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- 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 - Historic Oakwood CemeteryHistoric Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, NC
Saturday August 16, 2025 10 am to 12 pm
Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Map
I am super excited we have permission to meet at Historic Oakwood Cemetery. This is a special and sensitive location. Please familiarize yourself with the guidelines for plein air groups listed below. I want to especially thank Brianna McCormick the Program Coordinator for Historic Oakwood Cemetery for her kind assistance in making this event possible.
Historic Oakwood Cemetery Guidelines:- We ask that artists remain aware of their environment, Oakwood is still a working cemetery burying an average of seven people a week.
- Please carry out what you bring in.
- Please remain aware of our live cemetery residents particularly the fire ants.
- Monuments at Oakwood are sometimes precarious and should not be used as a surface for sitting, leaning or making art.
- No relief rubbing on headstones.
- Deference should be taken for people who are visiting loved ones, please do not set up close to families utilizing the grounds or tents set up for burials.
The map pictured has been marked with red circles by Brianna to show areas that have good vantage points and the most interesting sculpture. I will probably be found in the Magnolia Hill section or near the House of Memory, or somewhere shady. I wear a big pink hat. Please message me if you can't find us or if you have any questions or concerns.
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.
