain. Your creativity will flow as you paint surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval cities, picturesque castles and antiquated villages.

    For complete information:

    https://baron.faso.com/workshop/35595/plein-air-workshop-and-painting-retreat-in-spain-spring-2024 Baron Wilson Fine Art

    www.baron.faso.com

    baron@baronwilson.com 512 484 6065

     

    Arts in the Sunset. Amarillo Arts Institute

    "3 Day Plein Air Oil Painting

    Workshop For Beginners"

    with Kelly Pennington 

    May 17, 18 & 19,  2024

    Website for more information:

    https://www.artsinthesunset.org/service-page/outdoor-oil-painting-for-beginners

    Editor’s note: Send any member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, and/or photos of yourself or your friends paintings and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. We are always looking for ways to pay the bills. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. 

    Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.
    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432
    Unsubscribe

    December 2023

     

    Time's a-wastin' !!!

    DEADLINE TO ENTER

    By the end of the day
    JANUARY 2, 2024

    $25,000 in Cash & Merchandise

    PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2024

    May 5-11, 2024


    Plein Air Southwest is a juried membership paint out event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society.  The 2024 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists will compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise. Artists paint for 5 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston. GHF finds host families are found for out of town participants.

    • Acceptance notice: January 15, 2024
    • Orientation and Welcome: May 5, 2024
    • Official Paint Out: May 5 – May 11, 2024
    • Turn In Paintings: 9 AM – 12 Noon, May 10, 2024
    • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception 7pm, May 10
    • Exhibition open to public: May 11. 2024
    • Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work: 8pm, May 11
    CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS

    Our judge with be the esteemed landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. And we are excited to present a workshop with him May 6-9, 2024. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is open. Look for it on the website. To learn more about Thomas: www.thomaskitts.com or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts
     

    Holiday Bash! 2023

    OPS members celebrated the Holiday Season and wrapped up a busy 2023 schedule by doing what they do best, painting inside and out, eating good food, and sharing a good time together. Susan Sterle and Nancy Tyler hosted the group at Sterle Studio in Temple TX and everyone pitched in to make the day run flawless. Super surprise art pieces were revealed after a couple rounds of our famous art swap game. Enjoy the candid pics from the Saturday event and start painting your 8” x 10”’s for next years swap.
     

    Renew Your Membership

    Outdoor Painters Society membership dues are payable January 2024, or before. Our dues allow us to belong, to be offered interesting opportunities to grow as an artist, and to meet and compete with other like minded creatives. Log onto the OPS website and find the JOIN OPS! page. While you are there, take a chance to edit your profile page and renew your OPS membership for another amazing year!!

    Member News

    Editor’s note: Send any member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, and/or photos of yourself or your friends paintings and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    Thanks so much Dena Davis and Rona Lesser for sending photos!
     

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. We are always looking for ways to pay the bills. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. 

    Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2023-24

    Big Bend Paint Out: Feb 19-23, 2024

    Fredericksburg: March 21-24, 2024
    Wild Flower Paint Out

    Medicine Park: April, 2024
    Paint Out, Lawton, OK 

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11, 2024Galveston, TX
    Juried Competition, Show & Sale

    Estes Park: Aug/Sept TBD
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19, 2024  Show & Sale and a member competition (open to the first 50).

    National Ranching Heritage Center & Cap Rock Canyon, November, 2024 
    Paint Out, Lubbock, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December, 2024

    Dickens on the Strand

    On Dec. 2nd & 3rd, OPS participated in the colorful and amazing event in Galveston, Dickens on the Strand. The Galveston Historical Society invited us to participate, gave us a big tent and a cool sign, and lots of opportunities to paint and sell our art. The streets were filled with hundreds of costumed party goers and a big parade with horses and carriages--great subjects for painting and photos. Put this event on your calendar for next year!
     

    Big Bend Paint Out

    Feb 19-23, 2024

    Registration is open!

    Mark your calendars and get out your big canvases! OPS is going back to Big Bend National Park in February, a favorite painting location. If ever a landscape beckoned, 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 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!

    View this short video to get the big picture: 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 information.


    Please note that lodging fills up quickly. There is a link to the preliminary itinerary when you register for the event, or  https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/park/bigbend-national-park/lodges/?msclkid=4935f386b1f4199ad5029617111f1337 to see the options!


    Mark your Calendars for
    upcoming Paint Outs

    March 21-24: Fredericksburg Bluebonnets

    April: Medicine Park, Oklahoma
    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    November 2023

     

    Deadline to enter coming soon!

    PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2024

    May 5-11, 2024


    Plein Air Southwest is a juried membership paint out event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society.  The 2024 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists will compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise. Artists paint for 5 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston.

    Entry deadline: January 2, 2024

    • Acceptance notice: January 15, 2024
    • Orientation and Welcome: May 5, 2024
    • Official Paint Out: May 5 – May 11, 2024
    • Turn In Paintings: 9 AM – 12 Noon, May 10, 2024
    • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception 7:00 pm, May 10, 2024
    • Exhibition open to public: May 11. 2024
    • Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work: 8:00 pm, May 11, 2024
    CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS

    Our judge with be the esteemed landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. And we are excited to present a workshop with him May 6-9, 2024. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is open. Look for it on the website. To learn more about Thomas: 

    www.thomaskitts.com

    or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts
     

    Holiday Paint Out,

    Party & Painting Exchange

    Dec. 16, 2023

     Sterle Fine Art Studio
    8 North 9th St.,  Temple, TX 76501

    Hosted this year by OPS members Susan Sterle and Nancy Tyler, this annual event is everyone's favorite Ho-Ho-Ho! of the year; fun, food, camaraderie, a lively "painting swap," and a bonus of Plein Air in downtown Temple, TX! There are so many interesting pockets to paint in the heart of Temple near Susan's studio. Catch hot coffee, and restroom facility at the Studio if needed. 


    To the north just a few blocks is the area of the historic homes that will be decked out in Holiday Decorations. To the south is the train depot. East is the downtown business area, plus churches, parks, and silos are sprinkled about. 
     

    Rain, Snow, or sunshine - whatever the weather -  c'mon to the party!  We might even dig up a model if the weather doesn't want to cooperate. You'll have time to paint, time to visit with fellow members.


    We will start with a paint out from 9:00am, then we'll gather to eat at 2:00 pm. Susan and Nancy will supply 2 pots of hot soup:  meat lover Tortilla Soup and Hearty Vegetable-only Soup. Around 3:00 pm we begin the fun Painting Exchange Game. It is not mandatory, but it's our tradition that members bring a dry, 8x10 painting  (unframed) wrapped in plain brown paper (no identification on the wrapper, please). 


    After dinner, the fun begins when we start a lively game for exchanging the "unidentified" paintings. This has been a long time traditional activity, and dozens of OPS members have quite a collection of originals as a result of participating in this game over the years. 


    Register early so Susan & Nancy can plan on how big a pot to stir up! Attendees please bring an appetizer (chip, dip, etc), salad, veggie, bread, dessert, and drinks to share.  


    We hope you can join us!

    Be Sure to Renew
    Your Membership

    Outdoor Painters Society membership dues are payable January 2024, or before. Our dues allow us to belong, to be offered interesting opportunities to grow as an artist, and to meet and compete with other like minded creatives. Log onto the OPS website and find the JOIN OPS! page. While you are there, take a chance to edit your profile page and renew your OPS membership for another amazing year of plein air growth.

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2023-24

    Dickens on The Strand: Dec. 2-3 
    Paint Out & Sale, Galveston, TX

    Big Bend Paint Out: Feb 19-23, 2024

    Fredericksburg: March 21-24, 2024
    Wild Flower Paint Out

    Medicine Park: April TBD
    Paint Out, Lawton, OK 

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11, 2024Galveston, TX
    Competition, Show & Sale

    Estes Park: September TBD
    Paint Out, Estes Park, CO

    Paint Kerrville! Oct. 14-19, 2024  Competition, Show & Sale 

    Palo Duro Canyon: November TBD
    Paint Out, Amarillo, TX

    OPS Holiday Party: December TBD

    Through the cold and drizzle of a hill country November, OPS plein air painters gathered together to capture the beauty of the quaint town of Llano and the Llano River. It was quite a sight! At least 26 folks painting under  bridges, over bridges, by the river's edge and around the courthouse. And so much fun to get together in the evenings to share, start  the day at the local coffee house for a quick cuppa, or gather over hot chocolate to warm up. 

    We shared our paintings at the "overflow room" at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, an OPS tradition when in Llano. Twenty two artists shared almost 50 paintings! It was great to see so many works of plein air art.
     

    Big Bend Paint Out

    Feb 19-23, 2024

    Registration opens next week

    Mark your calendars and get out your big canvases! OPS is going back to Big Bend National Park in February, a favorite painting location. If ever a landscape beckoned, 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 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!

    View this short video to get the big picture: 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 information.

    Fredericksburg Bluebonnets

    Medicine Park, Oklahoma

    OPS friends getting together to share some of the early Fall color in Ennis…along with a few cow spectators!!! Christy Kidwell, Ann Rogers (and pictured with the longhorn), Gail Greenoe , Carol Devereaux, and Bill Hatton.

    Member News

    Join OPS members Susan Sterle, Kurt Ritterpusch and Melanie Stokes this weekend if you are in the Temple area. 

    If you can, join Austin Stubblefield at his show this weekend in Burleson, TX.

    And this weekend Cecy Turner is having her annual open studio in Dallas.
     

    Don't miss Donna McGee's show if you are in the Monroe, LA area!

    Editor’s note: Send any member news, events you were juried in or won a ribbon, and/or photos of yourself or your friends paintings and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    Disclaimer: Occasionally I will see and copy a "congratulations" post from Facebook, but I'm not reliable lol. So please email me your good news so I can share it.

    Thanks to Marchita, Dena, Cindy, Judi and Jeanie, and all who shared photos!

    Llano plein air painters biggest fan!


    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. We are always looking for ways to pay the bills. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. 

    Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.
    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    October 2023

     

    Call For Entry!

    PLEIN AIR SOUTHWEST 2024

    May 5-11, 2024


    Plein Air Southwest is juried membership paint out event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society.  The 2024 event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation,Galveston, Texas.  Juried artists will compete for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise.  Artists paint for 5 days and nights at selected locations within the city of Galveston.

    Entry deadline: January 2, 2024

    • Acceptance notice: January 15, 2024
    • Orientation and Welcome: May 5, 2024
    • Official Paint Out:  May 5 – May 11, 2024
    • Turn In Paintings:  9 AM – 12 Noon, May 10, 2024
    • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception 7:00 pm, May 10, 2024
    • Exhibition open to public:  May 11. 2024
    • Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work: 8:00 pm, May 11, 2024
    CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS

    Our judge with be the esteemed landscape painter, Thomas Jefferson Kitts. And we are excited to present a workshop with him May 6-9, 2024. Learn to paint the landscape in the most direct way possible using alla prima oil painting techniques developed by Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn. This workshop will show you how to work quickly outdoors with more confidence and skill! 

    Registration for the workshop is open. Look for it on the website. To learn more about Thomas: www.thomaskitts.com

    or visit Thomas’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thomaskitts
     

    New OPS Holiday Paint Out & Wet Paint Sale!

    Dickens on the Strand

    Festival Paint Out & Wet Paint Sale  •  Dec. 2 & 3, Galveston, TX




    (Please make note of the changes made to the event)


    The Galveston Historical Foundation has invited OPS members to participate as Victorian Artists Participants in downtown Galveston’s annual holiday event. Add performance art to your resume and a fun challenge to your schedule.  Dressed as a Victoria artist, paint life as it unfolds at Dickens on the Strand along with other OPS members and expand your skills. GHF is arranging some great prices on local lodging and costumes are easy to acquire with idea help from google.  It’s gonna be a festive painting challenge with advantages! 

    EVENT DESCRIPTION: 

    This annual two day holiday festival hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2nd  10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, Dec. 3, Noon to 6:00 PM.  Dickens on The Strand will offer ticketed guests access to live entertainment, art & craft vendors, food. 

    THE WET PAINT SALE:

    Saturday and Sunday, December 2nd and 3rd. Painters will set up their plein air easels throughout Dickens On the Strand and capture on canvas, paper, or panel, the people, sights & action of the event....(sort of an all-day “Quick Draw.")  The paintings brought from home (2 max) and the painting(s) created during Dickens will be displayed and offered for sale in the "Painters Village," a special tented area for OPS. The event volunteers, vendors and participating artists all contribute to the theme of the festival by dressing in Victorian-style costumes.
     

    REGISTRATION AND PARTIPANT REQUIREMENTS  

    Open to all members of Outdoor Painters Society.  No fee to participate, but artists must register by Nov. 15, 2023 and agree to the following rules including but not limited to:

    • Check-in by text or phone with OPS paint out/festival committee  upon arrival (contact info provided after registration)
    • Participate in Festival: Be available to help with staffing the OPS tent on Saturday and Sunday.
    • Festival Hours:  10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday - Noon to 6:00 PM Sunday
    • Dress in Victorian-style costume during Festival on Saturday & Sunday. 
    • Paintings must be for sale. 
    • All sales transactions must be processed through Galveston Historic Foundation (65% to artist, 35% to GHF).

    CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS

    OPS Calendar
    of Events 2023-24

    Llano, TX: Nov 10-11
    Paint Out, Llano, TX

    Dickens on The Strand: Dec. 2-3 
    Paint Out & Sale, Galveston, TX

    Plein Air Southwest: May 5-11, 2024 Galveston, TX
    Competition, Show & Sale

    Paint Kerrville!: Oct. 14-19, 2024  Competition, Show & Sale 

    Bundled up nice and warm, a small group of hearty plein air painters found themselves working to capture the bright colors of the Colorado fall in Pagosa Springs. We were in for some of the prettiest landscape views ever, plus a few surprises. One day we encountered a wagon full of hunters and horses heading into the mountains. Another day a herd of cattle came thundering by. Some of us witnessed the very special "ring of fire" eclipse on Saturday. Wild life was abundant, as well as a sky full of stars and, of course, the warmth and comaradie of other OPS painters. We appreciated the guidance of local outdoor painters, some of whom came out to play with us! A great time was had by all. 
     

    Llano, TX

    November 10-11

    Registration is Open!

    Sitting along the Llano and home to one of the most beautiful courthouses in Texas, this countryside makes for a fantastic hill country paint out.  Located an hour and a half from Austin, it is surrounded by charming towns, full of Texas quaint, historical buildings. The low water crossing at Kingsland gives you multiple views of the lovely Llano River. Only a two day paint out, but you might want to come early or stay an extra day!

    Upcoming 2024 Paint Outs

    We are in the process of creating the schedule for the 2024 paint outs. A trip to colorful Rockport, TX or pretty South Padre Island are the possible destinations for January, as well as an adventure to Caddo Lake in February. Of course, our annual wildflower paint out in March to beautiful Fredericksburg  and Johnson City. And if you haven’t been, (or even if you have been) join us for the Medicine Park and the Wichita Mountains & Wildlife Refuge outside Lawton, OK in April. 

    Come fall '24, make plans for the stunning Palo Duro and Cap Rock Canyon in November. Wimberly, TX is very picturesque area we might venture to paint in the near future.

    Medicine Park, Oklahoma

    Palo Duro Canyon, TX

    Congratulations!

    Big congratulations to all those members who won ribbons at En Plein Air Texas '23:Kent Brewer placed 3rd with his painting, “Peeking Over the Reservoir.” Richard Sneary, "Lifting Fog" got the Texas Precious Water Award. Farley Lewis's painting, "Twins," won the Best Architectural Painting Award.  Julie Sanderson’s painting, "Life is a Box of CowboyUp Chocolates," took the 2023 10th Anniversary Celebration Award. Lon Brauer received the 2023 EPAT Plein Air Founder’s Award for his painting "Makin Boots." He also received the Peoples’ Choice Award for his painting "Cowboy Girl."  Richie Vios was given the Judges Choice Award for his painting, “Chicken Office.”

    And congratulations again Richard Sneary! The only artist out of 170 artists at En Plein Air Texas to be juried in by a different juror EVERY year!! Woohoo!

    Donna McGee: I am honored that my painting, Spring in a Cow Pasture, won second place in the Hoover Watercolor Society membership show. 

    Lynn LaRose won an Award of Excellence at the Pearce Museum’s 38th Annual American Plains Association Reception for her  painting, “Amerind.” 

    Lon Brauer:  I was honored with 3rd place overall for my view of Bass Rocks at the CAPA, Cape Ann Plein Air Festival. A huge thanks to Judge Tim Newton for the nod. 

    Congratulations to those OPS winners of this year’s Brushes By the Beach Plein Air.  Nancy Paris Pruden won first place and Kathy Hammond won third place.

    G Lee Gallery's Brushes By the Beach
     

    Workshops

    Member News

    Laura Drumwright is having an Artist Open Studio, Friday, Nov 10th, 6-9 PM, 5705 Bent Oak Pl. Dallas, www.LauraleeGallery.com

    Editor’s note: Send any member news, Events you were juried in or won a ribbon, and/or photos of yourself or your friends paintings and workshop notices by the 25th of the month to myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

    Disclaimer: Occasionally I will see and copy a "congratulations" post from Facebook, but I'm not reliable lol. So please email me your good news so I can share it.

    Thanks to those who shared photos!

    The Outdoor Painters Society is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and supported by membership. We are always looking for ways to pay the bills. An easy way to help OPS is by purchasing a hat or tee shirt with our logo on it. 

    Click on the link below to see what's available. Thanks for looking.
    https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/page-1804432

    September 2023

    The Outdoor Painters Society & the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center 

    PAINT KERRVILLE!

    Another outstanding competition is a wrap! The enrollment was open to the membership, without having to be juried in, and capped at 50 participating artists. The large exhibit gallery was packed, utilizing every inch of exhibit space. Over 250 paintings hung in their largest gallery, floor to ceiling!  Our host KACC generously provided host families for many of the artists. Four days of painting the gorgeous hill country, including private ranches and venues opened up to the painters.

    Congratulations to all the competition artists who participated. You did a fantastic job. The winners were selected by our judge, Patrick Saunders. A big thank you for your feedback and commentary on all of our paintings.

    2024 dates were tweaked to a cooler, more colorful time of year, October 14-19, 2024. And we have been promised the whole gallery to ourselves!

    Best in Show

    "Refections" 
    Hai-Ou Hou

    Quick Draw

    "Alley's Light" 
    Garland Swinney

    Artists Choice 

    Linghui Wang

    Award of Excellence

    "Travelall" 
    Judith Beauford

    Award of Excellence

    "A Road Well Travelled" 
    Myra Knapp

    Award of Excellence

    "The Last Step" 
    Shawn Frankfurt
     

    Award of Excellence

    "Vineyard Hilltop" 
    Debra Hedrick

    Award of Excellence

    "Guadalupe Cypress" 
    Roy Smith

    Award of Excellence

    "Green Lights, Go" 
    Ryan Henry

    Award of Distinction

    "If Trees Could Talk" 
    Garland Swinney