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July 2022

Plein Visions in
Miniature 2022

Aug. 5-Sept. 12, 2022

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

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

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

Cultural Activities Center, Temple, TX
 

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

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

2022 OPS
Calendar of Events

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


September 20-24:  Paint Kerrville!

Competition and Exhibition


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


November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
Paintout


December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

Cliffs alongside the Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX

Paint Kerrville! 
Competition Event

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

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

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

Shadows Paint Out

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

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

Jungle Gardens along the Bayou Basin

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Paint Out

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

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

Rio Grande River, Big Bend

Now that's how to paint in July!

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

Congratulations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workshops

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




June 2022

Plein Visions in
Miniature 2022

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

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

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

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

Cultural Activities Center, Temple, TX

2022 OPS
Calendar of Events

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


September 20-24:  Paint Kerrville!

Competition and Exhibition


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


November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX
Paintout


December: TBD OPS Holiday Party

Cliffs alongside the Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX

Paint Kerrville!

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

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

Shadows Paint Out

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

Jungle Gardens along the Bayou Basis

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Paint Out

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

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

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

Plein Air Southwest
2022 Sales Trivia

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

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

Tools to Add to
Your Artist Tool Kit Now

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

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

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

• Artist Name

• Artist Location (where you live & paint)

• Artist Media, Style, and Inspiration

• Website and/or Social Media site
 

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

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

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

Congratulations

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

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

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

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


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

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

Workshops

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

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

MAY 2022

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

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

PASW '22 Best in Show

Richie Vios, “Morning Mist”

Judge Mitch Baird and Richie Vios

Award of Excellence

Fine Art Connoisseur

John P. Lasater IV, “Under the Murdochs”

Award of Excellence

Durre Waseem
“All That Goes Around Katies”

and Artist Choice Award

Award of Excellence

Allen Brockbank, “Play Ball”

Award of Merit

Suzie Baker, “White Oleander”

Award of Merit

Lon Brauer, “Station in the Sun”

Award of Merit

Orville Giguinto, “Prepped & Ready”

Award of Merit

Diane Frossard, “Baby Bear”

Award of Merit

Rusty Jones, “Katie’s Shrimper”

Award of Merit

Jing Zhao, “Dinner at Seaside”

Award of Merit

Spencer Meagher, “Sunshine on Hollywood”

Award of Merit 

Chris Willey, “Morning Garden”

Award of Merit 

Randall Cogburn, “Hold Fast”

Award of Merit 

Fran Ellisor, “Blue Crabs Group”

Award of Merit 

Krystal Brown, “Enchanted Passage”

Award of Merit 

Roy Smith, “West End Palm”

Painting Big Red

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

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

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

Lather,

Rinse,

Repeat…

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

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

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

Nancy Tyler 

Frank Gabriel
 

Julie Sanderson
Shawn Davis

Caroline Sanderson

Jeanne Reavis

Spencer Meagher

Irena Taylor, Sami Ali and Robin Popp

Lisette McClung and Kathy Hammond

Jing Zhao, John Lasater, Sheryl Craig
Krystal Brown

Chuck Rawle

Aliona Price
 

Suzie Baker

Spencer Meagher
Roy Smith, Robin Popp

Jon Burleson

Susan Sterle

Rusty Jones

Randall Cogburn and Gary Frisk

Rachael Wiley-Janota

Welcome new member!

Gail Greenoe

Olivette Hubler

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

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

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

Summer Library News

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

Congratulations

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

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


 

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

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




April 2022

May 8 - 14, 2022

Galveston, TX

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


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

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

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

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



2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

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

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

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

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

OPS Paint Out, Art Cottage

New Braunfels, TX


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

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

Painting at a private ranch in Gruene

Nancy Viola and Roy Smith

Julie and Caroline Sanderson

Jim Bragg, Joan Bohls, Francis Huang
 

Show and Sell at Krause's

Teri McReynolds

Linghui Wang

Joan Bohls

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

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

Congratulations

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Member News

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

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

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

~ Henry David Thoreau

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

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

Our hearts and prayers are with
the people of Ukraine


March 2022

Outdoor Painters Society Continues Recording History in Galveston in 2022!

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

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

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



Pop Up Paint Out

Wildflowers and Bluebonnets

April 3rd, 2022, Ennis, TX

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

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

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

April 3: Paint Wildflowers, Ennis, TX

April 14-16: New Braunfels, TX

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

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

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

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

Dinner at Guadalajara

Jingsheng Liu

Marchita Priest & Myrrh Haslam
 

Arthur Deatly

George Rhys

Canyon Lake/New Braunfels, TX

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

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

Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake

Old town Gruene, TX

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

March Tip

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

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

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

                                       Nancy Tyler

Congratulations

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

Shadows on the Teche Plein Air Competition 2022

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

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

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

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

iTunes 

Spotify

YouTube

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our hearts and prayers are with
the people of Ukraine


February 2022

Galveston, TX

Juror of Awards

Mitch Baird

May 8-14, 2022

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

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

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

 Click here to go to the membership page. 

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

March 18-19:  Brenham, TX

April 14-16: New Braunfels, TX

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

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX

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

Paint Out at Respondek Farm, Temple, TX

Dinner at Oscar Store, Temple

Olivette Hubler painting Summer Mills

Train Station Museum in Temple

Nelda Smith at Respondek Farm, Temple
 

Jay Wilbur

Brenham, TX

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

Hope to see you there!

Old Baylor Park in Independence, TX Brenham Paint Out

Canyon Lake/New Braunfels, TX

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

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

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

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

Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake

Old town Gruene, TX

OPS Library News

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

Note to Associate Members 

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

                                       Nancy Tyler

Congratulations

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

Jessica Respondek

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

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

Our hearts and prayers are with
the people of Ukraine


January 2022


Plein Air Southwest 2022GMay 8-14, 2022

Galveston, TX

Juror of Awards

Mitch Baird

May 8-14, 2022

A Note from the

OPS PASW 2022 Event Chairperson

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

                  ~ Tina Bohlman, OPS President
 

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

Fran Ellisor, Conroe, TX

Kaye Franklin, Graham, TX

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

"Approaching Twilight" by Mitch Baird 

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

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

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

January 20-22:  League City, TX

February 18-19:  Temple, TX

March 18-19:  Brenham, TX

April 13-16: New Braunfels, TX

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

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November 13-19:  Big Bend, TX

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

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

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

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

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

Summer's Mill, Belton, TX 

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

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

Old Baylor Park in Independence

OPS Library News

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

Note to Associate Members 

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

                                       Nancy Tyler
 

The Live Oak Art Center Presents

Paint Texas 2022!

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

Workshop

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

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

Congratulations

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

Lisette McClung in League Park

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

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

Big thank you to Stephanie Polk for sending photos! 
 

Suzie Baker painting with a student

Tina Bohlman





December 2021

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

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


CALL FOR ENTRIES

Deadline to Enter

January 3!

Plein Air Southwest 2022

Galveston, TX
May 8-14, 2022

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

CLICK HERE for the Prospectus and Rules.
 

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

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


Mitch Baird
Workshop

May 11, 12 & 13

Galveston, TX

Successful ‘Seeing’
in Outdoor Painting 

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

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

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

"Approaching Twilight" by Mitch Baird 

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

The Outdoor Painters Society

2022 OPS Paint Outs
and Competition Events

January 20-22:  League City, TX

February 18-19:  Temple, TX

March 24-26:  Columbus, TX

April 13-16 Canyon Lake/New Braunfel, TX

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

Associates Show: TBD Competition

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

Competition

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November:  Big Bend

Gulf Coast Parks and Marshland, TX 

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

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

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

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

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

Summer's Mill, Belton, TX 

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


Marchita Priest and Myrrh Haslam

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

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

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

Below: Fun from the OPS
2021 Holiday Party.
 





November 2021

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

Important dates, deadlines
and event schedule

  • Entry deadline: January 3, 2022

  • Acceptance notice:
    January 10, 2022

  • Orientation and Welcome:
    May 8, 2022

  • Official Paint Out:
    May 8 – May 14, 2022

  • Turn In Paintings:
    9 AM – 12 Noon, May 13, 2022

  • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception and Awards:
    7:00 pm, May 13, 2022

  • Exhibition open to public:  May 14. 2022

  • Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work:
    8:00 pm, May 14, 2022

CLICK HERE for the Prospectus
and Rules.

For general information about the Outdoor Painters Society,  please visit: www.outdoorpainterssociety.com 

For questions regarding dues and membership, contact: 

admin@outdoorpaintessociety.com 

For specific questions about Plein Air Southwest and the Prospectus, contact:

Tina Bohlman at

 tina@tinabohlman.com


Please DO NOT contact the Galveston Historical Society.


Be sure and renew your OPS membership for 2022 before entering! Thanks and hope to see you there!



2022 OPS Paint Outs

January 20-22:  League City, TX

February 18-19:  Temple, TX

March 24-26:  Columbus, TX

April 13-16 Canyon Lake, New Braunfel, TX

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

Associates Show: TBD

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

October 20-22: New Iberia, LA

November:  Big Bend

January 20-22, 2022: Registration is now open for League City, TX, on the scenic gulf coast of Texas. Here you will find painting venues for everyone! Harbors with boats of every size and shape dot the waterways between historic League City and Kemah. League City has old buildings and churches, huge oak trees and beautiful parks, and marshes along the coast. Or be adventurous and paint the rockets at the Johnson Space Center. Then join us for a Wet Paint Show and Sell at a local venue in League City Saturday afternoon.

Summer's Mill, Belton, TX 
 

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

Colorado River, Columbus, TX

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


Marchita Priest and Myrrh Haslam

Glen Rose TX was a very successful paint out, with a grand time had by all! I got so many great photos! So good to see so many smiling faces, including some new ones.
 

T to B: Glen Rose dinner gang, Austin Stubblefield, Gay Joines, Donna McGee, Chuck Hatton, Nancy Tyler (with Shannon Hill beside her) and
Bonnie Dunn.

OPS Holiday Party

Dec. 12, 2021, Ennis, TX

This event is everyone's favorite Ho-Ho-Ho! of the year; fun, food, camaraderie, a lively "painting swap", 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 at 9am to 4pm.  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. Bring a snack or sack lunch.

The dinner is catered by OPS member Ronnie & Shawn Davis. No Charge for Dinner & drinks (water, coffee & tea), but donations to reimburse the Davises for their hospitality are encouraged.  One guest is allowed per member.    

At 4 pm we gather at Shawn's "house/barn" for socializing.  Members and guests should arrive around 4pm: Dinner serves at 5pm followed by the painting exchange.

Bring your own camp chair and  adult beverage.

Menu is all you can eat  - Veggie Stew, Brisket Chili, French Bread, Cornbread. You may bring a favorite dessert to share.

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 Shawn can plan on how many to cook for :-D  - we hope you can join us. GPS address:  OPS signs at entrance!1600 FM 85, Ennis, TX 75119 
 

New OPS Signature Members

Congratulations to three new OPS Signature members, who continue to inspire us with their gorgeous art! Marchita Priest, Nancy Tyler, and Jing Zhao. 

Brushes Best in Show--the George D. Lee Memorial Award: Off to the Harvest Moon Races by Julie Sanderson


Brushes By the Beach

Plein Air Online Competition

Oct. 15-Nov 8, 2021

Congrats to all the winners, including several OPS members. The judge was Randall Cogburn. For photos of the winning photos and more details, click here.

Best in Show: Julie Anderson
First Place: Nancy Tyler
Second Place: Nancy Paris Pruden
Third Place: Authur Deatley
Honorable Mention: Kathy Hammond

Brushes First Place--the Sharon D. Orsie Award: Sun Shrimper by Nancy Tyler

Member Invite

Cecy Turner invites OPS members to come by her Annual Christmas Open Studio, which will occur over two days for better social distancing. Saturday, December 4th from 10-6; Sunday, December 5th from 12-5. Covid-safe refreshments will be served and masks are required (we will have extras). Address: 7824 Glenneagle Dr., Dallas, Texas 75248. All paintings will be 30% off for these two days, and on top of that, 20% of all proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen, a leader in breast cancer research. Email Cecy Turner, www.cecyturner.com

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

Big thank you to Irma Ward and Donna McGee for sending in great photos! 
 





October 2021

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

Important dates, deadlines
and event schedule

  • Entry deadline: January 3, 2022

  • Acceptance notice:
    January 10, 2022

  • Orientation and Welcome:
    May 8, 2022

  • Official Paint Out:
    May 8 – May 14, 2022

  • Turn In Paintings:
    9 AM – 12 Noon, May 13, 2022

  • Exhibition Preview VIP Reception and Awards:
    7:00 pm, May 13, 2022

  • Exhibition open to public:  May 14. 2022

  • Exhibition ends – pick up unsold work:
    8:00 pm, May 14, 2022

CLICK HERE for the Prospectus
and Rules.

For general information about the Outdoor Painters Society,  please visit: www.outdoorpainterssociety.com 

For questions regarding dues and membership, contact: 

admin@outdoorpaintessociety.com 

For specific questions about Plein Air Southwest and the Prospectus, contact:

Tina Bohlman at

 tina@tinabohlman.com


Please DO NOT contact the Galveston Historical Society.


Be sure and renew your OPS membership for 2022 before entering! Thanks and hope to see you there!

South Shore Harbour in League City, TX 

Glen Rose, TX paint is still open for registrations. So far there are 33 folks signed up for this beautiful venue, November 5-6, 2021. 

We are looking forward to an exciting schedule for 2022 OPS Paint Outs! Our local organizers added several new shows this year, some with possible show and sell receptions! Watch for details in the OPS paint out invitations in your mail.

Below is the tentative schedule for the coming year. The events will become active on the website when registration is open. Mark your calendars and join us.

January 20-22:  League City, TX

February 18-19:  Temple, TX

March 24-26:  Columbus, TX

April 13-16 Canyon Lake, New Braunfel, TX

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

Associates Show: TBD

September 20-24:  Kerrville, TX

October:  New Iberia, LA

November:  Big Bend

St. Mary's Church, League City, TX.

January 20-22, 2022: Registration is now open for League City, TX, on the scenic gulf coast of Texas. Here you will find painting venues for everyone! Harbors with boats of every size and shape dot the waterways between historic League City and Kemah. League City has old buildings and churches, huge oak trees and beautiful parks, and marshes along the coast. Or be adventurous and paint the rockets at the Johnson Space Center. Then join us for a Wet Paint Show and Sell at a local venue in League City for Saturday late afternoon.
 

 February, 18 and 19, 2022: Set your calendar for central Texas at Temple, TX, on I35 between Austin and Waco with a rural and small town feel that preserves its historic past as a railroad town.  The historic 1911 Sante Fe Depot with the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum display railroad equipment on the grounds, next to an active railroad yard where rail-fans can observe daily operations. The beautiful Santa Fe Gardens, Whistlestop Playground, and Temple Visitor Center are also nearby. Paint on rural private property near and around Temple. This will include the beautiful Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center, a nearby 100 acres of private property with a windmill, Texas Ranger Cemetery, barns, tractors, old trucks, and a variety of livestock. Links: Railroad and Heritage Museum, Temple Historic District, Mill Retreat & Conference Center

Summer's Mill, Belton, TX 

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

Marchita Priest and Myrrh Haslam

Thankfully Irma Ward will be with us until the end of the year! She has worked hard putting together great paint outs for OPS members for the past five years. Plus serving on the Board of Directors. We appreciate her dedication and thank her! 

Colorado River, Columbus, TX
 

Painting the Harvest Moon Regetta in Galveston, Top L: Lisette McClung, Marchita Priest, Tom Rogers and Nancy Tyler. Also preparing for the "Brushes By the Beach" virtual competition!

Holiday Bash!

Mark your Calendar for Sunday, December 12th to wrap up the OPS busy year.  We’ll paint-out on Davis Hill near Ennis, TX, enjoy good food, and have one heck-of-a-good-time swapping our plein air work.  For those of you who have never participated in one of our painting swap games just know it is a memorable way to get to know each other.  New and Veteran Members start sifting through your 8X10’s for a piece to share, or paint something fun and new.  Registration information and more details will arrive in your email in-box soon.  Sure hope you can make it!

A BIG Thank You to Kaye Franklin for the many years of handling the OPS financials!  Kaye has stepped down from being our Treasurer for many years.  We appreciate her time and commitment to Outdoor Painters Society business and serving on the Board of Directors.

Bay Area Plein Air Painters

OPS Library News

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


Brushes By the Beach

Plein Air Online Competition

Oct. 15-Nov 8, 2021

For more information, click HERE.

You can enter the competition right up until the last day. A reception at the G. Lee Gallery will be held in the afternoon Nov. 27th, Thanksgiving weekend, for those of you who can bring your paintings to the Gallery. Supporting the non-profit, Artist Boat.

Primer for Plein Air Paint Competitions

A plein air paint competition will force you out of your comfort zone.  Embrace that you will be pushed, tested, and frustrated.  Come prepared to be rushed.  There are deadlines and schedules to abide by and time shortages.  Know that up-front.  It is NOT a leisure paint-out, but a paint-out with a purpose and deadline.  If you schedule your own time well then there is always time for laughs and exchange of ideas with fellow painters.

Also come prepared to show your results in the best possible way.  Have in your kit: 1) your gallery frames and all tools for assembly.  2) A pen for completing your tags and any other required entry paperwork. 3) Low-tack artist tape or blue painter’s tape to safely attach your tags/labels to your artwork. 4) Your sense of humor when things go south and it looks like a total disaster.

Be on time.  When a schedule says take-in from 10-12 that doesn’t mean walk in the door at 11:59 with your wet paintings in one hand and your frames in another.  That means show up well before 12 with everything complete, paintings ready to hang on your assigned space, and out the door before 12 so that the next phase, judging, can be completed. 

Plein Air Paint competitions can be great fun when you, the artist, come prepared.

Tips written by a seasoned competition volunteer.

Workshops

Let’s Jump Into the River!

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

Making Art Outside, with John P Lasater IV. Dates: 11/30/2021 - 12/3/2021, Fredericksburg Artists' School, contact Bill Bush, bush@fbgartschool.com, 
830-997-0515. 

Painting Workshops coming soon, including Gouache workshop, once or twice monthly, Crowe Studio, Bluff Dale, TX, $30. Contact Judy Crowe to sign up, www.judycrowe.com 832-640-7131 or judyacrowe@gmail.com 
 

Congratulations

Jeffrey Neel McDaniel was juried into an International Group Show based in Vancouver this fall. 
https://www.artistsforconservation.org/virtual exhibit/16754/artist/18583/artwork/rising-sun-falling-tide-copano-bay-19762

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

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

Big thank you to those folks who sent in photos! Susan Sterle, Amanda Danning,  and Marchita Priest. 



##################################

August 2021

"Plein Visions
in Miniature 2021"

Reception & Awards, Aug 14, 2021

Corsicanna, TX

First Place award, Frank Gabriel
"Palo Duro Canyon"

Our third year in the Corsicana Texas Warehouse for hanging our OPS Associate Member Show “Visions in Miniature” and it keeps getting better and better.  A nice turnout of about 35 painters attended. The Navarro Council of the Arts always comes up with great ideas to make us feel welcome.   This year a paint-out and wet painting sale was added to the Closing Reception.  We had fun painting in and around Corsicana on Saturday before heading into The Warehouse exhibition area on 6th Street for refreshments and award presentations. 

I counted at least seven red dots on the wet paintings wall, there may have been more. Tina Bohlman played Master of Ceremonies, handing out the ribbons and prizes, as the judge, Randy Saffle, was traveling and unable to attend. Also, we missed seeing our Best in Show winner, John Caggiano and 5th place, Vicki McMillian-Hayes.

Randall Cogburn, 2nd Place, "The Falcon"

Third Place for "Tillie's Place,"
Krystal Brown

Nancy Tyler, Fourth Place, "Barn Find"

Myrrh Haslam, Sixth Place, "Hilltop Barns"

“If the artist has outer and inner eyes for nature, nature rewards him by giving him inspiration.”
         Wassily Kandinsky

“There's no retirement for an artist, it's your way of living so there's no end to it.”
          Henry Moore
 

Austin Skyline

Our brief summer break is about to come to an end and following the Paint Kerrville event the next general paint out is scheduled for October 22-23 in Austin, TX.  Check out the itinerary in the “Members Only” tab on the OPS website.  Many have already signed up for this paint out so we expect to see a lot of camaraderie as well as lots of great paintings!  Be sure to watch for the Final Itinerary for Austin so that you are informed of any last minute changes. 

You won’t want to miss the November 5-6 paint out in Glen Rose, TX.  Glen Rose is located about 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth.  It is a small town with a lot of painting potential.  In addition to the unique architecture of buildings made from petrified wood, Glen Rose is known for the dinosaur tracks in and near Dinosaur Park, the huge boulders at Big Rock Park, Fossil Rim animal park, charming cottages, historic buildings in Heritage Park, there is lots of good painting subjects.  Be sure to get this paint out on your calendar.  

On a final note, at the end of this year I will be stepping down from my position after five years of planning paint out events.  I want to say that it has been my pleasure to work with many of you.  I’ve learned a lot about the locations I have researched and have made many friends along the way.  Thank you all for your support.  Training has already begun with Myrrh Haslam and Marchita Priest, who graciously agreed to take my place in 2022.  Even though I will no longer be the planner, I hope to see you in my new role as ‘participator.’ 

        Irma Ward, Paint Out Director


We will miss you at the helm, Irma Ward, and thank you for your work creating all the very detailed and informative Paint Out Itineraries for us for the past five years! Looking forward to painting with you in the future.

Paluxy River, Glen Rose

Outdoor Painter's Society

and

Kerr Arts and
Cultural Center

Presents

PAINT KERRVILLE!

A Plein Air Competition Event

The 1st Annual (Yes! This is going to be an annual event every September!) OPS Membership Paint Out Competition & Exhibition is September 21 through 25, 2021.  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. 

The event wraps up on Saturday, September 25 with a Quick Draw from 9am to noon, with the awards presentation by the juror, OPS Master Signature Rusty Jones later that afternoon.   If you're in the Hill Country area on September 25, plan to spend the day in Kerrville and "cheer on" your favorite painters in the Quick Draw Competition.   The event is full, but registration for the Wait List is open in the event of late cancellations. 

Diane Arnette (top) and Teri Jo McReyolds painting at Angelita's Vineyard

Five Brushes, Plein Air Upstairs

Reception and Show

Sept. 9, 2021 7-8:30pm

Live Oak Art Center, Columbus, TX
1014 Milam St., Columbus, TX

Five OPS and Plein Air Bandits members, Lisette McClung, Kathy Hammond, Marchita Priest, Amanda Danning and Myrrh Haslam are showing their plein air and landscape paintings in Columbus, TX. Please feel free to join us to paint that day, either in the landscape or paint in the cool and beauty of the Live Oak Art Center. Contact Amandadanning@gmail.com  for more information. 

Workshops

"Making Art Outside," with John P Lasater IV. Dates: 11/30/2021 - 12/3/2021 $575.00 At the Fredericksburg Artists' School, 812 N. Llano, Ste A, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.
Contact Bill Bush, bush@fbgartschool.com, 
830-997-0515. John also has a free facebook online community, "Views." Lots of great information!

Congratulations!

OPS Signature member Val Sandell has two paintings juried into the ASMA North Regional Exhibition at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, MI. "West Harbor" and "Catch the Wind" will be on display from October 9 to November 28, 2021. Way to go.
 

Gary Frisk recently participated in the Paint Grand Traverse plein air painting competition. He was earned an Honorable Mention with his painting: “Office is Closed." He also submit paintings to Plein Air Magazine for their special sections.  "West Texas Pumpjack Access Road" was accepted for August September, 2021 Plein Air Portfolio Theme: Country Roads. Yea!

Richie Vios got two Best of Show 2021 Alameda Plein air, CA and Estes Park Plein Air.  He also got two Artist Choice awards in Estes Park and Driggs Pleinair, and won 3 Quick Draw awards also! Awesome! More details next issue, as he is busy preparing for his next Plein Air Competition!

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

Thank you to those folks who sent in photos! Nancy Tyler, Margie Taylor, Teri Jo McReyolds. 

Dinner at Angelita's Vineyard, a very cool place to chill and paint in Corsicana, TX!


July 2021

"Plein Visions
in Miniature 2021"

July 15  through August 14, 2021

Reception & Awards
Aug 14, 2021

Corsicanna, 

Best in Show

"The Old Barn" by John Caggiano

The winning paintings have been selected! The 2021 Associates Show & Sale ......"Plein Visions in Miniature"..... officially opened July 15, 2021.  

Thanks to Navarro Council of the Arts in Corsicana for hosting this annual event.  

To view the winning paintings and judge Randy Saffle's comments, plus a slide show of all the paintings on exhibit, CLICK HERE. 

Thanks to the exhibiting artists, juror Randy Saffle, and The Warehouse of Living Arts Gallery. This is a beautiful exhibition...go see it if you can!

Tina Bohlman


***********************************************************************************************************************************

UPDATE!

Gouache and Casein
Workshop

with Spencer Meagher

September 9-11, 2021

Due to a conflict in scheduling, this workshop has been reduced from 4 days to 3 days, and total fee is reduced from $450 to $350!  Register soon!

Let's get creative and try something new. Casein! Or Gouache! Each of these are great mediums for studio work and are gaining popularity for plein air painting. The both have very similar properties. Casein is the oldest paint known to man...and one of the least expensive. A huge advantage for any artist. 

After brief introductions and discussion of the day's events, students will learn to dive into these great mediums with attributes of watercolor and acrylic.

Spencer demonstrates step-by-step, design principles as he teaches you how to work with casein / gouache. Bring whatever of these two mediums you have. They behave very similarly and both are a joy to paint with.

Bring your lunch or several local eateries available. 

WORKSHOP LOCATION:

ART ON THE SQUARE

113 W. FRANKLIN

WAXAHACHIE, TX 75165

There's a renewed interest in the Gouache medium among artists and this workshop will fill quickly. Open to intermediate and advanced artists. 

https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/event-4340489 for registration information.

"57 in a 40" - Casein on 8x10 Panel
by Spencer Meagher
 

Outdoor Painter's Society

and

Kerr Arts and
Cultural Center

Presents

PAINT KERRVILLE!

A Plein Air Competition Event

The 1st Annual (Yes! This is going to be an annual event every September!) OPS Membership Paint Out Competition & Exhibition is September 21 through 25, 2021.  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. 

The event wraps up on Saturday, September 25 with a Quick Draw from 9am to noon, with the awards presentation by the juror, OPS Master Signature Rusty Jones later that afternoon.   If you're in the Hill Country area on September 25, plan to spend the day in Kerrville and "cheer on" your favorite painters in the Quick Draw Competition.   The event is full, but registration for the Wait List is open in the event of late cancellations. Go to the Events tab, select Paint Kerrville, then click "Register" to be added to the Wait List.

For the first time (at least as far as I know), OPS has chosen the city of Austin TX for the October 22-23, 2021 paint out.  There is so much to do in this beautiful city, it is hard to narrow down a central location.  After a tour of the city with Frank Gabriel, we decided to gather in the South Congress area.  There are many interesting buildings, beautiful river views, nearby parks, and lots of restaurants in case you get hungry.  Many people will start arriving for the annual film festival, so there may be opportunities to sell work right off the easel.  Be sure to bring your business cards.

In November 5-6, before it gets too cold, we return to Glenrose TX; a small rural town with many interesting painting spots.  Glenrose sits along the Paluxy River and there are several places with access for painting along the shores, including Big Rock Park.  There are quaint houses in areas surrounding the town square.  For sure you’ll want to paint the historic courthouse and the seed silo at Barnard’s Mill and Museum.  This is a favorite paint out location for OPS members; you will want to be sure to join us.

Happy Painting to All,    Irma Ward

Paluxy River, Glen Rose

While you are in Corsicana, don't miss visiting a new exhibit. The Pearce Museum at Navarro College is pleased to announce their newest Western art exhibit, Western Artists Roundup Show & Sale, the exhibit runs from July 29th, 2021, through August 20th, 2021. The artists included in the show are David Godfrey, Jack Moss, Bob Penny, Doug Prine and Gary Ward.

The exhibition is available to view Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. The Pearce Museum is located inside of the Cook Education Center on the Navarro College campus at 3100 W. Collin St., Corsicana, Texas, 75110 For more information, please contact us at 903-875-7642 or email pearcemuseum@navarrocollege.edu.  
 

Congratulations!

To all of you who have won awards this summer!!! Send us all the wonderful details of your kudos and good news!

Congrats to Richie Vios on his long string of awesome wins in his plein air competitions! 

Gary Frisk is off to Traverse City, MI to Paint Grand Traverse. Congratulations.

From the editor:

I know it's hot out there, but we would love to see photos of yourself painting, or cheer you on if you got awards! Anyone doing workshops, let us know and we will share. Send  by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. 


June 2021

Gouache and Casein Workshop

with Spencer Meagher

September 9-12, 2021

Waxahachie, TX

"57 in a 40" - Casein on 8x10 Panel
by Spencer Meagher

We are excited to announce that Spencer Meagher will be giving a four day intensive workshop in a classroom setting. Only 30 minutes south of Dallas, TX, 45 minutes from DFW airport and 35 minutes from Dallas Love Field. This workshop is limited to 15 participants and will fill up fast. Open to intermediate and advanced artists. The total fee is $450.00. https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/event-4340489 for registration.

Spencer Meagher
 

"Plein Visions in Miniature 2021"

July 15  through August 14, 2021

Opening Reception July 15, 2021

Corsicanna, TX

We are very excited for another awesome Associates Show this summer! Almost forty members entered paintings. Please join us for the opening reception on July 15th. "Plein Visions in Miniature Show & Sale 2021" is sponsored by the Outdoor Painters Society and will be hosted by Navarro Council of the Arts, Corsicana, Texas. This will be a salon-style show and sale for Associate Members. All work submitted will be available for sale.

Dena Davis, Dallas Arboretum

Sunny days and beautiful surroundings. What more could a plein air painter ask for.  More than 25 artists showed up to paint at the Dallas Arboretum on June 10-11, and several gathered at local restaurants for socializing and a well-deserved meal.  In spite of the warm, nay, hot weather many very nice paintings were produced.  We appreciate those who made the trip from Amarillo, Houston, Bertram and other distant locations. Thanks to all who showed up at this awesome paint out.

We take a summer break then look forward to the “Paint Kerrville!” paint out and competition September 21-25.  Even though the roster is full, you may be able to get on the wait list.  Consult the OPS website under Events, Paint Kerrville, then click on the “Join Waitlist” button.

In October 22-23 we head to Austin TX for a weekend of painting.  A variety of subjects have been scoped out for your painting pleasure.  It will be a good opportunity to paint busy (or quiet) street scenes, stately buildings, bridges, the Colorado river and more. Registration opens soon.

Chuck Hatton, Dallas Arboretum

Teri McReyolds, Dallas Arboretum
 

Gail Greenoe, Dallas Arboretum

OPS Library News

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

Tools to add to your
Artist Toolkit Now

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

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

• Artist Name

• Artist Location (where you live & paint)

• Artist Media, Style, and Inspiration

• Website and/or Social Media site

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

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

                         Nancy Tyler

Workshops

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com
 
 

Congratulations

OPS Signature member Val Sandell's painting "Catch the Wind" is a Meritorious Selection in the 2021 Richeson75 Landscape, Seascape & Architecture.  It will be included in the exhibit book.

From the editor: Send photos of  yourself painting, announcements of workshops and/or awards by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

Big thank you to Irma Ward for sending photos!






May 2021

PASW 2021 BEST OF SHOW

Richie Vios, Bayou Boats

Plein Air
Southwest 2021

OPS PASW 2021 Awards

Juror: Roger Dale Brown

Congratulations to all the award winners! 

To see photos of all of the award winning paintings, visit the OPS Website.

Best in Show, Richie Vios, Bayou Boats. Award: OPS $5,000, Southwest Art Magazine Full Page Ad $3,380

Award of Excellence, John Lasater IV, All Trains Go To Heaven. OPS $1,000, Plein Air Magazine Half Page Ad $2,150

Award of Excellence, Durre Waseem for Open Since 1927. OPS $1,000

Artist’s Choice, Spencer Meagher, Body of Work, OPS $1,000

Award of Excellence, Suzie Baker, Gulf Coast Meat & Potatoes. OPS $600, Plein Air Magazine Featured Artwork, Outdoorpainter.com $825

Award of Excellence, Spencer Meagher, Tousouse Bar. OPS $600, Plein Air Magazine Featured Artwork Outdoorpainter.com $825

Award of Excellence, Baron Wilson, Bayou Shore Flowers. OPS $600, Windriver $300

Award of Merit, Marty Coulter, Walking Baby on the Galveston Pier. OPS $500

Award of Merit, Krystal Brown, High and Dry. OPS $500

Award of Merit, Beverly Boren, Beach Strollers. OPS $500

Award of Merit, James Sampsel, Emeritus. OPS $500

Award of Merit, Kaye Franklin, East Beach. OPS $500

Award of Merit, Farley Lewis, Before The Rush. OPS $500

Award of Distinction, Robert Simone, Country Store. OPS $350, Holbien

Award of Distinction, Randall Cogburn, Cap’n Willis II. OPS $350, Panel Pak

Award of Distinction, Tina Bohlman, Fixer Upper. OPS $300, Plein Air Magazine & QOR Colors 1 year $40 subscription

Award of Distinction, Vickie  McMillan-Hayes, Green Giant. OPS $300, Plein Air Magazine & Panel Pak 1 year $40 subscription

Award of Distinction, Lon Brauer, The Elissa. OPS $300, Plein Air Magazine & Golden Paints 1 year $40 subscription

Award of Distinction, Jing Zhao, Beach’s Afternoon. OPS $300, Plein Air Magazine & Panel Pak 1 year $40 subscription


Look for the 2022 Plein Air Southwest Call for Artists in the fall!
 

Award of Excellence
John Lasater IV

All Trains Go To Heaven

Artist's Choice Body of Work
Award of Excellence
Spencer Meagher
Tousouse Bar

Award of Excellence
Suzie Baker

Gulf Coast Meat and Potatoes

PASW dinners are always fun, meeting with other artists at local restaurants.

OPS Board Members and volunteers

(L to R) Myrrh Haslam, Irma Ward, Jana Jennings, Nancy Tyler, Chuck Rawle, Marchita Priest, Kaye Franklin and Tina Bohlman. A special thank you to those artists and folks who helped to set up the exhibit hall in the wee hours of Friday morning before check in! And thank you to all those who helped out during the week, we could not have done it without you!! 

Roger Dale Brown with his wife Beverly

With a great trip to Galveston behind us, we look forward to some exciting paint out locations in the months to come.  Next up is a special two-day paint, June 10-11, out at the beautiful Dallas Arboretum to paint reflecting pools, buildings, people, and lots and lots of flowers.  Be sure to register with OPS and then buy your tickets online to reserve admission the Arboretum: https://reservations.dallasarboretum.org

The paint out that was scheduled for Trinidad CO has been canceled.  Instead OPS will have a Members Only event in Kerrville, Texas. Many of you may remember when there was an annual paint out competition in Kerrville, TX which hasn’t happened in the past few years for a variety of reasons.  We are excited to announce that OPS and Kerr Arts & Cultural Center (KACC) are collaborating to host “Paint Kerrville” Outdoor Painting Competition and Show, September 21-25.  Artists will have access to several private ranches, the beautiful Guadalupe River, and much more. This is not a juried event; all dues-current members are welcome to register, but there is a limit.  See the announcement below, with a link to the Prospectus.

Coming up later in the fall, plan to spend the weekend, October 7-9, in and around Austin TX, followed by a paint out November 5-6 in Glen Rose TX.  Watch your Email for invitations to register.  Remember that your participation in OPS paint out events is a great opportunity for travel, practice, camaraderie, and opportunities to sell.  Let us get to know you!

                                          Irma Ward

Tulips at the Dallas Arboretum

Austin Trattoria Lisina restaurant and Duchman Family winery

PASW21 artists James Sampsi, Richie Vios, Krystal Brown and Lorie Merfeld-Batson
 

Antique trucks on one of the many private ranches open to artists at the upcoming event, Paint Kerrville!

Paint Kerrville!

We are delighted to announce a new competition event that will be open to all levels of membership....Paint Kerrville!

This is a non-juried membership competition paint out event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society and Kerr Arts And Cultural Center, Kerrville, Texas.  Through a partnership between OPS and KACC, the event will take place September 21 through September 25, 2021, in Kerrville & the surrounding Texas Hill Country...AND offers over $5000 in awards! 

Paint Kerrville is an open competition for all levels of membership. A maximum of 50 registrations will be accepted...entry for this event is non-juried; registrations are limited to 50 on a "1st come" basis. After maximum limit is met, all registrations thereafter will be placed on the wait list.

Registration for the event opens June 1st.  The deadline to enter is June 30th.

This email is your "heads up" -  Click here to view the Prospectus  -  if you want to participate in PAINT KERRVILLE, register as soon as you receive the Call for Entry email - this event will fill quickly!  

See you at the next paint out...and keep those brushes wet!

                                             OPS Board

Associates Show
Coming This Summer!

Our Associate Members have something special coming up this summer. Watch for the Call to Artists for entry into the Associate Member Show soon.  You’ll have the opportunity to enter three (3) plein air pieces you’ve completed and one (1) entry is guaranteed.  The 2021 Associate Member Salon Show in Corsicana will be judged by an OPS Master Artist with awards.  Wait there’s more.  The plans are spinning for an additional Paint-Out the day of the reception in Corsicana with a wet paint sale too.  Our hosts The Navarro Council of the Arts will arrange some interior alla prima opportunities plus loads of great outdoor location suggestions prior to the wet paint sale.  Our goal is to stretch your skills, push your creativity, and expand your artistic heart!  And a few dollars to finance your supplies is a big bonus for your efforts.

                               Nancy Tyler

Roger Dale Brown led an incredible 3 day workshop after PAW21. Hosted by Fort Bend Art Center in Rosenberg, TX, the George Ranch Historical Park opened it's doors so the artists could paint on their beautiful property.
 

OPS Library News

One of our favorite Signature members, Bob Rohm, has gifted our OPS library with one of his latest videos.  Bob is an excellent teacher and works in oils, pastels and gouache.  Although his book The Painterly Approach is out of print and only comes up available rarely on the secondary market, we are able to secure tidbits of Bob’s vast art knowledge by watching his videos.  The 4-hour DVD “Harmonious Landscapes” will be added to the website members only page soon.  Thank you Bob.

Remember when you view any of the DVD’s in your home-Do not copy, distribute, rent, or perform.  If you especially enjoy any of the video selections please consider buying your own copy and supporting our fellow artists.          Nancy Tyler

Jeffery McDaniel (top), Suzie Baker (middle) and Robert Simone painting PASW



 

"57 in a 40" 

Spencer Meagher

Casein on 8x10 panel

Coming Sept. 9-12, Gouache/Casein painting with Spencer Meagher

Outdoor Painters Society is excited to announce Spencer Meagher will teach a workshop on  Sept. 9 - 12, 2021, in Waxahachie, Texas!

The format will be a four day intensive workshop in a classroom setting. Only 30 minutes south of Dallas, TX, this city is only 45 minutes from DFW airport and 35 minutes from Dallas Love Field.

This workshop is limited to 15 participants and will fill up fast - Open to intermediate and advanced artists. 

The total fee is $450.00 A deposit of $225 will guarantee your space. Click Here to Register: https://www.outdoorpainterssociety.com/event-4340489

From the editor: Send photos of  yourself painting, announcements of workshops and/or awards by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. 

Big thank you to Marchita Priest, Nancy Tyler, Irma Ward, Suzie Baker, Jeffery McDaniels and Richie Vios for sending photos!



*******************************************************************

April 2021
 

Plein Air
Southwest 2021

Our slate of juried artists for the 2021 Plein Air Southwest will begin swarming the Island early on Monday morning, May 3rd.  Paintings must be completed by noon Friday the 7th for competition purposes. Wet paintings will be displayed in the newly refurbished Grand Ball Room at the 1859 Ashton Villa on Broadway. Friday night preview for Galveston Historical Foundation Members to meet the artists is on May 7th, and the exhibit and sale opens to the public on Saturday, May 8th until 8pm.  Awards will be presented on Saturday night. Please come and visit at the Ashton Villa all day Saturday. Miniatures and small paintings for sale off the easel.

Look for the 2022 Plein Air Southwest Call for Artists in the fall!

A great time was had at Napoli's in Corsicana, with over 25 artists participating in the festivities!

What are the odds?!  Two paint outs in a row in Texas with cold, windy and wet weather.  And yet, over 25 artists made their way to Corsicana TX to paint historic local architecture, ranch life, and bluebonnets ( a given for this time of year).  We appreciate all who participated.  We especially appreciate the Navarro Council for the Arts who did a fabulous job hosting a pop up show at the Warehouse Living Arts Center where many of the artists’ works were sold.  Happy Day!  A special thanks to the following:  Shawn Davis who waited all day on Friday to admit artists onto her ranch (what a safe and quiet place to paint awesome arrays of bluebonnets), to Margie Taylor who, in addition to having wonderful scenery, provided a lunch spread for hungry artists, to the Navarro Council for the Arts who continually supports OPS events, and to the Corsicana families who hosted various sites for us to paint.  We were happy to see, among our attendees, the renowned Santa Fe artist, Albert Handell. 

Albert Handell

Ann Rogers and Margie Taylor

Lucy and Daniela Mendoza at Rancho Sanyo.
 

Looking forward, May is reserved for Plein Air Southwest in Galveston, TX. OPS does not normally have a Paint Out in June, yet we’re hoping Covid restrictions will ease up so that we can schedule a Paint Out at the Dallas Arboretum.  Originally a 44 acre dairy farm, the Dallas Arboretum now expands over 66 acres of botanical gardens, wooded area, water features, and more.  The property was purchased by the DeGolyer’s who, in 1939, built a 21,000 square foot Latin Colonial Revival style house made to look like it was 100 years old.  Adjacent to the DeGolyer House is the 8,500 square foot Alex Camp House, which provides a stunning view of White Rock Lake.  At the time of our visit, the ZimSculpt exhibition will be on display.  The exhibition features contemporary sculptures by Zimbabwean artists.  Visit www.dallasarboretum.org for more information.

 A trip to Trinidad, Colorado is in the works for September 13-18.  This “gem” of a town straddles the Purgatoire River between the Spanish Peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the west and Fisher’s Peak in the southeast Rocky Mountain range. Be sure to watch for more about this and for the Paint Out in Austin TX scheduled for October 2021.

Thanks for your support by attending OPS paint out events.  Stay safe and happy while painting en plein air.

                  Irma Ward

Shannon Hill and Bonnie Dunn

Melanie Stokes

Julie and Caroline Sanderson

Caroline Ratciff and Nancy Tyler


Associates Show

Coming This Summer!

Our Associate Members have something special coming up this summer. Watch for the Call to Artists for entry into the Associate Member Show in late June.  You’ll have the opportunity to enter up to three (3) plein air pieces you’ve completed and one (1) entry is guaranteed and possibly two (2) pieces will make it into the Show.   The 2021 Associate Member Salon Show in Corsicana will be judged by an OPS Master Artist with awards.  Wait there’s more.  The plans are spinning for an additional Paint-Out the day of the reception in Corsicana with a wet paint sale too.  Our hosts The Navarro Council of the Arts will arrange some interior alla prima opportunities plus loads of great outdoor location suggestions prior to the wet paint sale.  Our goal is to stretch your skills, push your creativity, and expand your artistic heart!  And a few dollars to finance your supplies is a big bonus for your efforts.

                               Nancy Tyler
 

Bandits Take Galveston Show
Third Coast Gallery, Galveston, TX

Plein Air Bandits in Galveston third coast exhibit. 8 Bandits are showing our art at Third Coast Gallery in Galveston. Our show is there for you to see and love. Plein Air during covid kept us all in touch and active. Betsy hung a beautiful exhibit of our work. (Above) Betsy Campbell, Richie Vios, Marchita Priest, Krystal Brown  Kathy Womack Hammond Lisette McClung,  Nancy Tyler.

Congratulations

To all the artists participating in the Corsicana Paint out and Show who sold paintings! (Above Marla Luttrell)

Roy Smith has been awarded 1st place in the oil/acrylic division at the New Braunfels Art League's celebrating 175 years of "Iconic New Braunfels." April, 2021.

Workshops & Shows

Live Oak Art Center invites any Texas artist to compete for prizes and benefits in our inaugural Quick Draw 2021. The competition will be held at the annual Magnolia Days Festival in Columbus, TX, May 15, 2021. This plein air art competition requires contestants to create his or her art entry on the day of the contest within the specified time constraints.  Artists must create the work within a predefined area.

It is recommended that artists provide an artist’s statement, bio and photo of themselves by May 1st in order to be included in a brochure available to collectors.  Meet and greets and other opportunities to interact with collectors, media and audience will be announced as they are finalized. Registration: $50, $250 first prize, with other prizes awarded. Judged by James Busby. For more info and rules, contact Amanda Danning, amandadanning@gmail.com
 

Cecy Turner: Snow Covered Pine Mini Workshop in Oil. Join Cecy for this short one-hour mini workshop and learn how to paint a beautiful snow covered pine scene in oil. If you've ever wanted to put snow covered pines in your snow scenes but felt they always looked too stiff and symmetrical, this class is for you! You will learn from start to finish how I decide on a  composition, do a thumbnail sketch, all color mixtures, materials and brushes used, plus what I'm doing and why, to create this painting from start to finish! Don't miss out on the fun of learning how to paint this and make beautiful snow covered pines a wonderful addition to your snow scenes! Workshop includes a Zoom meeting for critique after you finish your painting. You may watch it on your own time, any time, even paint along with me if you want, and the link will be available to you for one year. It is a  special price of $11.95 right now, so don't delay! Upon registration, you will get a link to the video, supply list, photo reference and image of my finished painting. Click here for is a link to a short trailer to show a little of what you’ll see.

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com

From the editor: Send photos of  yourself painting, announcements of workshops and/or awards by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. Big thank you to Jim Rogers, Dena Davis, Irma Ward and  Marchita Priest  for sending photos!



**************************************************

March 2021

Plein Air
Southwest 2021

Our slate of juried artists for the 2021 Plein Air Southwest will begin swarming the Island early on Monday morning, May 3rd.  Paintings must be completed by noon Friday the 7th for competition purposes. Wet paintings will be displayed in the newly refurbished Grand Ball Room at the 1859 Ashton Villa on Broadway. Friday night preview for Galveston Historical FoundationMembers to meet the artists is on May 7th, and the exhibit and sale opens to the public on Saturday, May 8th until 8pm.   Awards will be presented on Saturday night. 

You as OPS members are welcome to come down to Galveston and paint too. It’s a great way for newbies to observe how a major outdoor competition works. Your fellow members will appreciate your interest and support, just be mindful of the competition 
 

artists’ time and attention since they are painting to win accolades and sell their artwork.  

Come to the Show and watch over the artists’ shoulder while additional small paintings are being produced on the Ashton Villa premises Saturday.  Look for the 2022 Plein Air Southwest Call for Artists in the fall.

Plans are underway for the Corsicana TX paint out program in April (16-17).  Members Margie Taylor and Leah Blackard, Director Navarro Council for the Arts/Palace Theatre, are putting together some special treats for OPS members. Art patrons from the Corsicana community are also participating by opening their property to OPS members.  Be sure to watch for your invitation to register for this event; coming soon.
 

OPS does not normally have a Paint Out in June, yet we’re hoping Covid restrictions will ease up so that we can schedule a Paint Out at the Dallas Arboretum.  No details as of now.  Also, somewhere new is in the works for September (20-25). We’re planning a trip to Trinidad, Colorado.  This “gem” of a town straddles the Purgatoire River between the Spanish Peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the west and Fisher’s Peak in the southeast Rocky Mountain range. Be sure to watch for more about this and for the Paint Out in Austin TX scheduled for October 2021.

                                Irma Ward

Photos taken from the Bluebonnet Trail outside Ennis, TX in late March of last year. 


Roger Dale Brown

Plein Air Workshop

When: May 11, 12, & 13, 2020
Where: ROSENBERG, TX

Plein Air Southwest 2021, is excited that the awards juror, ROGER DALE BROWN of Franklin, Tennessee will teach a workshop. The format is a 3-day "Plein Air" intensive workshop which will include indoor classroom study as well as outdoor on location in and around the city of Rosenberg.  Only 35 minutes from Houston, this Fort Bend County city is only 50 miles inland from the Gulf Coast and 45 minutes from Houston Hobby airport.

Click Here to register. The total fee is $550.00.  $275 due upon registration, balance of $275 due April 15, 2021. Refunds: $100 cancellation fee on or before April 15, 2020.  No refunds after April 15, 2020.

Dinner at Chili Pepper in Stude Butte

(L to R) Cheryl Damschen, Laura Allee, Teri McReynolds, Judy Beaufort

Dinner at High Sierra,

(L to R) Jana Jennings, Shawn Davis, Nancy Tyler, Marchita Priest, Jim Bragg, Donna McGee, Jing Zhao, Tina Bohlman, Myrrh Haslam, Shannon Hill.

OPS Paint Out

at Big Bend

At the peak of Spring break, over 30 plein air painters gathered to paint the iconic Big Bend National Park. The hotels and restaurants were full, and so were the main attractions—Santa Elena, Bouquillias Canyon, and Chisos mountain. But in the majority of the park you couldn’t help but feel you were alone with nature, gazing at incredible beauty. Very hard to be bored!

The weather was perfect—cool in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, and always sunny. On most days the wind usually behaved itself, except for an occasional bluster on the mountaintops.

Friday’s show-and-tell brought together tired but happy painters, sharing stories and collections of the week’s endeavors. Lots of new faces were there, with new renditions of age-old  vistas! A fun and inspiring end to an incredible week.

Donna McGee

Matt and Lisa Prosser

Tina Bohlman

Shannon Hill
 

Show and Tell
Terlingua Park

Dinner at the Starlight

(L to R) Donna McGee, Myrrh Haslam, Laura Allee, Shannon Hill, Marchita Priest, Lisette McClung, Alice Leese, Nancy Tyler, Tina Bohlman, Jing Zhao.

Matt Prosser, Lisette McClung and hubby, Lisa Prosser

Cheryl Damschen, Judy Beaufort, Teri McRenyolds, Amanda Danning,
Suitlana Parks.

Alice Leese

Need a boost in your art thinking?  

Check out the OPS Library of fine videos to borrow as a benefit of your membership.  Just go to the Members Only section of the OPS website for the vast selection and pay only the postage for a 14 day viewing window.  Here is a recent review from one of our fellow members.

“I got a lot of nuggets out of this video En Plein Air -Painting on the Right Side of the Brain By Rick Howell. I also really enjoyed how Mr. Howell broke down the two sides of the brain. He shared his experience, the ups and downs of painting outside, how we as beginners, and even the advanced, can get discouraged over bad paintings.  But Rick emphasized how we need to not beat our selves up and to keep moving forward. Plus there were so many additional nuggets that he talked about.

I give this video five stars *****”

                         J.D. Fields, OPS Member

Greater Houston area

Bandits Paintout at
Port Boliver, TX

18 painters joined Marchita Priest for a paint out in Port Boliver on March 6th. If you would like to join, send your contact information to Marchita Priest, marchitapriest@yahoo.com. 

(L to R) Richie Vios, Marchita Priest, Kathy Hammond, Marla Luttrell, Caroline Ratliff, Carolyn Speer, Nancy Tyler, Lisette McClung and Kathy Ykema. 
 

Painting docked Shrimp boats
at Pt. Boliver:

Gary Frisk, Marchita Priest, Richie Vios, Krystal Brown, Kathy Hammond, Lisette McClung, Mansueto Fabugais.

Mansueto Fabugais

Workshops

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com
 

Congratulations

Nancy Paris Pruden for getting an honorable mention on her painting at the SWAN art show in Galveston the weekend of March 20th. Big congrats!

From the editor: Send photos of  yourself painting, announcements of workshops and/or awards by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com. Big thank you to Shannon Hill, Tina Bohlman, Nancy Tyler and  Marchita Priest  for sending photos, and Mr. Jennings and Mr. McClung for taking photos for us!




January 2020

Don't Miss the Upcoming

Roger Dale Brown
Plein Air Workshop

When: May 11, 12, & 13, 2020
Where: ROSENBERG, TX

Plein Air Southwest 2021, is excited that the awards juror, ROGER DALE BROWN of Franklin, Tennessee will teach a workshop. The format is a 3-day "Plein Air" intensive workshop which will include indoor classroom study as well as outdoor on location in and around the city of Rosenberg.  Only 35 minutes from Houston, this Fort Bend County city is only 50 miles inland from the Gulf Coast and 45 minutes from Houston Hobby airport.

Click Here to register.
 

This workshop is limited to 15 participants. It will fill up fast!

Open to intermediate and advanced artists. CLICK HERE to view supply list.

The total fee is $550.00.  $275 due upon registration, balance of $275 due April 15, 2021. Refunds: $100 cancellation fee on or before April 15, 2020.  No refunds after April 15, 2020.

Artists Supporting Artists!

“Spring is bustin’ out all over!  Well, not quite, and yet it seemed that way during the Corpus Christi/Port Aransas paint out this past weekend with relatively mild weather (at least part of the time!).  Shown here is Marla Luttrell, Kim Hoerster, Nancy Tyler, Marchita Priest, Alice Leese, Dianne Arnette, Guy Morrow, Richie Vios, Al Kline, Margie Taylor, Roy Smith, Neva Rossie DeForest, Julie Sanderson and Carolyn Sanderson.  The group attended a one man show at the Corpus Christi Art Center featuring works by OPS member, Richie Vios. 

Paint Out plans are underway for the spring, summer and fall. In February (26-27th)  we travel the Western Cross Timbers area of North Texas to the town of Graham TX and Possum Kingdom Lake.  Graham boasts a large town square and lots of nearby creeks, ranches, and woodlands to spark your interest.  Not too far from Graham is Possum Kingdom Lake with scenic views of water and cliffs.  Please register if you plan on attending.

March (22nd-27th) takes us to a southwest favorite, Big Bend National Park and Terlingua, TX.  You must go if you like to paint in a beautiful, expansive, and peaceful area.  There’s nothing like it anywhere else in Texas.  The scenery is varied and awesome!  Most painters stay in Terlingua (just a few miles from the park entrance).  Rooms book up quickly, so don’t delay registering for this event and booking your room reservations.  The itinerary is posted on the OPS website under the “Member Only” tab.

Big Bend National Park
 

Al Kline and Alice Leese, Corpus Christi

Bluebonnets are on the program in April (16-17th), as are ranches, historic homes and buildings in Corsicana TX.  Once Texas’ wealthiest city, Corsicana is where Mobil Oil (then called Magnolia Petroleum Company) and Texaco got their start, as well as Wolf Brand Chili.  Now Corsicana is a quiet town with several reminders of its industrial past, making this a very “paintable” town.  Navarro Council for the Arts and Corsicana Main Street are, again, our hosts for the weekend.  They indicate that we can expect adding some new exciting things to the itinerary.  NCA has been a wonderful supporter of OPS and has hosted the Associate Member’s Show for the past two years.  Registration for this event will open in a few weeks.

OPS does not normally have a Paint Out in June, yet we’re hoping Covid restrictions will ease up so that we can schedule a Paint Out at the Dallas Arboretum.  No details as of now.  Also, somewhere new is in the works for September (20-25th).  We’re planning a trip to Trinidad, Colorado.  This “gem” of a town straddles the Purgatoire River between the Spanish Peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the west and Fisher’s Peak in the southeast Rocky Mountain range.  Be sure to watch for more about this and for the Paint Out in Austin TX scheduled for October 2021.

Irma Ward           

OPS Library

What your fellow Members were Watching and Learning in 2020?

As a great membership perk OPS stocks a pretty impressive video library for members to use.   Many utilize it for jumpstarting their creativity, brushing up skills, or trying a new medium.  Top plein air media choices are represented.  Unlike the YouTube versions that are readily available our OPS library picks contain the whole enchilada plus many other chapters of learning for your two-week absorption.  Go to the Members Only section of the website and peruse the selection and read the instructions.  

Top used DVD’s for 2020 are listed in order, by most used: 

1st:  Lori Putnam’s Bold Brushstrokes

2nd:  Richard Schmid’s White Pine

3rd:  Mastering Trees by Paul Krater

4th:  Jeanne Rossier Smith, Pastel Seascape Series

Two new titles acquired recently are especially for the Acrylic Plein Air Artists, although both have good composition tips for use in any media.

                                        Nancy Tyler

Marchita Priest, Woodlands, TX
 

Above: Painting the Woodlands with the local group the masked bandits (holding their breaths!)  Krystal Brown painting Richie Vios. A nice group came, adding several new members!

Calling all Greater Houston, Gulf Coast, Rosenberg, Katie, Cypress, Woodlands area Plein Air Artists

Our area recently supported two wonderful plein air organizations. They recently folded. If you would like to join together with other artists to form a new group, or just to plein air paint, send your contact information to Marchita Priest, marchitapriest@yahoo.com. 

Joel Akerman plein air charter sheet

(shared from Facebbook)

Workshops

Richie Vios: Announcing my upcoming watercolor workshop in March in Florida:

www.lighthousearts.org

and April in Texas and I'm going to have a free-demo on Woodland Art League in Woodland Texas (everyone is welcome but seats are limited, Please make a reservation in advance )this coming March 10, 2021, @ 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm. For more information please check the link:

www.woodlandsartleague.org

Deborah Paris: The Landscape Atelier (my teaching studio) has two online classes scheduled in January, Understanding Values in the Landscape and Painting Snow.  https://thelandscapeatelier.com/

Robert J. Simone is offering online classes on Tuesdays.  Registration options include Class Only ($20) or Class + Video Critique ($30).  Here is a link. 
 


Watercolor Society of South Texas

The WSST is offering a 3-day workshop withFrank Eber at the Port Aransas Art Center on February 12-14, 2021.  

Rusty Jones: Check out the very interesting and informative In Celebration of Nature, an online landscape painting workshop. For more info, click here.

Randall Cogburn teaches one on one how to paint on location in the Austin/Galveston area.    www.RandallCogburn.com 








November 2020

  We hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and wish you the brightest and best of the  December Holidays during this crazy time! We are very thankful for our members and volunteers who make the organization possible. We couldn't do it without you. And thank you for remembering to renew your membership for 2021!
 

Jeanne Reavis and Shannon Hill

The paint out in Llano was well attended and enjoyed by everyone! 

Registration is open  for a one-day paint out in Waxahachie, TX on December 12th preceding our annual Holiday Dinner and Painting Exchange party. Many thanks to the Ellis County Art Association for providing space for the party at Art on the Square. There is a $15 per person fee to help cover the cost of food and beverages. Should the event be cancelled due to government restrictions, those registered will be notified or reimbursed.

Jeanne Reavis, Bruce Bingham and

Cheryl Koen
 

Painting by the Llano River


Paintouts 2021

January 29-30:  Corpus Christi/Port Aransas

February 26-27:  Graham TX/Possum Kingdom

March: (dates pending) Big Bend/Terlingua TX

April: (dates pending) Corsicana, TX

May 3-8:  Plein Air Southwest in Galveston TX

June 9-11:  Dallas Arboretum

September 20-25 Trinidad CO

October 7-9: Austin TX

November 5-6: Glenrose TX 

OPS Library

Remember when the cold winds blow how nice it is to curl up on the couch and watch an art video.  And, how extra nice to watch it over and over if there is a section that you really want to grasp!  One of our great Member Benefits is the use of the OPS Library.  Members pay postage both ways and can watch non-stop for 14 days.  Pastel, Watercolor, Oil, and Acrylic, all media covered.  Find the Library offerings in the Members Only Section of the website.

                                        Nancy Tyler

The Quarentini Painters & Alice Leese

Painter Challenge: Dark Skies

Alice tells us about the ‘Quarentini Painters’.

"The Quarentini Painters were formed in March 2020 to keep artists painting and engaged during the pandemic. A friend asked if I would like to paint a subject and share photos. He then talked to more people and from there a few simple ground rules formed, subjects are chosen on Saturday by drawing out of a hat and come from a list contributed by the artists.

Each painting subject is given two hours and photos are sent at 15 minutes, one hour and two hours with the idea to be finished at two hours. Most of the painters paint the subject challenge on Wednesday from 7-9 pm. The core group of five artists are currently still painting along with more who have joined in. Check out the Facebook page and paint with us for a couple hours, you can see the new challenge every Sunday under the announcement tab, everyone is welcome!

It has been interesting to see everyone’s process, learning how the artists start and proceed through a challenge. The immediacy of the event is what adds to the challenge, at 15 minutes the painting may not look anything like the finished work, and then there is an hour and 45 minutes to build on those initial 15 minute strokes. We are a diverse group of artists, connected by a desire to improve our painting skills."

See Alice's website at Aliceleese.com. Many thanks to Art Cocoon and KRVClassics.com
 

In Memory of Ann Rhys


ANN RHYS

After a tough battle with breast cancer, the lovely Ann Rhys has been called back home. She was surrounded, held, and comforted by her girls, Angela and Julia, and her husband George at her moment of passing.

Our love and condolences go out to fellow OPS painter and friend, George Rhys. 

"The great artists of the past were aware that human life is full of chaos and suffering. But they had a remedy for this. And the name of that remedy was beauty. The beautiful work of art brings consolation in sorrow and affirmation in joy. It shows human life to be worthwhile."
                                   Roger Scruton

Congratulations

OPS Members!

Richie Vios

Big Congrats! Richie's Galveston Show opening was very successful, with lots of friends and family. And lots of red dots appearing on his paintings! A one man watercolor exhibit, Island Vibes - 2, runs though Christmas at the Third Coast Gallery, 2413 Mechanic St., Galveston. More info: https://www.thirdcoastgalleries.com/


Tammy Lane

I was invited to the Governor's Show of Colorado with four oil paintings accepted. The show ran through October at the Loveland Museum in Loveland, Colorado. 

Way to go Tammie!


John Caggiano

I just returned home from En Plein Air Texas, where I was one of the 34 juried artists. Also, I was just informed that my painting, Winter River, 24" x 24", was voted as one of the FAV 15% in the September BOLDBRUSH Art Contest & Exhibit, as well as being accepted in the AIS - American Impressionist Society's Annual National Juried Exhibition. In October, I was elected to Signature Membership in NOAPS - National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. 


Below: John Caggiano at Burman's Boat Yard
 

Workshops

Watercolor Society of South Texas

The WSST is offering a 3-day workshop with Frank Eber at the Port Aransas Art Center on February 12-14, 2021.  


Bruce Peil

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com

From the editor:

Please note the correction--Melody Montero-Ortiz's name, listed in the Oct. Plein Talk under the photo of those attending the OPS Associates show, was spelled incorrectly. 

If you are out there painting, braving Covid and the elements, send photos! Also, send any announcements of workshops and/or awards, so we can let OPS members know. Include details on when and where the show is, or links to the show if it is already published. Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com.

Big thank you to Jeanne Reavis, Bruce Bingham and Marchita Priest for sharing photos!




**********************************************************************************************************************************

October 2020

The 2020 Associates show ended on Saturday, Oct. 24 with a closing reception.  This pandemic has seriously impacted any group gatherings such as art exhibitions. Even though the reception attendance was less than wished for, it was good to see and greet each other ... even behind a mask and at a "social distance." 

Artists attending picked up their work, and those of friends. Hand delivered work not picked up at the reception can be picked up on Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27, during the hours of 10AM to 2PM at the Warehouse Center for the Living Arts. If the main entrance on the corner is locked, please use the side (west) entrance, 119 west 6th Avenue Corsicana, TX,  903-872-5421. If you shipped your work, packing and shipping will begin week of October 26.  Please allow time for delivery by your chosen carrier but, should you not receive your work by mid-November, please call the number listed above.

We sure do miss our get-togethers and sincerely hope events and activities will be back to "normal" soon.  Please stay safe and thanks for a great show! 

                 OPS Board of Directors
 

Associate Show Member Show, (L to R) Nancy Tyler, Karla Massingill, Francis Huang, Tina Bohlman,

Melody Monterey-Oriz and huband.

J.D. Fields

Melanie Stokes and Karla Massingill



Some of the Palo Duro painters: Alice Leese, Francis Huang, Amy Carter Ismael, Melanie Stokes, Jeanie Duff, Ladonna Daniels,
Dena Davis, Frank Gabriel.


Kudos to those of you who attended the Palo Duro Canyon paint out. Hope you completed some great paintings and enjoyed the experience at this Texas gem.

Another gem of a town is our next paint out destination; Llano, TX, scheduled for November 13-14. Registration is open  for a one-day paint out in Waxahachie, TX on December 12th preceding our annual Holiday Dinner and Painting Exchange party. Many thanks to the Ellis County Art Association for providing space for the party at Art on the Square. There is a $15 per person fee to help cover the cost of food and beverages. Because of the pandemic, we must limit the number of attendees, so don’t forget to sign up early.

Now, for a sneak peek at the paint out locations we are planning for 2021. Note that some dates are subject to change. 

January 29-30: 

Corpus Christi/Port Aransas

February 26-27:

Graham TX/Possum Kingdom

March 26-27: Corsicana TX

April 12-17:

Big Bend/Terlingua TX

May 3-8:

Plein Air Southwest in
Galveston TX

June 9-11:

Dallas Arboretum

September 20-25 Trinidad CO

October 7-9: Austin TX

November 5-6: Glenrose TX 

                                      Irma Ward



Alice Leese

Karla Massingill
 

Tina Bohlman

Frank Gabriel

Sharyn Richie

Gary Frisk

Jeanie Duff and Dena Davis



HOLIDAY PAINT OUT

& “WET PAINT” SALE

December  3-6, 2020

GALVESTON, TX

We are excited to announce that Outdoor Painters Society has accepted an invitation from Galveston Historical Foundation for plein air painters to participate as "Victorian Artist  Participants” in the downtown Galveston’s annual holiday event, Dickens on the Squares.

This annual 2-day holiday festival, hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation, takes place on December 5th and 6th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Dickens on The Squares will offer ticketed guests access to specially crafted “Dickens squares” - Hendley Green, Old Galveston Square, Saengerfest Park, Galveston Historic Seaport, and Pier 22.  Adhering to local, state, and federal guidelines for public gatherings, “Squares” will feature live entertainment,   art & craft vendors, food, a dedicated entrance and exit, strict capacity limits, mask requirements for entry and participation, sanitation stations throughout the Squares, and social distancing reminders. 

The  Pre-event Paintout

Thursday and Friday, Dec 3rd & 4th - 2 days prior to the Dickens on the Squares festival event and the OPS “wet paint” sale,  plein air artists will paint throughout Galveston island and create a body of work to display and sell on Dec. 5th & 6th during the Dickens on the Squares event.  We suggest that artists capture on canvas (or paper) the architecture and colorful sights of a Victorian holiday as well as “Iconic” Galveston scenes that will appeal to festival visitors.
 

The Wet Paint Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th - Painters will set up their plein air easels within a pre-assigned Dickens Square and capture on canvas, paper, or panel, the people, sights & action  of the event....(sort of an all-day “Quick Draw”)  The paintings completed 2 days prior (and the painting on your easel) will be “creatively displayed” around your easel and offered for sale.  The event volunteers, vendors and participating artists all contribute to the theme of the festival by dressing in Victorian-style costumes.

Open to all members of Outdoor Painters Society.  No fee to participate, but artists must register by Nov. 27, 2020 and agree to the following rules including but not limited to:

  • Attend Check in & Event Orientation December 3, 2020      
  • COVID policy of Social Distancing and Face Covering.
  • Participate in Festival 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday
  • Dress in Victorian-style costume (provided by the artists) during Festival on Saturday & Sunday. 
  • All sales transactions processed through Galveston Historic Foundation (65% to artist, 35% to GHF). 
  • No restriction on painting sizes.
  • Paintings must be for sale with minimum price of $100

CLICK HERE FOR PROSPECTUS

Brrr... a few “Plein Air Masked Bandits” huddled at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. A cold morning and little windy. Warmed up enough to shed coats and enjoy the day. Richie Vios, Krystal Brown and Marchita Priest. “Bandits” Nancy Tyler and Gary Frisk also painted.

Enter and paint from wherever you Are! Not to late to register for:

Brushes By the Beach

Plein Air Art Contest

October 14 - November 8, 2020

Galveston Island 

This year is DIFFERENT - you have more time to paint and your plein air painting may be done anywhere in the U.S.A. between Oct. 14 and Nov. 8, 2020.

Join us in supporting our non-profit partner Artist Boat.

Click here for more information from G. Lee Gallery.
 

Painting the Pleasure Pier in Galveston: Krystal Brown and Richie Vios (below)

Congratulations

OPS Members!

Alice Leese

Congrats to our Art Cocoon featured artist! See details here. Editor's note: Alice's name was misspelled in the last newsletter and has been corrected!

Susan Lynn

An OPS Signature member, Susan won the Elta Joyce McAfee Grand Grand Prize award at the EnPleinAirTexas 2020 competition in San Angelo, for her painting "Peace on the River." To see all the winners, click here.

Richie Vios

Has a one man watercolor exhibit, Island Vibes - 2, opening Nov. 28, 2020 at the Third Coast Gallery, 2413 Mechanic St., Galveston. More info: https://www.thirdcoastgalleries.com/


Tina Bohlman

Creative Catalyst productions has a NEW interview at the blog! We're talking with Tina Bohlman on the importance of planning, why she loves plein air watercolor and how she decides a scene is worth painting.

Read the interview, click here. 

Lon Brauer

Louis Show - 'Creatures II'.  Many thanks to Robin Hirsch-Steinhoff - Artistic Director, and judges Lisa Ober and John Cross for the nod.  Always an honor!

'Bird of the House', oil on panel, available thru Art Saint Louis.


Amy Carter-Ismael

was juried into the Oil Painters of America as an associate, and juried into the OPS Associates

Show. https://www.amycarterishmael.com/
 

Workshops

Watercolor Society of South Texas

The WSST is offering a 3-day workshop with Frank Eber at the Port Aransas Art Center on February 12-14, 2021.  

We also have Andy Evensen coming to South Texas in October 2021 and Eugeniu Gorean coming from Maldova in December 2021.  You can find a full list of our workshops and latest news on our website at WSSTX.ORG.

Bruce Peil

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com

From the editor:

If you are out there painting, braving Covid and the elements, please send photos! Though as a rule we do not publish photos of the individual paintings, it's ok to have your painting on an easel with your (or a friend/friends) smiling face! 

Also, please send any announcements of workshops and/or awards, so we can let OPS members know. Include details on when and where the show is, or links to the show if it is already published. Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com.

Big thank you to Karla Massingill, Melanie Stokes, LaDonna Daniel, Tina Bohlman and Marchita Priest, Richie Vios and Gary Frisk  for sharing photos!

Happy Halloween!






September 2020


SEPTEMBER 2020

"Plein Visions in Miniature"

Extension of the OPS 2020 Associate Member Show & Sale


July 22 to Oct. 24, 2020

Reception Oct. 24, 4-6pm

The Warehouse Living Art Center in Corsicana, TX


Rusty Jones
 Juror of AwardsThe second annual Associate Member Show & Sale has been extended to Saturday, October 24th.  A Closing


Reception is planned from 4-6 p.m. on that afternoon by our hosts The Navarro Council of the Arts. Members in attendance may then


take their unsold paintings home. Continue to broadcast to your friends and followers the show and sale is virtual. Check out the show 


in person at the Council of the Arts at 119 W. 6th Ave, Corsicana Texas. Or virtual at www.navarrocouncilofthearts.com.


Hope to see you in downtown Corsicana on October 24, 2020 to cheer on your fellow members.


Newsflash! Big congrats to Krystal Brown, who is the "Artist to Watch" and Editor's Choice for Up & Coming Talent in


the September 2020 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Krystal joined OPS and started off with a Best in Show (see above) for the


Associate Members Show. See her brags under the "Congrats" title below.


Click here to see more information on the OPS Associates Show, including the winner's paintings.

                                   

Nancy Tyler
 

"Bay Side Ride" by Krystal Brown

Award Winners


Best in Show

"Bay Side Ride"

Krystal Brown, Spring, TX


First Place

"Galveston"

Lon Brauer - Granite City, IL


Second Place

"Edwards Valley"

Randall Cogburn - Alvin, TX


Third Place

"Galveston Bay Shrimper"

Jeffery Neel McDaniel - Rio Frio, TX


First Award of Merit

"Rose Window"

Nancy Tyler - Dallas, TX


Second Award of Merit

"Big Bend Basin"

Sharyn Richey - La Grange, TX


Third Award of Merit

"Cactus Blooms"

Roy Smith - Burnet, TX


Fourth Award of Merit

"Bodega Bay, Foggy Morning"

Nancy Paris Pruden - Houston, TX

Krystal Brown

Alice Lesse and Nancy Tyler painting the John Dunn bridge in Taos, NM.
 

Big Congrats to the five new Signature Members of OPS!  Please announce & congratulate the following members:

Sheryl Knight, Santa Maria, CA

Lon Brauer, Granite City, IL

Gail Greenoe, Plano, TX

Ann Rogers, Dallas, TX

Liz Bonham, Keller, TX

Ann Rogers painting Colorado

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon (October 15-17)

The Palo Duro Canyon paint out is coming soon.   Registration is open; however, you are required to purchase day passes and/or overnight reservations in advance through https://www.texasstateparks.org, or call 512-389-8900.   Make your reservation first, then register for the event.  The preliminary itinerary is posted on the OPS website under the “Members Only” tab, then “Itineraries.”

Llano River

Llano, TX (November 13-14)

Registration is open for the OPS paint out in Llano TX.  It’s not likely that we will see bluebonnets in this Hill Country town in November, however, this area is beautiful to paint regardless of the time of year.   FYI, if you plan on an excursion to Enchanted Rock or any state park you will need a day pass, same website as above.  Don’t wait to make your reservation, they sell out quickly.

Waxahachie, TX (December 12)

Plans are underway for a one-day paint out in Waxahachie TX in conjunction with our annual Holiday Party and Painting Exchange.  After the paint out we will meet at Art in the Square for dinner and the festivities. The cost is $15 per person.  Because of Covid restrictions this year we are limiting registration to 40 (including guests).  Don’t miss out on this fun event.  Registration opens soon and closes on December 7th.

                             Irma Ward
 

Alice Lesse and Myrrh Haslam (Taos, NM) 

Having fun in Taos. Thanks Tina for the masks! (Top photo) Tina Bolhman, Shawn Davis, Marchita Priest, Shannon Hill, Myrrh Haslam and Nancy Tyler.

Paint Out! 

Taos NM (September 14-18)

Seven brave painters enjoyed the painting and camaraderie of the diverse Taos NM area. Quick paintings were attempted downtown Taos at the Plaza, and on Ledoux Street. Outside the town there were many favorite painting locations such as the churches at Rancho de Taos Plaza and the Village of Arroyo Seco.  Taos Ski Valley, the Rio Grande River at John Dunn Bridge, Rio Grande Gorge, and the Red River areas were just as inviting as well as the colorful countryside.

Additional Note:  A few of the Texas OPS painters scouted north to check out the charming town of Trinidad, CO before heading south into Taos, NM.   Consensus is that Trinidad will be a good choice for a future paint-out.  Another jewel north of Taos visited by the scouts was Eagle Nest, NM with panoramic distant scenery and a rugged, yet colorful, downtown area.  

"The Plein Air Painter's Repose" or just "Marchita on the rocks""

Congratulations OPS Members!

Alice Lesse

The Ellen Noel Art Museum in Odessa Texas opened a solo show, Way Out West, by Alice Leese on March 5, 2020. Great opening crowd and artists gallery talk! The show had to close a week later because of Covid 19, but the good news is that it was held over until the end of August. The show featured 35 plein air and studio works from National Parks Arts Foundation Artists Residencies at Fort Union National Monument, New Mexico and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawai'i. The show also features works from the YT Ranch, where the artist lives and works, including a 6' x 30' mural of a large grass fire. 

Alice was juried into the Western Gallery online show that opens May 8th on Instagram. Her work is also at the Museum of the Big Bend in the Trappings of Texas show, also in the Driggs plein air show and Western Galleries’ TEXAS Women show. 

Spencer Meagher

Was featured in October 2020 Southwest Art Magazine “Artist to Watch.” He was also chosen juror for the August 2020 Gateway International Painting Competition.
Other awards include: August 2020 Steelville Plein Air 1st Place (2x), 2nd Place (2x). July 2020 Gateway International Painting Competition Finalist Judge Patrick Saunders
July 2020 3rd Place Missouri Valley Impressionist Society Show, Judge Kim Casebeer
June 2020 Outstanding Acrylic Boldbrush Competition
May 2020 Gateway International Painting Competition Finalist.


Cecy Turner

I'm so excited that my watercolor, "Three Beauties," was juried into the American Impressionist Society 2020 Online Exhibit out of 2,172 entries! Accepted artists and their paintings will be posted on the AIS website on September 9th. 

I also got a painting into the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibit. Thanks!

Peggy Kingsbury

Honored and grateful to receive first place in the canvas/panel category at the Galveston Art League Juried show. Thank you to judge Taylor Clendennen for the recognition. "Remembering Toulouse-Lautrec is a 24x28 oil on linen. Also accepted in the show is "Spiritual Experience."

Randy Saffle

won the "Best Associate Honorable Mention Award" for my painting "Because You're Mine" during the Oil Painters of America 29th National Juried Exhibition.

Diane Frossard

Became a Signature Member of the OPA and also won the "Animal Award of Excellence" award for her painting 'Spring Pasture" during Oil Painters of America 29th National Juried Exhibition.

Deborah Paris

I am thrilled to say that my book Painting the Woods: Nature, Memory and Metaphor will be published by Texas A&M University Press this December! I have been exploring and painting Lennox Woods, an old growth southern hardwood forest near my home for almost ten years. I mounted a major exhibition of paintings of the Woods back in 2014. I started work in 2017 on a book about my experiences in the Woods, and how my time spent there changed both the way I look at nature and how I paint it. 

Click here to preorder on Amazon!

Richie Vios

I'm so honored to have received multiple major awards in Steamboat Art Museum Pleinair 2020. 1st place, "At the Ranch," Museum Purchase award, and Downtown Historic Award. Huge thank you to Jury Josh Been and Steamboat Art Museum president, Directors and board members.

My painting, "Courthouse," was a first place winner at the Central City, CO Plein Air 2020. Also won Best Quick Draw!  Thank you judge Derry Coe.

Gary Frisk

I participated in the Steamboat Art Museum Plein Air 2020 Event.  40 Artists and nearly 200 submitted paintings. My Entry, "The Victoria Nocturne" won Honorable Mention.

Thank you to Joshua Been who had an impossible job judging the show; he described what he liked about the painting. And the Steamboat Art Museum staff members and volunteers who did an incredible job putting on the show and staying up late to hang all the paintings.

Krystal Brown

Beauty of Oil Award, Plein Air Grand Marais, judge Kathie Wheeler, OPA, AIS, AWA. 2020 “Award of Excellence” Oil Painters of America, Virtual - International Wet Paint Competition, "While You Wait," Judge John Pototschnik. September 2020 Southwest Art, Artist to Watch the editors choice for up-and -coming Talent.  She was also juried into the NOAPS 2020 Best of America National Juried Exhibition, Cutter and Cutter Fine Art, St Augustine, FL
 

Workshops

Spencer Meagher

Online Workshps
9/30-12/6 Fundamentals of Watercolor Petoskey
10/5-10/6 watercolor Waterscapes, Eureka Springs
11/14-11/15 Watercolor Basics Lake Geneva

In-person face-to-face
10/31 Plein Air: Painting in the Park Mount Vernon IL
11/3-12/8 Exploring Watercolor through Design Kirkwood, MO

2/17-2/18/2021 Expressive Brushstrokes in Acrylic Jupiter, FL.

Click here to see more information.

Cecy Turner

Cecy is teaching another On Demand Online Workshop in Watercolor called “Go with the Flow.” It focuses on how to paint flowing backgrounds for florals in watercolor so that flowers don’t look pasted on the background. The class includes four demonstrations of background techniques and full demonstration start to finish of “Magnolia Glow.” Upon registration, the links to the four parts of the workshop will be sent and can be accessed for one year. It also includes photo references, supply list and two Zoom meetings for question and answer and critiques. Compositional tips and value sketch are included, too!

Cost is only $34.95. See a full description of the class, a short trailer, and register under Workshops on Cecy’s website:  https://cecyturner.com

Fran Ellisor

Three day Plein Air Workshop - Color and Composition - Midland, Tx, Oct 9-11, 2020. Click here for more info. 

John Lasater

John Lasater has a new weekly video series and online community called “Views.” Visit painting views dot com to learn more.

Rusty Jones

Excited to announce my new online landscape painting workshop. Registration begins June 1st. Three video lessons each month, private Facebook community, critiques, competitions, guest artists and more. www.rustyjonesart.com

Krystal Brown

2020 Plein Air Workshop Tubac School of Fine Art: Sucessful Plein Air Painting.  Click here for more info.

Bruce Peil

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com

Bruce Peil

From the editor:

If you are out there, braving Covid and the elements, please send photos! Though as a rule we do not publish photos of the individual paintings, it's ok to have your painting on an easel with your (or a friend/friends) smiling face! Also, please send any announcements of workshops and/or awards, so we can let the OPS members know. Include details on when and where the show is, or links to the show if it is already published. Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com.

Big thank you to Jim Rogers, Krystal Brown, Tina Bolhman and Marchita Priest for sharing photos!


August 2020

"Plein Visions in Miniature"

July 22 to Sept. 26, 2020

Reception Sept. 26

The Warehouse Living Art Center in Corsicana, T

Rusty Jones
 Jurior of AwardsDear Members,

An update! The city of Corsicana still has a ten person occupancy limit at the show venue. So we've moved the reception and extended the exhibition an additional week. The closing reception is now on September 26. Come and see the fantastic show and congratulate the winners.

A huge SHOUT OUT to Executive Director of Navarro Council of the Arts, Leah Blackard! The Associates Show & Sale is ONLINE!  Help to make the show a big success and share it with your friends and on social media.

                                 Tina Bohlman
 



Big Congrats to the

Award Winners!

 Juror of Awards:  Rusty Jones


Best in Show

"Bay Side Ride"

Krystal Brown, Spring, TX


First Place

"Galveston"

Lon Brauer - Granite City, IL


Second Place

"Edwards Valley"

Randall Cogburn - Alvin, TX


Third Place

"Galveston Bay Shrimper"

Jeffery Neel McDaniel - Rio Frio, TX


First Award of Merit

"Rose Window"

Nancy Tyler - Dallas, TX


Second Award of Merit

"Big Bend Basin"

Sharyn Richey - La Grange, TX


Third Award of Merit

"Cactus Blooms"

Roy Smith - Burnet, TX


Fourth Award of Merit

"Bodega Bay, Foggy Morning"

Nancy Paris Pruden - Houston, TX


Lon Brauer - Granite City, ISecond P"Edwards VallFirst Award o

To see the award winners with photos of their paintings, clic

Rio Grande Gorge near Taos

Taos NM (September 14-18)

The final itinerary for Taos will be published soon.  As many of you know, there is a “self-quarantine” order for visitors to New Mexico.  It is expected that this order will be lifted by September 1, 2020; however we are monitoring the situation.  According to the state’s health department, museums are closed and state parks are only for local residents.  If you attend the Taos paint out, please check for travel restriction on the following website:  https://www.newmexico.gov/2020/07/07/new-mexico-travel-restrictions-in-effect/   This site will answer many of your questions. 

Palo Duro Canyon (October 15-17)

In October (15-17th) we travel to Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, TX.  If you plan on attending, please register on the OPS website.  Also, note that you will be required to purchase day passes and/or overnight reservations in advance through  https://www.texasstateparks.org, or call 512-389-8900.   Don’t wait to make your reservation.

Palo Duro Canyon & Pagosa
 

Llano River

Llano, TX (November 13-14)

Our plans have been fluid for the November paint out and have decided it best to distance ourselves from urban settings for the time being.  We now plan on having the November (13-14th) paint out in Llano TX.  Registration will be posted soon.  This is a beautiful river town with many scenic places to paint.  The last time we were in Llano it was pretty hot, we should enjoy a cooler trip this time.  FYI, if you plan on an excursion to Enchanted Rock you will need a day pass, same website as above; if so, don’t wait to make your reservation, they sell out quickly.

Christmas Party 2019 

Waxahachie, TX (December 12)

Save the date for a one day paint out in Waxahachie TX held in conjunction with our annual Holiday Party and Painting Exchange.  Registration will open soon.

                             Irma Ward

“If the artist has outer and inner eyes for nature, nature rewards him by giving him inspiration.”
                Wassily Kandinsky  

OPS Signature Membership

Recently a new member posed the question "What is Signature Membership?" and we’d like to answer that for you.  Basically, it is sort of a merit badge, a recognition or acknowledgement by your artist peers that you have grown in skill, education, technique, and willingness to share, while producing a consistent body of art.  OPS offers workshops with Master Artists, regular paint-outs for practice and opportunity, competitions, and the use of an extensive video library to help our members improve their skills, find their style, and try other mediums.  Achieving Signature Membership with Outdoor Painters Society shows that an artist is serious in producing a professional body of Plein Air work.  The application process does not guarantee this merit badge but does prove that you seriously strive to professionally improve your Plein Air paintings and marketing. Other Signature and Master Signature artists review your body of outdoor work and the other criteria to determine if the applicant is worthy to add the OPS to their signature (example- mysignature, OPS).  

That being said we have many Associate Members (the entry level membership) that are not interested about climbing the outdoor painting ranks.  They just love painting with our group and enjoy hanging out with them at the events.  It is just so inspiring to paint with like-minded artists and share tips, techniques, and sometimes paper towels. Outdoor Painters Society welcomes all our members while offering tools to help artists advance if they so desire.  Our Signature and Master Signature members are willing to share helpful tips and resource ideas.  Painting on location is not easy, yet we love to do it. See the application here.

                                                Nancy Tyler

A great time was had in August painting the "South of France" in Garwood, TX. (From L to R) Myrrh Haslam, Marchita Priest, Gary Frisk, Krystal Brown, Richie Vios.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
                         Pablo Picasso  
 

(top) Krystal Brown and (bottom) Gary Frisk, painting in Nada, TX.

Tina Bolhman (below): I took a quick trip to S. Texas to paint in Nada with old & new painting pals. Wonderful old ‘30’s era cotton gin. The gentleman holding my painting (above) is Mr Korenick, the “former” owner of the gin (it’s now owned by his son). Loved getting out and painting again...but oh boy was it hot! I folded up (almost literally lol) about noon & headed back home.

Congratulations
OPS Members!

Kelly Pennington

Painting "Ice Breakers,"was accepted into the 35th Annual Bosque Art Classic. The 35th Annual Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, Texas, features over 200 pieces of outstanding art by artists from across the nation.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, the exhibition and sale will vary its format this year, with the show being completely online.  See the show here.

Liz Bonham

Liz was accepted into Oil Painters of America Salon 2020 and the Glacier Plein Air Show at the Hockaday Museum in Art in Kalispell, MT. She also won “Best Plains People Award” and the “Artist Retreat Award” in the American Plains Artists Show at Ft. Concho in San Angelo, TX, and won Honorable Mention at the PAPNM juried show sponsored by the Blumenschein Museum in Taos, NM.

Lon Brauer

Drawing "Repairs," won Best Drawing in the July Plein Air Salon. 

Fran Ellisor

Honored to be included in Plein Air Magazine, August/September, about painting and teaching in San Miguel de Allende, Mx.

Tina Bohlman

Proud that I was recently featured along with my Painting “Spring In The Valley” in Plein Air magazine's Newsletter, outdoorpainter.com. Also excited to share my “Artist Focus” page in the September issue of American Art Collector

Check out the article on Tina: https://www.outdoorpainter.com/featured-artwork-tina-bohlman-2/

Ann Hardy

Ann's painting was accepted into the American Impressionist Society’s 21st National Exhibition to be hosted by The Illume Gallery in St George, Utah. Opening Reception Oct. 22nd.

Gary Frisk

Gary's painting, "West Texas Pumpjack at Concho," was selected for the American Impressionist Society 2020 Online Exhibition! AIS received 2,172 entries for considerations by the jurors. 290 artists were juried in. Images published on the website Sept. 9th.

Richie Vios

We're having a blast filming my 1 hr 30 min. Plainair painting to promote San Antonio River Tourism this morning in Goliad. The weather is great, Obi Chike the film Director is awesome to work with and Angela of San Antonio River Authority, thank you very much for believing in my talent. www.sariverauthority.org

Richie Vios
 

Workshops

Cecy Turner

Cecy Turner is teaching another On Demand Online Workshop in Watercolor called “Go with the Flow.” It focuses on how to paint flowing backgrounds for florals in watercolor so that flowers don’t look pasted on the background. The class includes four demonstrations of background techniques and full demonstration start to finish of “Magnolia Glow.” Upon registration, the links to the four parts of the workshop will be sent and can be accessed for one year. It also includes photo references, supply list and two Zoom meetings for question and answer and critiques. Compositional tips and value sketch are included, too!

Cost is only $34.95. See a full description of the class, a short trailer, and register under Workshops on Cecy’s website:  https://cecyturner.com

Fran Ellisor

Three day Plein Air Workshop - Color and Composition - Midland, Tx, Oct 9-11, 2020. Learn how color plays an important role in your compositions as well as value, shapes and edges. Emphasis will be placed on simplifying compositional design, light, color and perspective. Sign up at  https://www.ellisorart.com/pleinairmidlandtx. The workshop will be outdoor with all social distancing and Covid 19 protocols followed.  

John Lasater

John Lasater has a new weekly video series and online community called “Views.” Visit painting views dot com to learn more.

Rusty Jones

Excited to announce my new online landscape painting workshop. Registration begins June 1st. Three video lessons each month, private Facebook community, critiques, competitions, guest artists and more. www.rustyjonesart.com

Bruce Peil

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com

From the editor:

Members, we would love to see photos of you painting. If you are out there, braving Covid and the elements, please send photos! Though as a rule we do not publish photos of the individual paintings, it's ok to have your painting on an easel with your (or a friend/friends) smiling face!

Also, please send any announcements of workshops and/or awards, so we can let the OPS members know. Include details on when and where the show is, or links to the show if it is already published. And if you can, please remove as much formatting as possible in the text you send. Thank you!

Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com.

Big thank you to Gary Frisk, Richie Vios, V. Vaughn, Krystal Brown, Tina Bolhman and Marchita Priest for sharing photos!
 
 



July 2020

"Plein Visions in Miniature"

July 22 to Sept. 21, 2020

Reception Aug. 8

The Warehouse Living Art Center   •   Corsicana, TX


Rusty Jones
Jurior of Awards
 

2020 OPS 

Associate Show Trivia

Some interesting statistics! We have 58 total participants, 10 states represented, 15 Men, 43 Women, two husband/wife artist’s teams, and two sisters in the group.  Outdoor Painters Society is so lucky to have artist entries from the following states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. Thank you again, and we look forward to a fantastic show. Watch for updates in your email!

Plans are underway for the Taos/Santa Fe paint out, September 14-19, 2020.  Several members have registered already, yet there is always room for more. Paint the charm of the adobe in afternoon light, the drama of the Rio Grande Gorge, the historic John Dunn Bridge, and the rush of a mountain stream … all within a short distance from Taos. On the way to Santa Fe, paint the Cerro Pedernales from Ghost Ranch (made famous by Georgia O’Keefe) and other inspiring views. In Santa Fe we paint and, fingers crossed, visit the studios of notable artists. Registration is open. If you have already registered, a detailed itinerary will be sent soon.

Registration is now open for another attempt to visit Palo Duro Canyon, TX, October 15-17, 2020.  Not far from Amarillo, this Texas version of the Grand Canyon offers great views from the canyon overlook, and more intimate views in the low-water crossing and Goodnight Dugout. There’s a lot of good paintings to be had in a short distance.

Save the dates, November 13-14th  when we visit Austin, TX for a fall paint out in an urban setting. 

And, in December (dates TBD), a special Holiday pre-view to Plein Air Southwest is being planned in Galveston, TX.  Details to be announced. 

                                                Irma Ward
 

Palo Duro Canyon

OPS Master's Zoom Critiques

This past month, OPS Signature Member Judy Crowe critiqued 14 paintings during a Zoom meeting. The dialogue between Judy and each artist consisted of a wide variety of ideas and comments about possible solutions to improve or enhance each painting.  The critique session was informative and helpful to everyone.  Watch for an announcement for the next Zoom Critique Session that will happen about mid-August.

Plein Air LIVE

by Nancy Tyler

Recently I was able to participate in the 4-day virtual workshops Plein Air LIVE through the generosity of En Plein Air Pro, producer of some fabulous plein air easel systems.  There were 12 live demo sessions, 8 lectures, two panel discussions and two critique sessions plus numerous short informative extras by artists and or sponsors. Breakout Room sessions occurred twice a day where the technicians randomly put each attendee in a small group via Zoom to meet and discuss a prior assigned subject.  

It was very comforting to watch these worldwide renowned artists making error after error in the demos, but working their way out of the mess.   Each artist approached the painting process a bit differently but one thing they all had in common was the ability to solve problems and articulate steps taken to work out the issue.  

I took notes for the entire time and later charted out my notes to share what the twenty artists stressed most often. Here are the most mentioned tips from Plein Air LIVE for improving your painting skills.

1. Paint from Life

2. Paint shapes, not objects

3. Make a thumbnail value sketch before beginning the painting

4. Squint, to see the light-dark pattern

5. Think dark-light, warm-cool, before considering color

6. Use a limited palette

Tina Bohlman (top) and Myrrh Haslam painting sunflowers in Ennis, TX
 

Nancy Tyler

OPS Video Library

Are you a Beginner Painter? Or, do you teach Beginners? Our OPS Library has two NEW beginner videos just for you.  And for the more advanced artist who wants to add to their artistic toolbox there are other wonderful selections for watercolor media, pastels, and oils.  Just go to the “members only” section of www.outdoorpainterssociety.com and browse the selection of educational videos available just for members.

V Vaughn (in front L) hosted the "Masked Bandit Gang," in Rockport, TX. Richie Vios, Marchita Priest, and Gary Frisk.

Marchita Priest, Navasota, TX

“I'm in fine fiddle and filled with the desire to paint.”
                           Claude Monet  

Congratulations
OPS Members!

Jeffrey Mcdaniel

Was recently accepted into the Artist for Conservation group as a Signature Member. He's in pretty good company, sharing this honor with artists sucks Robert Bateman, guy Coheleach, Guy Harvey, and Kathleen Dunphy. 

Nancy Paris Pruden

I recently found out that I have been accepted into the National Allied Artists of America’s show for 2020! Wouldn’t you know it will not be hung in NYC because of Covid! Nuts! Still I am thrilled and honored! 

Rusty Jones

SO excited to have my painting Coastal Glare accepted into the American Impressionist 21st Annual National Exhibition. 

Tina Bohlman

Excited that I was featured in Southwest Art magazine's online newsletter the week of July 15th! 

Jeanne Reavis

Delighted...Long Tall Shadows will be appearing August 16-September 19...virtually in Oil Painters of America’s 2020 Salon Show.  

Susan Temple Neumann

In July I found out that I had won awards in the American Plains Artists Show in San Angelo, TX. Tender Spirits won 2nd place overall, and also the Clyde Heron award for the most accurately rendered artwork of a historical subject. This amazing national show will be up until Aug. 2 at Ft. Concho Historical National Landmark in San Angelo, TX.

Gary Frisk

Has been accepted into the Oil Painters of America 2020 Virtual Salon Show. Excellent!

“An artist cannot fail--it is a success to be one.”
                           Charles Cooley  
 

Workshops

Cecy Turner

Has a new On Demand Online Workshop: Painting a Sunset From Start to Finish is now available for registration. See a short trailer on Cecy’s homepage at https://cecyturner.com and register under Workshops, where there is a complete description. The course is designed to watch as you want or even paint along and will be available to you for one year. The workshop includes a full demonstration, a value study and the complete painting start to finish. Also included are two Zoom critique and question and answer sessions during the course, a supply list and photo reference. Also you can see the list of more upcoming online workshops for both oil and watercolor for a very affordable price.

John Lasater

John Lasater has a new weekly video series and online community called “Views.” Visit painting views dot com to learn more.

Rusty Jones

Excited to announce my new online landscape painting workshop. Registration begins June 1st. Three video lessons each month, private Facebook community, critiques, competitions, guest artists and more. www.rustyjonesart.com

Bruce Peil

Bruce Peil is one of the founders of the Outdoor Painters Society and offers a three-day workshop at his studio each month. Students also have the option to stay at the Artist Retreat which he and his wife operate and is just a short walk from the studio.

These workshops are a combination of Studio and Plein Air, weather permitting, and covers all aspects of painting whether on location or in the studio. 55 acres of large trees, open pastures left natural, and big skies are the subject matter you see in many of his paintings, and are there for you to paint. Cost: $395 for the three days. Lodging is separate. These workshops include meals.  
903-681-1542. www.BrucePeilArt.com

Important  from the editor:

Members, we all love to hear good news! Please send any announcements of workshops and/or awards, so we can let the OPS members know. Also any photos you would like to share of either you or your friends painting outside would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Send by the 25th of each month to: Myrrh Haslam, myrrhsart@gmail.com.

Thank you to Marchita Priest for sharing photos!