Fall 2024

From James:

The response to painting at Kenilworth Lake tomorrow morning has been unanimous, as in “no thanks”. Too cold!! We’ll table it for a feature date into spring and hunker down for the time being.
I do hope to see some of you tomorrow at Ginger’s Revenge with the Asheville Urban Sketchers. 5-7 indoors.

Zealandia &  Kenilworth Lake will be our last two paint outs in November, as I will be traveling to Nashville for Thanksgiving. Weather depending, I hope to have at least two events in December, one outdoors and one in. After the first of the year we’ll re-calibrate and move indoors until spring.
My goal for the year was 32 events. We’ve had 26 so far which, considering we lost a month due to the storm, isn’t too bad. Let’s hope the weather holds out and we can get a few more squeezed in before the calendar rolls over to 2025.
See you soon and if not, have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving time.

Zealandia – November 19, 2024

Thanks to everyone who made it out this morning to Zealandia. The weather was overcast but that made for some interesting skies. I look forward to folks posting their finished pieces.
The paint out for this Saturday at Kenilworth Lake is still on, but I will keep a close eye on weather reports. In addition the Urban Sketchers Asheville group will be gathering Saturday afternoon (4:40-7) at Ginger’s Revenge. Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915 for details.

In the spirit of friendship I’d like to gently remind folks to please limit side conversations during our sharing time. I fully understand the need to socialize at our paint outs, but I also want to be respectful of the artists who are sharing their efforts, as well as those who have diminished hearing or soft voices. Let’s all do a bit better!

Yesterday (October 19th) I made my first trip into the River Arts District. I thought I was prepared for the level of destruction but it’s far worse than I could have imagined. Please keep all those artists in your thoughts, and look for the many ways we can help and support them in this most difficult of times.

The Asheville Artists Network Facebook Page I co-moderate has been a great resource for those who need help. If you’re unfamiliar with us, we can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ashevilleartscene

Stay well friends. Together, we will get through this. I firmly believe our city and the arts community will emerge stronger than ever.

NOVEMBER

James Cassara “Fall In Fairview” 14 by 11 oil on basswood – November, 2024

A few words as to how I select these spots, as a lot of consideration goes into doing so. I try to find spots that represent as much as Buncombe County as possible, south, north, east, and west. Our members live in various parts of the area and I strive to be as considerate of that as I can. I also try to diversify the scenes, although it seems we do lean heavily on places near water. I’ll try to do better at balancing that.
Sufficient parking is a must, and nearby bathroom facilities, while not an absolute, certainly are a plus. I do want to incorporate more “urban” settings such as our August 20th event in downtown Weaverville, as well as September paint outs in the River Arts District and downtown Asheville. As of now I have us scheduled through mid November; we’ll add others as the weather dictates. I hope I’ve done a better job of organizing things and I’m always open to new ideas and positive suggestions.

As a reminder, all paint outs officially begin at 9:30 and go until noon, but you’re always welcome to arrive a bit early and stay.

Thanks to everyone who came out today (November 2, 2024, North Carolina Arboretum) to paint. Great fun!

June Bug Retro – September 5, 2024

A HUGE thanks to everyone who made it to June Bug on Thursday. Even in my absence it’s great to see the group continue to thrive. I’m equally grateful for the members who took photos and sent them my way. Nice to see a good turnout and happy smiles. (Photos take by S.B Viemeister & Shealy Thompson)

Lake Julian Park – August 27, 2024

From James Cassara: “I’m again overwhelmed by today’s turnout. 23 in all, including several of our friends from the Hendersonville Plein Air Painters group. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.”

From Susan Havey: “The Art League’s Hendersonville Plein Air Painters met up with the Asheville Plein Air Painters for a paint out at Lake Julian Park yesterday. We enjoyed a nice turn out and production of painted works. Looking forward to two more joint paint outs this season, and making new friends.”

Farm of Andrea Debevoise, Haw Creek – August 15, 2024

I’m still on cloud nine over the amazing turnout at our last paint out …Friends, you’ve outdone yourselves! 24 artists at the (August 15th) plein air gathering. It really feels like old times. Thanks over and again!

Some more photos from a great day of Painting!

UNCA Botanical Gardens – August 6, 2024

Thanks again to everyone who came out today to paint. Our second largest gathering of the year. A great mix of regulars, newcomers, an out of town visitor, and seldom seen but always welcome friends. What a fine day to paint and share ideas.
Remember, if you’re interested in having your work displayed at the North Asheville Library, please email me at jjcassara@gmail.com

Bailey Mountain – August 3, 2024

We had a wonderful turnout for our Saturday paint out at Bailey Mountain, a nice mix of regulars and two newcomers.
A special welcome to Julia and Mary, with hopes of seeing you both at many more events.

Charles D. Owen Park – July 30, 2024

Thanks as always to those who joined us for yesterday’s paint out at Charles D. Owen Park. The stormy weather kept our numbers down, and a few folks opted to leave early, but all in all it was a fun morning.

With several newcomers joining us we’ve had a few posts asking how the group works. It’s easy. Events are listed here, on our Facebook page, Instagram, or at Ashevillepleinair.com There is no membership fee or costs of any sort, with the exception of special events such as demos and workshops. Find a paint out that fits your schedule and come join us! With very rare exceptions, all of our paint outs start at 9:30 and wrap up around noon; except for a few selected sites, of which I will make note, you’re welcome to arrive a bit early and stay late. We’re a VERY flexible group.
Of course if you’re new to plein air and have questions about materials and such or would like to be added to our mailing list, feel free to email me at jjcassara@gmail.com
I hope you’re encouraged to come out and paint with us!

A special note: We have many more names on our mailing list than we have attendees. Part of that is we have folks who only visit our area on an irregular basis. But if you’re a local and haven’t yet joined us I want to extend a special invite to do so. This is a wonderful group of folks who are coming at this from all levels of experience. No judgement, as we are not here to critique. We’re here to draw, paint, have fun, and support each other. So don’t be shy, we’d love to have you join us.

As Yoda says, “there is no try, there is only do.” And how are we to argue with Yoda?

James ….

 

Planned Schedule of activities – subject to change, so check Website, Facebook or Calendar!

Some changes I am proposing: Last year’s alternating Tuesday/Thursday schedule seemed to work well, but it still leaves out those who work during the week. I’m suggesting we move to a three weekday paint outs and one Saturday per month format. If anyone wants to host a fourth weekday, PLEASE let me know. But I find myself unable to attend four (and sometimes five) paint outs per month. We are the only local group who maintains a weekly schedule, but with my teaching work and desire to travel more I need to scale back a bit.

A Final Word From James:

In addition to our website and Facebook page I will be sending out weekly reminders 3 or 4 days prior to each paint out. If you wish to receive these reminders you must email me (James) at jjcassara@gmail.com to be added to the list. Please don’t assume because you’ve been a member of the group you’ll automatically be added. In this regard we’re beginning from scratch.

email List:

If you would like to be added, please email James Cassara at jjcassara@gmail.com 

If you want to share your paintings for the event day, post them on the Facebook site or send them to Rosemarie and we’ll add them to our galleries for each paint-out. We also have a general gallery for each month which you can share something you’ve done during the month.

Also note: If the weather looks very bad we will post to the Facebook page and our website that a paint out has been cancelled. Always check those places the morning of the event to be sure. If the weather is “iffy” it’s left up to your discretion whether or not to go.

 

NOTE: On the Listings page – check for a list of this years paint-out events.

Next Event!

CANCELED

Saturday the 23rd we’ll be painting at Kenilworth Lake.
See directions below.

Sandy Moore

On Saturday the 23rd we’ll be painting at Kenilworth Lake. It’s a lovely spot and while we’ve painted views of the lake before we’ve never been there in the late fall.
Directions: The entrance to Kenilworth Forest is at White Pine Drive and Tunnel Road, between IHop and Cookout near the Asheville Mall. White Pine Drive is a dead end street.
For your GPS: parking begins at about 10 East Shore Drive.
Once on White Pine Drive, take the narrow, winding entrance road about ½ mile. You will eventually follow a 90 degree left hand curve with a guardrail on the right hand side. Follow the guardrail along the road as it curves around a park.
Just after you follow the curve, look for the “East Shore Drive” street sign on the right, where you will take a hard right. I will put up a sign on the right hand side saying “Paint Out” with arrows pointing to the right. Take the steep hill down towards the lake, which will slowly curve to the left.
Park LAKESIDE ONLY, facing south, from about 10 East Shore Drive up to 26 East Shore Drive. You can park and paint right next to your car, or park and walk to find your spot at any of the addresses below.
As usual we’ll start at 9:30 and share out around noon. Weather report! Saturday looks to be clear but quite chilly, so dress accordingly and bring along a thermos of your preferred hot beverage. My thanks to Catherine Twomey for setting this one up.

Looking Ahead:

Other things on the horizon:
We now have seven of us interested in being part of the North Asheville Library APAP exhibit, dates still to be determined, but likely sometime next spring. If you’re interested in participating please email me at jjcassara@gmail.com and let me know.
The North Asheville Library has a secured display case in which artists can place their work.  While we’re not allowed to list prices and “works for sale” you can attach your contact information to the piece and list it as available (just not a specific price).

That’s it for now. Happy painting and see you soon.

Other Events

For those wanting to sketch, the Urban Sketchers of Asheville have several outings planned for the next month. Be sure to check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915 for those events, including a special one at the Biltmore Estate.

 

Thanks as always, stay cool, and enjoy the many beautiful spots that we’re blessed with here in Western North Carolina.
… and happy Painting, James

 
 

Remember to always check the Facebook page, our website, and the weekly Mailchimp for changes. I’ve done my best to create a tentative schedule for the entire year but things do come up, and changes do have to be made.

If you love to sketch (and who among us doesn’t need more practice?) be sure to check out our “sister” group, The Urban Sketchers Asheville. Their Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915

North Carolina is blessed with many local plein air groups. If you haven’t done so I suggest you go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/451223895905067 If you find yourself traveling, what better way to see our state than painting with other plein air artists?

Where We’ve been in 2024

Check the Galleries to see past locations of our paint-outs!