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About us

Come join us for a relaxed day of painting in the fresh air! We'll be gathering outdoors to enjoy nature and create art together. We meet on the first and third Saturdays each month from March to October. Our next meetup with be Saturday March 7, 2026 at the NC Museum of Art, in Raleigh.

🖌️ Please bring your own art supplies — whatever you love to use!
👩‍🎨 No formal instruction will be provided, just an open space to create, share, and connect with fellow artists at your own pace.

Whether you're experienced or just starting out, everyone's welcome. Let's enjoy some creative time under the sky!

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

7

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  • Blackwood Farm Park

    Blackwood Farm Park

    Blackwood Farm Park, 4215 NC 86 South, HILLSBOROUGH, NC, US

    Saturday July 11, 2026 9 am to 12 pm
    Blackwood Farm Park
    4215 NC 86 S
    Chapel Hill , NC 27516
    Blackwood Farm Park

    This will be our group's first time at this location. I suggest we meet somewhere near the pond and farm buildings. See image of park map. I will update with more information of the morning of the event. It will no doubt be very hot so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

    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.
    Tips

    • Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
    • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
    • Bring water and any other beverages or snacks you may want.
    • If you don't have an easel or don't prefer standing, bring a folding chair/stool or picnic blanket.
    • Make sure you're able to carry your supplies for short to medium distances, depending on your preferred painting location.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Watch out for uneven terrain and signs of heat exhaustion. Hike at your own risk. Stay hydrated.
    • Leave the area as you found it or better. Bring any trash out with you.

    We have a Facebook group too: Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group.
    Please feel free to join us there.
    Looking forward to seeing you,
    Jaylene

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    4 attendees
  • Sarah P Duke Gardens

    Sarah P Duke Gardens

    Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC, US

    Saturday July 25, 2026, 9 AM to 12 PM
    Sarah P Duke Gardens @ Duke University
    420 Anderson St., Durham, N.C., 27705.
    Website

    Parking at Duke Gardens is very limited and requires payment. Please check out the website so you are not inconvenienced. Duke Gardens Parking Information It is my understanding that the main entrance is still closed due to construction so please check out the Gardens website for information and directions. I have not picked a meeting point, the Gardens are extensive and we may be moving around a lot. Also, Dogs are not allowed after 10am.

    It will no doubt be very hot so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
    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.
    Tips

    • Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
    • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
    • Bring water and any other beverages or snacks you may want.
    • If you don't have an easel or don't prefer standing, bring a folding chair/stool or picnic blanket.
    • Make sure you're able to carry your supplies for short to medium distances, depending on your preferred painting location.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Watch out for uneven terrain and signs of heat exhaustion. Hike at your own risk. Stay hydrated.
    • Leave the area as you found it or better. Bring any trash out with you.

    We have a Facebook group too: Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group.
    Please feel free to join us there.
    Looking forward to seeing you,
    Jaylene

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    11 attendees
  • NC Museum of Art Park Outdoor Painting

    NC Museum of Art Park Outdoor Painting

    North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC, US

    North Carolina Museum of Art Park
    Saturday, August 8, 2026 9 AM
    Important:
    NCMA Park Map

    Bring your art supplies and a blanket or chair. Also, water, snacks and especially bug spray. Spray your bag too or you will be taking bugs home with you. Feel free to come and go as you like. :)

    Directions and informational links are below.
    Message me if you can't find us

    We will be under the trees, above the pond, across from Gyre #16. If you pass the Pavilion #18 you have gone too far.

    https://ncartmuseum.org/
    Here is a link to the park
    https://ncartmuseum.org/visit/museum-park/

    and a map of the park
    https://ncartmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Park-map-2021_for-web.pdf

    There are restrooms near the theater, #13 on the map, that should be open.

    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.
    Tips
    Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
    Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
    Bring water and any other beverages or snacks you may want.
    If you don't have an easel or don't prefer standing, bring a folding chair/stool or picnic blanket.
    Make sure you're able to carry your supplies for short to medium distances, depending on your preferred painting location.
    Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Watch out for uneven terrain and signs of heat exhaustion. Hike at your own risk. Stay hydrated.
    Leave the area as you found it or better. Bring any trash out with you.
    We have a Facebook group too: Raleigh Outdoor Painting Group.
    Please feel free to join us there.
    Looking forward to seeing you,
    Jaylene

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    4 attendees
  • Historic Oak View County Park

    Historic Oak View County Park

    Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh, NC, US

    Historic Oak View County Park
    Sat, August 22, 2026 9 AM
    Historic Oakview Wake County Park Info
    4028 Carya Drive
    Raleigh, NC 27610

    Come join us for a relaxed day of painting in the fresh air! We'll be gathering outdoors to enjoy nature and create art together.

    🖌️ Please bring your own art supplies — whatever you love to use!
    👩‍🎨 No formal instruction will be provided, just an open space to create, share, and connect with fellow artists at your own pace.

    Whether you're experienced or just starting out, everyone's welcome. Let's enjoy some creative time under the sky!
    I normally set up in the pecan grove but this time I plan on setting up between the Plank Kitchen and Kitchen Garden, numbers 6 and 7 on the map.

    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.

    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.

    Tips

    • Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
    • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
    • Bring water and any other beverages or snacks you may want.
    • If you don't have an easel or don't prefer standing, bring a folding chair/stool or picnic blanket.
    • Make sure you're able to carry your supplies for short to medium distances, depending on your preferred painting location.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Watch out for uneven terrain and signs of heat exhaustion. Hike at your own risk. Stay hydrated.
    • Leave the area as you found it or better. Bring any trash out with you.

    I wear a big pink hat. Message me if you get lost or can't find me. We hope to see you there.

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee

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