What we’re about
Let's paint en plein air! Drawing or painting in public can be very intimidating, especially for the introverted. My goal is to form a friendly social group for people who like to paint outdoors and who might find interest and motivation in a friendly, mutually supportive group setting.
Bring your own art supplies and equipment: coffee, snacks, whatever makes you happy and stay for an hour or three. Don't forget to take out what you bring in. Raleigh has so many beautiful parks and greenways and open spaces, I can't wait to get started.
I have always wanted to paint en plein air, but I never got around to actually doing it. I thought it might be fun and motivating to be a part of a group. My experience is primarily in still life oil painting, so I am learning to paint en plein air the hard way: direct experience.
If you would like more information see our Facebook group:
Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group. I posted a PDF about art supplies I recommend there that beginners might find helpful.
I hope you will join us!
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Historic Oak View County ParkHistoric Oak View County Park, Raleigh, NC
Historic Oak View County Park
Sat, Jun 21, 2025 10 AM
Historic Oakview Wake County Park Info
4028 Carya Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610Join us for a relaxing and inspiring day of plein air painting at the beautiful Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of this historic park.
What to Expect:- Meet up with fellow artists and share techniques, tips, and inspiration.
- Spend the day painting in the peaceful, scenic park, surrounded by historic buildings, expansive green spaces, and mature oak trees.
- Experience the park's unique charm, including its farm animals—especially the Nubian goats, a popular attraction! Visitors often bring carrots or apple slices to feed them, and you can usually find them grazing in the corral behind the Tenant House. A great opportunity for drawing animals from life.
- Enjoy a social atmosphere and a chance to learn from others while soaking in the beauty of the park’s combination of history, nature, and farm life.
What to Bring:
- Your painting supplies (watercolor, oil, or acrylics, pastels—whatever you prefer!)
- A portable easel or a suitable setup for painting outdoors.
- Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Snacks, water, bug spray and sunscreen for a fun, comfortable day outside.
Details:
- This event is free and open to artists of all skill levels.
- Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center
- While we’ll meet at 10:00 AM, feel free to arrive earlier if you want to explore the grounds before starting your painting. I usually set up under the trees near the Tenant House.
Don’t forget to bring your passion for art and an open mind! We hope to see you there.
- NC Museum of Art North CourtyardNorth Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC
North Carolina Museum of Art North Courtyard (West Building)
Saturday July 12, 2025, 10am to 12pmI have painted in this courtyard before, it's a lovely, quiet location. The North Courtyard is in the back of the West Building (the big white one), of the NCMA. There are two sculptures, including a wonderful Miro and a lily pond, trees and a very interesting retaining wall. Added bonus are shade trees and tables and chairs. It is one of my favorite places during the hot summer months.
Here is a link to the park website and map.
NCMA InfoWhat should you expect?
This will be a very relaxed, social art outing with the intention of getting out in nature with a bit of self-expression on the side. I primarily paint in oil but any art median will do. If you don't want to paint, bring a coloring book, a sketchbook, or your camera.What should you bring?
Your favorite art supplies! A camp chair or blanket so you are not sitting directly on the ground. It will be hot so stay hydrated. Bring water and snacks. Sunscreen, bug spray and a hat might come in handy too.Remember we want to be good citizens and take out what we bring in. Please don't dump out dirty paint water in the park. You can dispose of it at home, though I suggest running it through a coffee filter to save your plumbing.
- Jordan Lake State Recreation Area – Seaforth AccessJordan Lake: Seaforth Beach , Pittsboro, NC
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area – Seaforth Access
Saturday, July 26, 2025 10 am to 12 pm
Location:
Seaforth Beach Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Note: There is a $7 fee per car for access to Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake State Recreational AreaWhat should you expect?
This will be a very relaxed, social art outing with the intention of getting out in nature with a bit of self-expression on the side. I primarily paint in oil but any art median will do. If you don't want to paint, bring a coloring book, a sketchbook, or your camera.
What should you bring?
Your favorite art supplies! A camp chair or blanket so you are not sitting directly on the ground. It will be hot so stay hydrated. Bring water and snacks. Sunscreen, bug spray and a hat might come in handy too.
Remember we want to be good citizens and take out what we bring in. Please don't dump out dirty paint water in the park. You can dispose of it at home, though I suggest running it through a coffee filter to save your plumbing. - Bass Lake ParkBass Lake Park, Holly Springs, NC
Bass Lake Park, Holly Srings, NC
Saturday August 2, 2025 10 AM to 12 PM
Bass Lake Park Map
Bass Lake Park Holly Springs InformationBass Lake Park is a new location for us. According to AllTrails.com there is a nice mulch covered trail looping the lake, much of which is shaded with lovely views the of lake.
I suggest you park near the Visitor's Center on the north side of the lake. (See map). I will probably start off from there and walk along the trail until I find a good spot. I typically arrive early in order to find a good place to set up. Check back here Saturday morning (Aug 2nd) and I will have photos posted and a better description of where to meet.
If you are new to painting outdoors and want to know what to bring see my list of suggestions below:
camp chair, water, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, snacks/drinks
Watercolors are the easiest to start with and have great portability. I recommend pan watercolors, a water brush and a multimedia sketchbook. Also, a rag or paper towels. A music stand makes for a very inexpensive and portable easel.This event is not instructional however I do enjoy geeking out about art, so if you have questions, please direct message me.
We have a Facebook group too: Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group.
Please feel free to join us there as well.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Jaylene
