Every fall, Oil Painters of America (OPA), a national organization, encourages its artist members to host outdoor paint outs in their local areas to promote the venerated tradition of painting “en plein air,” a French term meaning “in the open air.”  Local artists Martha Ferguson and Gail Beveridge are hosting such an event in St. Augustine’s Old Town on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12, 2022.  Local and regional artists will be setting up their easels to paint historical landmarks, street scenes, gardens, and other interesting subjects.  Artists working in all types of media are welcome but must be registered to participate.  Visitors are encouraged to watch and interact with the artists as they capture the charm and history of America’s Oldest City.

Artists will be painting at venues including The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, Bayfront Marin House, Ximenez-Fatio House, and the Castello de San Marcos.

Since the mid-19th century and the advent of portable painting supplies, artists have taken to the outdoors to capture the light that only nature can provide.  In Europe, the plein air movement started with such artists as Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Degas, and Renoir.  In America, artists such as William Merritt Chase, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam, and others continued the tradition.  Today, plein air painting is enjoying a renaissance, with active groups all across the country.  In our area, First Coast Plein Air Painters is an active group that paints and shows their art in various locations throughout northeast Florida, with an upcoming exhibition at the County Administration Building to be announced soon.

Watching an artist transform a blank canvas into a beautiful work of art is a very engaging activity and a great way for residents and visitors to learn more about plein air painting.

For more information, please visit https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.org.