APAP Update!
We’ve arrived to end of June having had a month and a half of careful paint-outs. July will start with a break for 4th of July weekend and then we have four exciting paint-out venues in July. (See calendar or link below)!
After that we are in need of hosts to set up and lead events in August, September & October. If you have a favorite place that you want to share and would be willing to lead us. do let us know. (Rosemarie at ashevillerose45@gmail.com) We’ll give you some guide lines and promote the event on the APAP Website and APAP Facebook. You can volunteer for one day or a whole month.
Following is Monthly Paint-Out List for the Up-Coming Season
APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT
Catawba Falls
James Cassara lead another successful group on the 25th to Catawba Falls near Old Fort. As you can see from these photos, everyone was carefully following safe social distancing, while still producing wonderful images. Cindy Shaw said, “Enjoyed the morning “on the rocks”. Thanks, James Cassara” Of course not everyone made it to the falls … as Rebecca Gottesman confessed, “The light on the river stopped me in my tracks and I never made it all the way up to the falls.” View the paintings from that day in 2020 Gallery.
Photos by Lynn Starun & Cindy Shaw
Challenging Times
We have all been living through some challenging times these past 6 months & we hope that all in the group have remain well and safe. During the time we did not do our regular Plein Air gatherings, but we encouraged each other to continue to be creative and then share what was done. We had two Challenges going. The first was to just look out a window or step out the back door and see what might challenge you. Those that shared & commented can be seen under the header Challenge. The second challenge was issued by Brennen McElhaney, who said “We’d love to see what art project(s) you’re working on! (Extra points for plein air painting, but certainly not required!) …” These can all be found under the Gallery 2020 heading by the months through June.
Now we are trying to get back to a sort of normal schedule, but still keep safe in the process. We do need some volunteer hosts for the Thursday’s starting end of July. Please contact Rosemarie (at ashevillerose45@gmail.com) to see what is required of the Plein Air host.
In the mean time, keep on creating and send your images to our Facebook page. We love seeing what everyone is doing!
Ed Morris is sharing some painting tips check them out Here!
About 2020 Paint-Out
The Asheville Plein Air Painters bring professional and emerging artists together to paint “en plein air.” We meet every Thursday in locations in and around Asheville. The Asheville Area Plein Air Painters welcomes artists who enjoy plein air painting and/or sketching. This is a place to ask questions, share resources, show your work, invite others to join you for a painting date, and generally build a supportive and strong community of artists that enjoy creating art outdoors.
Occasionally we will have a Featured Artist join us to demonstrate their painting techniques, philosophies & styles.
Each Featured artist will choose their own spot to paint. They will share their approach and philosophy and give a brief demonstration of their painting technique and then continue painting. You may stay and watch, ask questions or take off and paint on your own. The group comes back together after a few hours to talk about and show one another their paintings.
Artists who attend the demo and other weekly paint-outs are responsible for their own transportation and for bringing their own supplies. All mediums welcome.
Beside our new name (Asheville Plein Air Painters), members of the group are stepping up to help facilitate the various paint-outs. Each month will be co-ordinated by a different group. We still need Volunteers. Below we’ll list group members and contact information in case you want to help out with planning a session. For information about the weekly venues continue to check out our Calendar for Up-Coming Events! You can also volunteer through winter months – just fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you, asap.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Donations always welcome to support the work of APAP
APRIL
April has been a stay at home & be safe month. Many of us have tried to keep our Creative lives going and you can see some of the great work that was being done during this time under the gallery or through the challenge. Others of us are still feeling our way through this new life we are living. Please continue to stay safe!
MAY
IMPORTANT:
Following were tentative dates and Venues – However, due to world situation, the volunteer organizers feel it is too soon to venture out. We will let you know if anything opens up!
Our volunteer organizers for May are Coleen Hester & Bernie Wolf. Contact them if you would like to know more about what May has in store. coleen55@gmail.
Here’s what’s coming up in May
No Go May 7 Good Fibrations Farm
Address: 27 Ivan Bridge Dr, Barnardsville, NC 28709
MAP
This is a country setting filled with Goats, barns, fields, flowers, barns and outbuildings and a large creek nearby.
It is a 30 minute drive and there is no cost for admission. Carpooling is advised due to limited parking, it is easily accessible but it is on a gravel road and grass. There are no hills to climb. The bathroom is up stairs in the owner’s house. Marcia Kummerle is the owner and is very generous to allow us to come paint on her farm. There’s a possibility of baby goats just born which are super cute. She also has a beautiful shop full of wool and beautiful products. Check out her website good-fibrations.com
Directinons: Drive from I-26 W/US-19 N/US-23 N to Flat Creek. Take exit 15 from I-26 W/US-19 N/US-23 N and turn right on NC 197
Continue on NC-197 N/Barnardsville Hwy. for approximately 8.9 miles and take a right on Dillingham Road. and bear left on Dillingham road when the road forks Past the Big Ivy Community Center. Ivan Bridge Road will be on your left. Turn left again and park straight into the fence along the right side pulling as close to each car as possible to fit as many cars. As always please carpool so we have enough room to park and to save gas!
No Go May 14 Zebulon B. Vance Historic Site
Address: 911 Reems Creek Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
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This park is located in a picturesque setting with views of surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, many log structures and old barns with farm equipment. Often the surrounding fields have hay bales left in them and there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the views. It is 18 mins from downtown Asheville and there are bathrooms in the visitor center and plenty of parking but carpooling is always good. There is shade under trees and in picnic shelters. There is no cost involved. This is a paint out without a demo. If you’d like to meet and greet and share your paintings afterwards we can meet at the large shelter in the back of the property between 12-12:30 to share and bring a picnic lunch. We have permission to be here until 1 pm. This site is handicap accessible.
Directions: take I26 W (also called 19/23 N) to exit 21 New Stock Road. Take a right at the stop sign and then immediately left at the light. There is an Ingles Grocery store on the right which is a great place to park and car-pool or buy lunch. Continue on Weaverville Road for about ½ mile and turn right on Reems Creek Road. Go approximately 4.3 miles and the destination will be on your right. Don’t get there early because the gate won’t open until 9:00am.
No Go May 21 Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain
Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711
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Paint at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. We will gather at the pavilion near the tennis courts for sharing after painting. Bring your own painting gear. Parking is free. Parking and public bathrooms are available at the park.
Directions: From Asheville, follow US-70 E (13.3 mi) – Turn left onto Cragmont Rd (0.1 mi) – Slight right onto Rhododendron Ave (0.1 mi) – Turn left onto Connally St (335 ft) – Turn right onto Lake Tomahawk Path – Destination will be on the left
No Go May 23 Botanical Garden
Address: 151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804
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Join us at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville for a plein air paint out on Thursday, April 23rd. A half-mile trail meanders through these gardens that feature 600+ species of Appalachian plants. We will meet near the entrance to the gardens at 12:30 to share our work. Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. The restrooms do not open until 10am, when the gift shop opens. In case of rain, it’s your call. No alternate venue has been arranged. This event is free and open to all ages, media, sketchers and painters. The facility has limited handicapped accessibility as the terrain can be bumpy.
Directions: From downtown Asheville – Head east on Patton Ave toward Haywood St (430 ft)
– Turn left onto N Lexington Ave (0.3 mi) – Continue onto Broadway St (0.4 mi) – Slight right to stay on Broadway St (0.6 mi) – Turn right onto W T. Weaver Boulevard (325 ft) – Turn left – Destination will be on the left
JUNE
We are out once again tramping the hills and dells around Asheville … though very cautiously!
Here’s what’s coming up in June
Our volunteer organizer for 1st two weeks in June is James Cassara. Contact him at jjcassara@gmail.com if you have questions
June 4 Water Rock Knob
Address: Scott Creek, NC 28779
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Come paint with us at Water Rock Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of 2019’s most popular outings the Knob offers spectacular views in several directions overlooking forests and mountains. It’s 6200 foot elevation allows for clear skies and although not shaded (making an umbrella a nice option) cool temperature. Water Rock Knob is 44 miles from Asheville, just past Waynesville NC. And while the distance is a bit longer than our group typically does it’s more than worth it. Plus we may well be joined by fellow painters from Haywood County. Restroom facilities and a snack shop are on site.
Directions: off the Blue Ridge Parkway, 44 miles from Asheville, just past Waynesville NC
June 11 Casa Cassara
Address: 432 Olivette Rd. in the Erwin Hills community of Asheville
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Keeping it closer to home we’ll be painting at Casa Cassara, my own 1.4 acre of serenity. Lots of wildflowers, pollinators, a fish pond and fantastic views. 432 Olivette Rd. in the Erwin Hills community of Asheville. Ample parking (and a church parking lot nearby if needed) and two restrooms as I open my home to my fellow artists.
Directions: 432 Olivette Rd. in the Erwin Hills community of Asheville
June 18 Craggy Gardens
Address: 364 Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
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Our volunteer organizer for this event is Hyn Patty. Contact her at artstudio@hynpatty.com if you have any questions
Join us at Craggy Gardens picnic area 9:30 to 12:30 for a paint out. There are three location, two with overlook views (Craggy Pinnacle Summit & Craggy Gardens Visitor Center). Your can get a better idea of this area by going to https://www.romanticasheville.com/Craggy.htm. Whether you paint up at the Visitor’s Center, the picnic area, or hike out to the bald, we’ll meet up at the Visitor’s Center afterwards to show off our paintings!
Directions: Craggy Gardens is approximately a 19 mile drive from Asheville. Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north. (It’s about a 37 minute drive from downtown Asheville.) As you near the area you’ll see the Craggy Picnic Area designated on your left, before you reach the Visitor’s Center. Picnic tables and hiking trails are located there with access to the bald. Turn there and park or go onto the Visitor’s Center a little further on where there are excellent views in both directions and public restrooms.
June 25 Catawba Falls
Address: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
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Our volunteer organizer for this event is James Cassara. Contact him at jjcassara@gmail.com if you have questions.
On Thursday June 25, join us for another social distanced paint out at lovely Catawba Falls, just 25 miles east of Asheville. This has been a popular spot in the past and while you’re welcome to make the 1.5 moderately rated mile hike to view the falls, there aren’t that many good vantage points from which to paint. But there are plenty of lovely spots along the way to paint the offshoots of the Catawba River and many flowers should be in full bloom. Water friendly shoes are a must as the area is shaded and remains moist. Bug spray is always a good idea.
Directions: From Asheville take Interstate 40 East to exit 73. Turn right and make another immediate sharp turn heading back west on Catawba River Rd. Continue to the parking lot at which the road ends. If you’re using your GPS enter 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort NC 28762 as the destination. There are restroom facilities available but I cannot determine if they are open, so best to assume they are not.
We’ll meet at 9:30 in the parking lot and as always you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish. I’d love us to meet back at the lot at noon so we can see your work but that’s entirely up to you. We look forward to another successful day of Plein Air Painting!
JULY
Our host volunteers for the month of July, Kathleen Forrest and Sandra Moore, are busy making plans. They will post when they have the details. If you have an idea for them, contact them via email: forrestlive@mac
Following are tentative dates and Venues – do check back to see what’s happening closer to time of the event!
July 9th 2020 Blue Ridge Day Lilies
Address: 872 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander NC 28701
9:30-12:30 The peak flowering for the day lilies is the 4th of July. This welcoming site has the largest collection of premium Day Lilies in WNC and only 15 minutes North of Asheville. July is the height of the bloom season and the gardens are wonderful. There are two large fields of day lilies bordered by unique garden landscaping with whimsical garden ornaments, bird houses, ducks in a small stream, a farm house view (across the street from the gardens) and an old house on the hill overlooking the gardens. There is morning shade to paint in on the far side of the fields. A sun umbrella would be good to use as it would give you more site choices. Porta-potties are on site. Parking can be limited, carpool with a friend if you can. Day lilies are also available for sale at the farm. I have painted here many times and always want to return. Bug spray recommended. We can meet to share our work at 12:00 . Contact me Sandy Moore as to where the sharing location will be.
July 16th 2020 French Broad River Park
Address: 508 Riverside Dr., Asheville NC 28806
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9:30-12:30 July can be a very hot month so we chose our July painting sites for their shady characteristics. Just a few miles west of Asheville there is a small shaded park right by the French Broad River. This little gem of a park has paved flat trails with lots of room to spread out to paint under shady trees. There is a large open green space with old trees and fields. For those that would like to add an architectural element to their paintings a gazebo is nestled into a shady area. Also there is a small playground, an observation deck by the river and picnic tables. Restrooms are on site, but parking can be limited as this is a popular park. This park is very close to Asheville and the River Arts District. After you paint you might like to visit artists studios across the river. No Demo is planned. We can meet to show our work (if desired) at noon in the area close to the gazebo. Bug spray recommended
Directions: From downtown Asheville, NC – Head west on S Pack Square toward Broadway St (82 ft) – Turn right onto Broadway St (30 ft) – Turn left onto Patton Ave (0.6 mi) – Turn left onto Clingman Ave (0.4 mi) – Turn left onto Clingman Ave Extention (0.2 mi) – Turn right onto Lyman St (0.1 mi) – Slight left to stay on Lyman St (112 ft) – At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit and stay on Lyman St (1.2 mi) – Turn right onto Amboy Rd (0.1 mi) – Turn right onto Riverview Dr – Destination will be on the right.
July 23, 2020 Carl Sandburg House
Address: 81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731
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Painting of house and grounds by Sandy Moore in 2018
TIME: 9:30 – 12:30 pm
12:00 – 12:30 – Sharing of paintings.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/
FIND: Trees, water, goats, old bldg, fields.It’s 31 miles from Asheville and 42 minutes. Bug protection is recommended.
There is shade but an umbrella will give you more options. There is a parking lot with no fee and no fee for admission.
Due to COVID – no carpooling available.
It is easily accessible. No demo.
Bathrooms at the entry near the parking lot. Use a GPS for directions to the parking lot.
Hosted: Kathleen Forrest/ 419 503 1956 / forrestlive@mac.com & Sandra Moore / 828 778 5160 / ncsandram@gmail.com
July 30, 2020 Charles Owen Park
Address: 875 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778
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Eddie Morris painting from 2019
TIME: 9:30 – 12:30 pm
SHARING: 12 – 12:30 (covered picnic area)
Website: https://www.nps.gov/
Find: Lakes, trails, mountains, ducks, geese.
It is within the 30 minute drive from Asheville. There is shade but, an umbrella would be useful for versatility.
No cost for admission or parking.
Carpooling – no
Easily accessible – paved with gravel and no hills, No demo, No bathrooms
Use GPS for address
Hosted: Kathleen Forrest/ 419 503 1956 / forrestlive@mac.com & Sandra Moore / 828 778 5160 / ncsandram@gmail.com
AUGUST
Our host volunteer for the month of August, Candace Neff, is busy making plans. She will post when they have the details. If you have an idea for them, contact them via email: neff.candace@ya
SEPTEMBER
To Be Announced
OCTOBER
To Be Announced
Painting Tips from Ed Morris
I find that I am not painting as much every day as I used to. Even though I go out to my studio every day, some days I can only paint for an hour or so. Hopefully this will improve as things improve. In the meantime, I thought I might post some tips you might be able to use in your studio. I think this will be good therapy for me and some good stuff for you!
Painting Set Up
So excited about my new still life set up area I built in my studio. Notice the artist mahl stick on my easel that slides on a rail for bracing my hand when needed.
Family Affair 15 x 12 inches Oil on Canvas Panel
My Aunt painted flowers on porcelain china. The pieces we have are exquisite pieces of art in their own right. This is one of her pieces, Barbara supplied the flowers and I chipped in a little paint.
Color Strings
Ushering in Summer. 16×24” oil on canvas panel
This is the largest plein air painting and I have attempted to date. Lots of challenges but still having a blast! Needs a little more work and I will finish it up once these layers of paint dry.
I created a lot of color strings in the studio to help me with the color recession of the yellow flowers as they moved back in a painting. The values in this painting are tight and subtle.
Limited Palette
I wanted to show the limited palette I used to repaint my study I mentioned in an earlier post. Limited palette of yellow ocher, burnt sienna, cobalt blue, chromium oxide green, and ivory black. I created a little color map on my palette to give me an idea how these would mix together before I started.
Seeing Color in shades of Gray
In my little flower painting….After my initial block in, I fell into the trap of trying to add more contrast by lightening the reds with white creating some pasty colors. When things go wrong in a painting, it is usually values. The vertical up right values of the flower petals in the light should be a step lighter than a middle value. It is hard to see the values of intense colors such as the reds I was using. So I sometimes resort to photographing the mixtures on my palette and then rendering them black-and-white to get rid of the color to see the actual values.
This is also a common mistake in landscape painting where the warm colors in the foreground are depicted lighter than they actually are.
When mixing your colors, think in terms of color family first, then value, and finally adjusting the chroma or saturation of the color.
Tips concerning art material containers
Today’s tip. Anytime you buy a new bottle or jar of something for your studio, carefully remove the lid while everything is clean and put a piece of saran wrap over the opening and then screw your lid back on. You will need to replace the Saran wrap each time but you will find that you do not have to worry about having your lids getting dried up gunk in them and sticking shut. Especially on those items that you don’t use that often.
Golden Ratio
We all use the rule of thirds in our compositions. Sometimes you may want to change it up a little. On my studio work….Once I have a fairly good idea of what I want to paint….I get out my trusty Golden Ratio Calipers or Fibonacci Gauge to help me decide how to divide my space/areas of interest and placement…..As you probably know the ratio is 1 to .618. You can divide then subdivide the space which I did on the first one to lay in the road in the front.
Outside, I divide my canvas in half, then in half for quarters..then in half for eighths. I will use 5/8 as starting point. This just gives me a general idea of where I might place objects in the painting. Or just use the rule of thirds…Or sometimes you just eyeball it as long as it looks “right”. No rules, just guidelines..
Intersections of the lines for thirds or golden ratios gives you a general idea of your sweet spots on your canvas.
You can get the calipers on Etsy from ilexopaca. I don’t know how to do a link on here.|
PS..I am back to painting again!
Brush Cleaning and Care
Here are the things I use to try and keep my brushes in good shape. I typically clean most of the oil paint off of the brush in Gamsol. I then rinse the brush in a second container of Gamsol to get out the rest. This helps keep my brush less contaminated with other colors while I paint.
At the end of the painting session. I go through the Gamsol process first. Then I clean my brushes in my art sink with Dawn soap under running water. Massaging out any residue from the ferrule and heel, up through the belly to the toe of the brush. I do this several times rinsing the brush as I go. I then shape the brush and let it dry.
Every week or so…after cleaning my brushes, I will dip in Trekell Brush Restorer, massaging in the liquid, shaping the brush and letting it dry.
Do you have brushes with dried out paint in them? Then Brush Flush is for you. It can clean about any brush you have no matter the condition of the brush. I find it harsh, so I only use it if I have let paint accidentally dry on my brush and not for any daily use.