APAP Update!

Extra Note:

Please remember that we are still being very careful to protect each other during this stressful time. Do respect social distancing when out with your fellow artists. We want everyone to feel welcome and safe!

September and October are now set up on the calendar. Our usual cut off point for paint-outs is the end of October. Normally we do indoor venues for the winter months, but at this point we are not sure if the group will continue in that direction. Let us know your thoughts, either here or on Facebook. We could try for a few more paint-outs in November if someone is willing to host! Regardless, keep painting & keep submitting your work to the Facebook page or send to Rosemarie at ashevillerose45@gmail.com

Thank you & a big shout out to the hosts who have kept the group going and organized this year:   James Cassara, Hyn Patty, Kathleen Forrest, Sandra Moore,  Anne Marie Brown, Kimberlee Kepper, Don Osterberg, Cindy Shaw & Lynn Starun. We know that everyone who has attended these events appreciates all of their efforts!

Volunteers for the last two months of this season are  Kimberlee Kepper, Don Osterberg, Cindy Shaw, Lynn Starun & Hyn Patty. Check the calendar for places and dates!

Special note: Don Osterberg has set up his 4 venues with a twist … he says:

“Hi fellow APAP. The following is the schedule for September 17th through October 8th. (All of the following sites can be googled for GPS location and directions – or check the included maps.) Come and go as you wish, stay the entire day if you would like. No formal organization except at 12:15 there will be a self-organized meet-up. The 5 sites that we have permission to visit have been assigned specific dates. However, I realize that some of you have to travel a long distance to get to Hendersonville. For this reason we have permission to use these five sites every Thursday from September 17th to October 8. This means that you do not have to stick to our schedule, but you can move around as you wish. Maybe spending the entire day visiting more than one site. This will also allow for changes due to inclement weather. I hope you find this convenient. Every Thursday I will be moving between the 5 the sights to make sure everything is going well. You can always reach me by phone at 828-290-5234. Enjoy.”

 

Note: Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page or send to Rosemarie at ashevillerose45@gmail.com for inclusion in the gallery!

 

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 Following is Monthly Paint-Out List for the Up-Coming Season

APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT

 

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Here are some Highlights from recent paint outs:

French Broad River in Woodfin

Photos by Don Osterberg

Junebug Resort

Photos by Byron Ellen Shaw & Kat Bauer

Charles Owen Park

Photos by Kathleen Forrest

Next Up

 

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!

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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

 

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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!

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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.com or 5berniewolf@gmail.com

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
MAP

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
MAP

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
MAP

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

 

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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
MAP

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
MAP

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
MAP

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
MAP

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!

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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.com, ncsandram@gmail.com,

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
MAP

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
MAP

TIME: 9:30 – 12:30 pm 
Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm

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
MAP

TIME: 9:30 – 12:30 pm 
Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm

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 

 

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AUGUST

Our host volunteers for the month of August, Anne Marie Brown and James Cassara, are busy making plans. If you have any questions, please contact them via email … ambttn@hotmail.com or jjcassara@gmail.com

August 6, 2020 Sandy Mush Farm
Address: 432 Big Sandy Mush Road,
Leicester, NC
MAP

Times are 9:30 to 12:30.
Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Owners Kim and Dave are hosting. Bathrooms available in the house, please wear masks inside.

This is a beautiful farm with open fields, cows, an old log house, restored farm house, barns, and big views of the Sandy Mush valley, including the original general store and chapel of this settlement. Bring your painting supplies and lunch. It is a way out from town and there are no food options nearby.

Host: Anne Marie Brown ambttn@hotmail.com

August 13, 2020 Never Ending Flower Farm
Address: 152 Tom Harris Trail, Barnardsville
MAP

Times are 9:30 to 12:30.
Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Owner Loretta hosting is hosting. Bathroom in house, and is accessible. Please wear masks inside.

You-cut flower farm, park near greenhouse and sheds for better visibility of fields.

Host: Anne Marie Brown ambttn@hotmail.com

 

August 20, 2020 June Bug Retro Resort
Address: 355 Clarks Chapel Rd,
Weaverville, NC 28787
MAP

Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Take a trip back in time as we return to the fabulous June Bug Retro Resort  https://www.junebugretroresort.com/ just minutes from downtown Weaverville, on Thursday August 20^th!  We’ll start at 9:30 and wrap up 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 set ups.  Restrooms are open!  Last year June Bug was among our most popular settings and it’s a treat to return there.

August 27, 2020 French Broad River in Woodfin
Ledges Park, Address: 1080 Old Marshall Hwy, Alexander, NC 28701
MAP
& Woodfin Riverfront Park, Address:1598 Riverside Dr. Woodfin, NC 28804
MAP

Our final paint out of August will be this coming Thursday, the 27th, along the French Broad River in Woodfin.  Ledges Park, located at  1080 Old Marshall Hwy, Alexander, NC 28701 has some really interesting river rocks and more rapidly moving water, making it a great place to paint.  However it has limited parking spaces so we’re offering Woodfin Riverfront Park (1598 Riverside Dr. Woodfin, NC 28804) as well.  Plenty of parking there.  The two sites are only a few miles apart so you can choose which one best meets your needs and interests. Both offer nice shading trees, tables and benches, and views of the river. Neither has bathroom facilities.

As usual our starting time is 9:30 but if you strongly prefer Ledges Park we suggest you arrive earlier. We won’t be sharing on site so please be sure to post your finished pieces to the Facebook page.  We love seeing them!

Our volunteer organizer for this session is James Cassara. Contact him  at jjcassara@gmail.com if you have questions 

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SEPTEMBER

September 3, 2020 Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain
Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711
MAP

Paint at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

The restrooms are still locked, but there is a portable toilet near the tennis courts.

Bring your own painting gear. Parking is free & 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

Host for this event is Kimberlee Kepper email kimray9@comcast.net if you have any questions.

September 10, 2020 Engadine Inn & Cabins
Address: 2630 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715
MAP

Engadine Inn & Cabins includes some wonderful scenery. This has been a very inspirational venue in past paint-outs and is only a short distance west of Asheville.
The owner, Rick Bell said, “We would love to host your group again! … Just one request, please ask your members NOT to park in the parking spaces at the Inn. There will be plenty of room for them to park on the gravel roads that lead up to and around our cabins.”

We can use the restroom at the Inn, but we just have to ring the bell for entrance and face covering is required.

Our usual time of 9:30 to 12:30 and due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Host for this event is Kimberlee Kepper email kimray9@comcast.net if you have any questions.

Following 4 are Paint-outs with a twist!

These Paint-outs have been organized by Don Osterberg who has put together some beautiful places in and around Hendersonville and Flat Rock. …Don says:

Hi fellow APAP. The following is the schedule for September 17th through October 8th. (All of the following sites can be googled for GPS location and directions – or check the included maps.) Come and go as you wish, stay the entire day if you would like. No formal organization … (send images of your paintings to Facebook or Rosemarie at ashevillerose45@gmail.com for the website. …) The 5 sites that we have permission to visit have been assigned specific dates. However, I realize that some of you have to travel a long distance to get to Hendersonville. For this reason we have permission to use these five sites every Thursday from September 17th to October 8. This means that you do not have to stick to our schedule, but you can move around as you wish. Maybe spending the entire day visiting more than one site. This will also allow for changes due to inclement weather. I hope you find this convenient. Every Thursday I will be moving between the 5 the sights to make sure everything is going well. You can always reach me by phone at 828-290-5234. Enjoy.

 

September 17, 2020 Downtown Main Street, Hendersonville
Address: Hendersonville, NC
MAP

A lovely and unique downtown. Lots of older buildings and winding sidewalks. so that you can set up for different vantage points. Also shaded areas and out door eating areas for varied interest. You can set up and paint anywhere on the sidewalk, but not on the street.

 There are restrooms at the Visitor Center. Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Host for this event is Don Osterberg email dmosbo37@gmail.com if you have any questions.

 

 

 

September 24, 2020  The Park at Flat Rock
Address: 55 Highland Golf Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731
MAP

This is a large area with many different venues as shown on the included diagram. There are restrooms near the pavilion at the parking lot. Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

An extra painting site that we have permission to paint at has been added to this Park site. It is the falls and mill at Highland Lake. It is located just off the diagram in the upper left where the little stream passes under Highland Lake Road and is marked “future multi-use path concept”. We have permission to paint at the waterfall and mill area, however parking is limited. There is a pull off on Highland Lake Road opposite the pond for 2 or 3 cars. You are also welcome to drive in the entrance road at the sign and drive up the hill where there is a parking lot. Its a little distance from the mill but closer than the parking lot at the Park. No restrooms available here.

Host for this event is Don Osterberg email dmosbo37@gmail.com if you have any questions.

 

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OCTOBER

October 1, 2020 St. John in the Wilderness
Address: 1895 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731
MAP

St. John in the Wilderness in Flat Rock, North Carolina was the first Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina. It was consecrated by Bishop Levi Silliman Ives on August 28, 1836.

Please park in the parking lot below the church. It is only a short walk up the hill to the church. You can use the entire property for painting. The church is not open at this time. There are no restrooms available here. Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Host for this event is Don Osterberg email dmosbo37@gmail.com if you have any questions.

 

October 8, 2020 Jump Off Rock
Address: 4433 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739
MAP

This site was scheduled last because hopefully by this time there may be some autumn color. This is a site that has fantastic distant views of mountains including Mt Pisgah and Cold Mountain. There are no restrooms available. Due to Covid we won’t have physical sharing but suggest you post your paintings on the Facebook page.

Directions: The site is located about 5 miles from downtown Hendersonville. Take 5th Avenue West from Main Street in Hendersonville, it becomes Laurel Park Highway and starts to climb up Davis mountain with winding roads. Jump off rock is at the end of the highway. 

Host for this event is Don Osterberg email dmosbo37@gmail.com if you have any questions.

 

October 15, 2020 Lake Susan in Montreat
Address: 401 Assembly Dr, Montreat, NC 28757
MAP

Other Notes:  Montreat Conference Center expects all visitors and staff to strictly adhere to Covid-19 guidelines and precautions.  Please read specifics on their website.  Montreat CC Statement of Covid-19   Additionally, there may be a staff photographer who would like to photograph our group.  Please be open to having your picture taken, and/or your work-in-progress.  Of course, speak up if you wish to decline any photos.

In case of rain:  There are some covered places from which to paint good views and remain dry, so unless there is an absolute downpour, we will meet as planned.  Text me if you have questions or concerns.

My contact info:  Cindy Shaw, 703-268-3544, cshawpaint@gmail.com I look forward to seeing you there!

 

October 22, 2020 Fernihurst Mansion at AB Tech
Address: 70 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC
MAP

A new painting location. We will be trying out painting at AB Tech around Fernihurst Mansion. Fernihurst was built on the mountain top with amazing views right in Asheville. There are quite a number of mountain vistas from the AB Tech parking lots around the mansion and from the grounds of the house You could choose either a landscape or house composition and there’s a lot of room for everybody. No restrooms available, though, due to covid. I hope we can make this a regular place if we like it. As usual the time is 9:30-12:30. 

History: Fernihurst Mansion was constructed c1875 for Colonel John Kerr Connally atop Vernon Hill, the highest point in what was once the little town of Victoria. The giant 25-room Italianate-style home was built from bricks handmade from clay mined on the property. Over the next half century, the owners nearly doubled the size of the mansion until it became “a 50 room monstrosity” as one writer remarked. In 1933, the deserted monstrosity was acquired by John P. Curran, who removed 38 rooms and reverted the house back to its original structure. AB-Tech purchased the property in the 1970s and the mansion is now home to AB-Tech’s culinary institute.

Directions: There are two ways to approach the location.
First: The scenic way is to take Meadow Road off of Biltmore Avenue. Go past habitat ReStore and take a right at the second light. This is Victoria Road which climbs up the hill for a while. Take the second left on Persistence Road which is a sharp turn and climbs past an old mansion, Sunnicrest, and then you come up to the parking lots. Take a left on the second of the parking rows and it will lead you straight to the mansion. Drive around to find your spot and park nearby.
Second: Alternatively you can take Hospital Drive off of Biltmore and soon after turn left onto Victoria Road. Follow it for a while until you come to the historic McDowell House and turn right immediately after passing the house. That is Fernihurst Road which you follow as it circles around and you will eventually see Fernihurst Mansion on the right. Drive around to find where you want to paint and park nearby.

Remember to observe social distancing rules and keep each other safe. We will share our work online.

Campus map:

Host for this event is Lynn Starun – contact number is 908-963-2624 or lastarun@yahoo.com.

October 29, 2020  The North Carolina Arboretum
Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
MAP

 

Our volunteer organizer for this event is Hyn Patty. Contact her at artstudio@hynpatty.com if you have any questions.

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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.

 

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.

 

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.