Brian Murphy‎

Our first paint out will be Tuesday April 26 at the UNCA Botanical Gardens. 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804
This allows us to stay “Close to town” in the event of inclement weather. We’ll meet at the garden’s parking lot at 10 and reconvene to share and chat at 12:30. Parking at UNCA can be limited so carpooling is always suggested. Let’s allow whoever drives to decide whether masks are required and respect their wishes.

Lisa Blackshear

May 3rd returns us to the NC Arboretum. 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
The flowers will be blooming and the colors should be glorious. We’ll meet outside the educational building at the main parking lot. PLEASE NOTE: There is a per car fee for parking, but it is half price the first Tuesday of each month. Again, carpooling is suggested. There is a wonderful cafe on site so feel free to either pack a lunch or stay and enjoy lunch with friends.

James Cassara

May 10th Mount Pisgah Overlook (Mile Marker 408).
This takes us a bit further out than usual but the spectacular 360 degree views make it worth the 24 mile drive from downtown Asheville. Given the altitude it is strongly suggested you dress with extra layers and plan for some potential wind. The weather up there can be unpredictable! Paint, pack a lunch, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Mt. Pisgah. Given the distance, carpooling is best, and please contribute gas money to the driver. It’s the kind thing to do!

Directions:  James drove out to the site of Tuesday’s paint out. It is the Bad Fork Overlook. If you get on the Parkway from the NC Arboretum it is the first overlook after the second tunnel. Elevation is 3350. There are no bathroom facilities, so dress and plan accordingly. The views are spectacular, with variations of green and depending on the weather some magnificent cloud formations. From downtown Asheville it is just over 13 miles and well worth the trip.

Anne Marie Brown

May 17th Riverside Park, 1598 Riverside Dr #1540, Woodfin, NC 28804 Right along the banks of the French Broad River.
This is a perennial favorite with a variety of trees, rocks. distant hills, and rolling waters. Ample parking, bathroom facilities, and High Five coffee for java and snacks. What more could one ask for?

Sandy Moore

May 24th Casa Cassara – 432 Olivette Rd. Asheville, 28804.
Come by James Cassara’s own piece of solitude. A fish pond, fruit trees, four majestic Silver Maples, and some rather lovely views. There is ample parking, bathrooms, and I’ll gladly provide some fresh fruit and treats. This has become a favorite painting spot for the group.

Cyrus Glance, All Souls Church 2014

 
We’ll say farewell to May on a high note as we gather outside the beautiful Cathedral of All Souls Episcopal Church ( 9 Swan St, Asheville, NC 28803) for a day of painting. There is ample parking just across the water in front of Jos. A Bank clothing store, or any number of side streets. This is a great opportunity to “urban sketch or paint” many of the fabulous architectural delights the area offers. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy a beverage and pastry at Well Bred Bakery. After we’re done painting we’ll cross over to the Grand Bohemian Hotel Gallery and enjoy the latest artwork on display. So much to take in!

Lisa Blackshear – August 2021

Olivette Farms is one of the hidden charms of our area and an absolute favorite of last year’s paint outs! We can meet at my house (432 Olivette Rd Asheville 28804) and carpool the five minutes to Olivette Farms OR you can choose to meet us there, follow these directions to the pavilion.
Directions: Once inside the community it can be quite tricky to find the Pavillon so I have carefully mapped this out. From Olivette Rd. turn at the sign (French Broad River Way) into the community. Cross the first bridge and turn Right at the stop sign. When you cross the second bridge make an immediate Left. You will soon cross some RR tracks and as you crest the hill it seems the road is disappearing; It’s not. Stay on that paved road and as you approach the French Broad River the road will veer to the left. The building we will meet at is on the right. We have access to the entire area but please don’t park in any places that might block traffic.

Bee Adams – September 2021

 
Leicester Library is another favorite from last year. Plentiful views of mountains, gardens, and the library itself. This is a great way for our group to increase its community profile while painting something a bit different from our traditional landscapes. I owe a large part of my love of art and reading to public libraries, so this feels like an opportunity to give something in return.

Deborah Squier – 2015

 
We’ve painted at Beaver Lake on numerous occasions but the Bird Sanctuary offers “a world within itself” with a fabulous array of fauna and wildlife. It truly is a magical spot. Parking is limited so as always carpooling is suggested. Because of the sensitive environment of the sanctuary we are asked to only paint from the wooden walkways or the clearly marked dirt trails. Please avoid the sensitive areas. I suggest placing your easel just off the walkways so as to not block the normal flow of foot traffic. Also note that a $1 per person parking fee is suggested (but not required) so please bring an extra buck or two to support this amazing place.

Sue Dolamore – 2018

 
 
June 28th is “On your own” at the Main Street Nature Park ( in Weaverville (25 US-19 BUS, Weaverville, NC 28787). I will be out of town that week but strongly encourage anyone who wishes to meet, paint, share, and post your work to our Facebook page.

James Cassara – October 2021

Bauer Ridge is a bit of a drive but absolutely well worth it, and you won’t find a nicer host than Kat Bauer!
*Note: we can not pin-point on map, so please review and copy directions below – thank you!
Bauer Ridge has long views of Mt. Roan in the Unaka Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and long views of the Smoky Mountains. The Hawthorne Springs Trail, multi-leveled yard, small fish pond, and our private lane are beautiful areas to paint. The covered wrap around deck has plenty of space for social distancing. Bauer Ridge is surrounded by lush green forest with no other house in sight.
Light refreshments will be available. There are two restrooms available to use. One is handicap accessible on the ground level. For more information and photos about Bauer Ridge please check out the following link. www.aribnb.com/h/bauerridge or www.bauerridge.com

*Driving Directions From Asheville: Take exit 4a I-26 Weaverville to exit 9 Spruce Pine/Burnsville/HWY 19. After about 5 miles turn right onto Bethel Rd. (big white church). Turn right onto Ponder Creek Rd. After 2 miles turn right onto Ponder Mountain Rd. (Note: this is right after the county line sign) Turn right onto Maramonte Way.

Parking is limited. The parking areas fit 6 cars and the rest will park on upper Maramonte Way. Carpooling would be helpful. We will meet on the deck at 9:30 and Kat will explain the details of the property. With Questions contact Kat Bauer at katherinebauer5@gmail.com

Brian Murphy 2019

Take a trip back in time as we return to the fabulous June Bug Retro Resort (www.junebugretroresort.com), always a favorite of the Plein Air Painters.  Just minutes from downtown Weaverville, we’ll start at 9:30 and wrap up and share our work a bit after noon.  Co-owner Charlene Pagano says there’s plenty of parking and asks we use the first entrance as that will shorten how far we may need to carry our setups.  Restrooms are open!  In the past June Bug has been among our most popular settings and it’s a treat to return there. 

Bee Adams – September 2021

We are trying this again, because on the first pass we were rained out ….
Leicester Library is another favorite from last year. Plentiful views of mountains, gardens, and the library itself. This is a great way for our group to increase its community profile while painting something a bit different from our traditional landscapes. I owe a large part of my love of art and reading to public libraries, so this feels like an opportunity to give something in return.

Ann Marie Brown – July 2020

We’ll kick off the new month with an August 2 visit to Charles Owen Park, long a favorite spot to paint. Located at 875 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778, the park offers a variety of views. Mountains in the distance, the Swannanoa River up close, and a delightful fishing pond. Surrounded by trees there is ample shade from the August heat as well as two covered picnic areas (subject to availability). We’ll meet at 9:30 and plan to share our work at noon!

Important note! In response to those who have been unable to attend during the week we are adding a Saturday gathering. These are in addition to, not in place of, our Tuesday paint outs. So for those who cannot join us on Tuesday we’ll meet at this same spot on Saturday, August the 6th. Make one or the either, or join us for both!

Note Regarding Saturday gathering at Charles Owen Park: James will not be there to facilitate because scheduling conflict, but everyone is welcome to gather anyway and have a good painting day!

Sandy Moore June 2020

Beat the heat at Craggy Gardens! Just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville. We’ll meet at 9:30 at the visitor center (364 Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC 28711, Exit at Milepost 344.1, 382.5) for a day of distant mountain views and stunning violets, blackberry, May-apple, and Turkscap lily all bursting onto the scene with color in this high-altitude portion of the Parkway.

Given the distance, carpooling is always recommended. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the cool weather, and be sure to bring a camera as well as your paints.

(Note: Weather can change quickly at the altitude, so bring along a light jacket or vest and be sure to check the website for updated conditions)

Eddie Morris – April 2019

Bringing it closer back to home with a perennial favorite. We’ll gather at 9:30 at The French Broad Park (508 Riverview Dr., Asheville, NC 28806) just outside the main restrooms.

This is a well shaded area along the French Broad River with ample parking, a great variety of trees, and lots of interesting views. After sharing our work around noon anyone wishing to get together for lunch is welcome, as we’ll be just a short drive from the River Arts District.

Brian Murphy – Demo 2018

A return visit to another popular spot we’ve not been to in awhile. Montreat College offers a lovely lake, a combination of traditional and updated buildings, and lots of flowers! We’ll meet at the

Conference Center Parking lot at 9:30 and plan to share out at noon. Note: Carpooling is suggested as parking can be tight this time of year as new students check in.

View of Green Valley

This is a new spot I found mostly by accident, with stupendous views of the valley. Enjoy painting barns? Mountains? Streams? Then this is one you won’t want to miss! We’ll be parking in the Western Chapel United Methodist Church at 575 South Turkey Creek Road Leicester NC 28748 (I’ve secured permission for us to do so) as our starting point. You can paint from their parking lot or explore the nearby area and find a spot that suits you. We’ll meet back at our usual noon time to compare paintings and share what we discovered.

James Cassara – August 2022

Back to the Botanical Gardens at UNCA Our first outing this year at the lovely UNCA Botanical Gardens (151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804) was cut short by rain so we’ll be giving it another go! It’s a familiar spot with an amazing variety of things to paint: Bridges, streams, cabins, rock formations, and a surprising variety of plants. So much is such a relatively small space! Parking can be tight so be sure to carpool or arrive early.

Lissa Friedman – May 2021

James Cassara will again open up his home and backyard to the group. Located at 432 Olivette Rd, just ten minutes north of downtown Asheville, Casa Cassara has four magnificent silver maples, fruit trees, a fish pond, and some amazing views of adjacent farm lands. Come early and stay as late as you wish. I have ample parking and if necessary we can use my neighbors driveway.

Deborah Squier – June 2014

While we did gather earlier this year at the bird sanctuary we’ve yet to paint the lake! We’ll meet at the boathouse on Merrimon Ave (you may need to park across the street on either West or East Euclid Parkway) and enjoy the views of one of Asheville’s most beloved spots. Besides the lake there are lots of wildflowers and the canoes themselves to paint. Meet at 9:30 and share around noon.

View from Craggy

Postponed from an earlier date we’ll give it another shot. Just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville. We’ll meet at 9:30 at the visitor center (364 Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC 28711, Exit at Milepost 344.1, 382.5) for a day of distant mountain views and stunning violets, blackberry, May-apple, and Turkscap lily all bursting onto the scene with color in this high-altitude portion of the Parkway.

James Cassara

Back by popular demand! Olivette Farms has quickly become one of the Asheville Plein Air Painters favorite spots, so why not make a return visit as fall approaches? The management team there loves hosting us and seeing the art we create.

If you wish we can meet at my house (432 Olivette Rd Asheville 28804) and carpool the five minutes to Olivette Farms OR you can choose to meet us there, follow these directions to the pavilion.

Directions: Once inside the community it can be quite tricky to find the Pavillon so I have carefully mapped this out. From Olivette Rd. turn at the sign (French Broad River Way) into the community. Cross the first bridge and turn Right at the stop sign. When you cross the second bridge make an immediate Left. You will soon cross some RR tracks and as you crest the hill it seems the road is disappearing; It’s not. Stay on that paved road and as you approach the French Broad River the road will veer to the left. The building we will meet at is on the right. We have access to the entire area but please don’t park in any places that might block traffic.

Chris Bell – Chimney Rock

Again teaming up with Picturing A Picturesque America (PAPA) we’ll be returning to Chimney Rock, co-hosting both a paint out and an upcoming joint Picturesque America/Asheville Plein Air Painters exhibit. Details of this exciting endeavor will be forthcoming.

On October 11 we’ll be gathering at the Hickory Nut Gorge restaurant and brewery (461 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720) who have graciously agreed to again host us. There is ample parking and seating as well as great views of Chimney Rock. A 9:30 start with sharing around noon.

We’ll be christening the opening of the new River Link Park, directly next to Carrier Park on Amboy Rd. (map is to Carrier Park)

Fabulous views of the French Broad and an opportunity to learn more about River Link and the work they do. This is also a collaborative effort with PAPA as the Asheville Plein Air Painters continue to increase our visibility and involvement in the community. We’ll kick things off at 9:30 with sharing around noon.

Cynthia Llanes Johnson – June 21

Back to Bauer Ridge It’s a bit of a drive but absolutely well worth it, and you won’t find a nicer host than Kat Bauer! The fall colors should be at or near their peak.

Bauer Ridge has long views of Mt. Roan in the Unaka Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and long views of the Smoky Mountains. The Hawthorne Springs Trail, multi-leveled yard, small fish pond, and our private lane are beautiful areas to paint. The covered wrap around deck has plenty of space for social distancing. Bauer Ridge is surrounded by woods with no other house in sight.

Light refreshments will be available. There are two restrooms available to use. One is handicap accessible on the ground level. For more information and photos about Bauer Ridge please check out the following link. www.aribnb.com/h/bauerridge or www.bauerridge.com

*Driving Directions From Asheville: Take exit 4a I-26 Weaverville to exit 9 Spruce Pine/Burnsville/HWY 19. After about 5 miles turn right onto Bethel Rd. (big white church). Turn right onto Ponder Creek Rd. After 2 miles turn right onto Ponder Mountain Rd. (Note: this is right after the county line sign) Turn right onto Maramonte Way. Be sure to save or print out these directions as GPS reception can be spotty in this area.

Parking is limited. The parking areas fit 6 cars and the rest will park on upper Maramonte Way. Carpooling would be helpful. Anyone is welcome to arrive at my house by 8:30 and carpool with me.
We will meet on the deck at 9:30 and Kat will explain the details of the property. With Questions contact Kat Bauer at katherinebauer5@gmail.com

We’ll gather at 9:30 at Jean Webb Park (30 Riverside Drive, Asheville 28801) and spread out from there.

Urban structures, the underpass of 240, heavy equipment, and even wetlands can be easily accessed. So much to choose from! Be sure to check out Curve Studios and Gardens directly across the street!