Fall 2024

From James:
An apology and change of venue for the upcoming week. With my being down and out I was unable to confirm our scheduled paint out at Zealandia. Early in the week I could barely focus on anything and by the time I was feeling better it was too late in the week to follow through. I have sent an email to the folks there with the intent of rescheduling Zealandia for one of our open dates. (See Next Event at the side, for this this weeks outing!)

SEPTEMBER

Kim Wilder Hinson – September 2023

Special Word from James …

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.

Thanks as always for your support of the APAP. I say it all the time but I really mean it. You are the ones who keep this group going and I greatly appreciate every one of you.

Our friend Mitch Kolbe is offering a three day “Fall In Fairview” workshop at his farm there. Mitch is a world class painter and instructor and I highly recommend considering this (I’m going!) if you want to really take your skills to the next level. Information can be found on his website at https://mitchkolbe.com

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.

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.

Bent Creek Park – July 16, 2024

What a fine turnout for today’s paint out. Wise choice to start early, as by the time we were ending things were started to heat up. But all in all a great day of plein air. Thanks as always to everyone who keeps this going.

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!

September 12, (Thursday) – St. Dunstan home of my friends Jo and Bruce Ikelheimer
89 Saint Dunstans Rd, Asheville NC 28803
MAP

I have secured a new spot that I’m certain will be a hit. On Thursday, September 12th we’ll gather at the St. Dunstan home of my friends Jo and Bruce Ikelheimer. Located at 89 Saint Dunstans Rd, Asheville NC 28803, a hidden gem of a neighborhood tucked between Biltmore Ave. and McDowell St. It’s a circa 1910 home, with the sort of amazing features you’d expect from that era. If you enjoy painting architecture this one’s for you! In addition the home sits on over an acre of land with some lovely gardens. There’s other equally attractive homes nearby that you can also choose to render. However, like anytime we gather at a private residence (think last year at Kenilworth Lake and this year at Andrea’s Farm) parking can be challenging. Bruce and Jo have enough parking for several cars, and there is limited street parking, but if folks can carpool that would certainly help. I can take two or three others, so anyone wishing to carpool please email or message me and I’ll make arrangements to meet you at a convenient location. As usual we’ll gather around 9:30 and share out at noon. This would be a great time to get together afterwards for lunch.

Looking Ahead

On Tuesday the 17th we’ll be painting in the River Arts District and having our annual art swap and the Art Gardens Studio. Think of this as a “yard sale” for art supplies, art books, and any art related items you no longer want. You can price and sell them, or trade for stuff you’d like. This year I’d like to add another element. I’m going to bring some oddball pieces of artwork, put a price range on them, and hopefully trade them out for work from other members of the group. All of us make a lot of artwork, so this seems like a fun way to add the work of a fellow plein air painter to your home!

Looking ahead:Last year we did a materials swap that was wildly successful, allowing us to pass off those unused items and score some bargains on things we can use. This year it’s scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 at the Art Garden in the River Arts District. So start setting aside those extras and making a list of things you might want. More details to follow.

Checkout the Facebook page for this event!

On September 26th we’ll be painting in downtown Asheville (details to follow) and I have tentatively marked October 1st as our make up date for Zealandia.

Other Events coming up:

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!