NC Plein Air Art Festival Event Guide 2024

May 12-19, 2024

NEW BERN – BEAUFORT – ORIENTAL ay TAL

North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival in Historic New Bern

The 4th Annual North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival in New Bern begins Sunday, May 12, and continues through Sunday, May 19. The eight-day Festival showcases 35 nationally and globally acclaimed plein air artists, including newly juried painters, joining award winners and top performers from 2023’s Festival.

“The term ‘plein air’ is French and means ‘open air’,” said Kippy Hammond, Festival organizer. “Plein air painting can be traced back to Impressionist artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas – painting outdoors and capturing fleeting moments of light, color, atmosphere, and the mood of a scene, rather than detailed representations.”

Painting venues include Historic New Bern, the first capital of North Carolina; Beaufort, the home of the North Carolina Maritime Museum; and Oriental, the sailing capital of North Carolina. In addition, artists will choose more sites and landscapes in Craven, Carteret, and Pamlico Counties.

Festival headquarters, including demonstrations, workshops, art displays,

Photo by Jeff Sherman

and sales, will be based at Historic New Bern’s Farmers Market, less than two blocks from Tryon Palace. In addition, pop-up exhibits and art sales will happen in Beaufort and Oriental, with location details, dates, and times on the NC Plein Air New Bern website. All activities are free except the workshops, Saturday’s awards celebration, and a modest fee for artists to enter the Quick Paint competition (no charge for spectators).

According to Hammond, artists will create approximately 400 paintings featuring local scenes, subjects, and vistas, in a friendly competition to win the Best of Show Koffenberger Award, plus other prominent awards and recognition.

Festival attendees will have numerous opportunities to meet and talk with the artists, including using a real-time cell phone app showing the locations of featured painters each day. In addition, youth and adult amateur artists can meet with the pros and compete for ribbons and cash awards in the annual Quick Paint competition.

Workshops will include award-winning plein air artists, renowned American Impressionist painters and in-demand instructors who are known for conducting workshops across the United States and Europe.

“Plein air is a popular form of art and recreational activity influenced by the rise in global tourism,” said Hammond. “Artists are interested in capturing the essence of a particular place and time and celebrating the world’s beauty. Plein air painters typically work in oils, watercolors, or pastels.”

May 12-19, 2024

MONDAY - MAY 13

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - CRAVEN, PAMLICO & CARTERET COUNTIES

Artist Demonstrations:

• Greg Barnes - 8:30am - 10:30am

Queen St. at Front St. • New Bern

• Jill Banks - 4:30pm - 6:30pm Mitchell Hardware • 215 Craven St. • New Bern

• Vlad Duchev - 9:30pm - 10:30pm

Galley Marina • 300 E. Front St. • New Bern

TUESDAY - MAY 14

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS ONSITE - ORIENTAL & NEW BERN

POP-UP EXHIBITION & SALE

4pm - 6pm

The Garden at Barcos • Oriental

Artist Demonstrations:

• Karen Crenshaw - 9am - 11am

Pollock St. & Eden St. • New Bern

• Adam Houston - 1pm - 3pm

Bern St. & Pollock St. • New Bern

• Fen Rascoe - 4pm - 6pm

Oriental Waterfront

• Mille Gosche - 7pm - 8:30pm Galley Marina • 300 E. Front St. • New Bern

WEDNESDAY - MAY 15

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS ONSITE - BEAUFORT & NEW BERN

POP-UP EXHIBITION & SALE

4pm - 6pm

Beaufort Historic Site • 130 Turner St. • Beaufort

Artist Demonstrations:

• Charles Cashwell - 11am - 1pm Beaufort

• Russell Jewel - 1pm - 3pm Beaufort Historic Site • 130 Turner St. • Beaufort

• Rose Kennedy - 5pm - 7pm

Tryon Palace • Pollock St. • New Bern

• Kirk Larsen - 7pm - 8:30pm

Duck Creek Marina • 699 Galloway Rd.

New Bern

THURSDAY - MAY 16

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS ONSITE - ORIENTAL & NEW BERN

POP-UP EXHIBITION & SALE

4pm - 6pm

The Garden at Barcos • Oriental

Artist Demonstrations:

• Jeff Steiner - 8:30am - 10:30am

300 Block Pollock St. • New Bern

• Ralph James - 11am - 1pm

Oriental Waterfront

• Jennifer Holmes - 11am - 1pm

Duck Creek Marina • 699 Galloway Rd.

New Bern

• Debra Howard - 5pm - 7pm

River Walk • New Bern

Gallery Talk:

• Shanna Kunz - 12pm - 1pm - “How to see art, how to collect art.” - Free to public, bring sack lunch or order lunch tickets online. At Exhibition Gallery.

FRIDAY - MAY 17

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 8pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS ONSITE - BEAUFORT & NEW BERN

POP-UP EXHIBITION & SALE

4pm - 6pm

Beaufort Historic Site • 130 Turner St. • Beaufort

Artist Demonstrations:

• Jim Rehak - 8:30am - 10:30am

Duck Creek Marina • 699 Galloway Rd. • New Bern

• John Eiseman - 11am - 1pm

New Bern

• Craig Reynolds - 1pm - 3pm Beaufort

• Durre Waseem - 5pm - 7pm

New Bern Historical Society Gardens Pollock St. • New Bern

Gallery Talk:

• Shanna Kunz - 12pm - 1pm

- “How to see art, how to collect art.”

- Free to public, bring sack lunch or order lunch tickets online. At Exhibition Gallery.

SATURDAY - MAY 18

EXHIBITION & GALLERY SALE

9am - 2pm

Opens back up to public at 7pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

ARTISTS PAINTING ONSITE - NEW BERN YOUTH PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP

9:15am - 11:30am - K-4th Grade

1pm - 3pm - 5th-8th Grade

First Baptist Church Family Life Center

239 Middle St. • New Bern

Pre-registration required.

ARTISTS TO ARTISTS FORUM #1

2pm - 3pm

New Bern Civic Theatre • 414 Pollock St. • New Bern

ARTISTS TO ARTISTS FORUM #2

3:30pm - 4:30pm

New Bern Civic Theatre • 414 Pollock St. • New Bern COLLECTORS PREVIEW & AWARDS RECEPTION

5pm - 6:30pm

Limited tickets sold online

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

COMPETITION EXHIBIT & AWARD WINNERS

6:30pm - 9pm • Open to public

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

SUNDAY - MAY 19

QUICK PAINT

8am - 11am

Pre-registration recommended - ncpleinair.org.

• Stamping & Check-in - 7:15am-10:30am

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St. Carolina Creations • 317 A Pollock St.

• Open and Youth Categories Start at 8am

• Featured Artists Start at 9am

• Quick Paint End of Painting - 11am

• Quick Paint Paintings on Easel for Judging - 11:30am

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

• Quick Paint Winners Announced Sale Begins - 12pm - 1pm

New Bern Farmer’s Market • 421 S. Front St.

Schedule subject to change. Visit ncpleinair.org for up-to-date information.

Exhibition & Sales Gallery

Festival headquarters, and the NC Plein Air Art Festival Exhibition and Sales Gallery will be based at Historic New Bern’s Farmers Market, less than two blocks from Tryon Palace.

Beginning Monday morning May 13, the Exhibition and Sales Gallery will open daily at 9am. A full exhibition of artwork by our featured artists will be on display and for sale, framed and ready to hang. The artists will arrive in New Bern with a collection of their current artwork, both plein air and studio paintings. These paintings will be replaced with wet canvases as the artists create a new body of work highlighting New Bern, Oriental, and Beaufort.

You will want to visit often as the collection changes daily as artwork is sold and replaced with new wet canvases. Our gallery greeters and sales team will be ready to help you find the perfect painting for your home or business. Complete resumes and biographies are available at the main gallery. Special commissions can be discussed with our sales team.

The Exhibition Gallery will be closed for judging May 18, 2pm -5pm and will reopen for a Collector’s Preview and Awards Reception (Limited tickets available for purchase online at ncpleinair.org.)

The Competition Exhibition with Award Winners will be open to the public (free) at 6:30pm Saturday, May 18 and again May 19, 8:30am – 1pm.

HOW AND WHERE TO PURCHASE PAINTINGS

All Paintings are Framed and ready to hang.

Wet from the Easel

Main Exhibition Gallery

OPEN DAILY – 9am-8pm

New Bern Farmers Market

421 S. Front St., New Bern

May 14 – Pop-up Gallery – Oriental

The Garden at Barcos – 4-6pm

May 15 – Pop-up Gallery – Beaufort

130 Turner St. – 4-6pm

May 16 – Oriental

The Garden at Barcos – 4-6pm

May 17 – Pop-up Gallery – Beaufort

130 Turner St. – 4-6pm

Quick Draw & Paint Out May 19, 2024

The Quick Paint competition is a 3 hour “en plein air” (open air) painting competition in the downtown historic district and waterfront of New Bern, NC.... RAIN OR SHINE. The works will be displayed, judged and for sale at the New Bern Farmers Market parking lot at 421 S. Front Street — between 11:30am-1pm

$15 Open Adult (18+)

FREE Youth Category (ages 10-17)

For information

ncpleinair.org

AGENDA:

7:15am

Walk-up registration/check-in & stamping

Farmers Market • 421 S Front St.

Carolina Creations • 317 A Pollock St. 8:00am

Open and youth participants start 9:00am

Featured artists start 11:00am

Painting ends, proceed to Farmers Market for display & judging

11:30am

Deadline for placing easel for display at Farmers Market parking lot

12:00pm

Awards announced, sales begin 12:00 - 1:00pm

Paintings displayed on easels for public viewing and sales 1:30pm

All unsold artwork to be removed from the display space

Prizes for the Open and Youth categories: Cash and Ribbon Awards

The winner of the open category of the Quick Draw & Paint Out 2024 wins an invitation to participate as a featured artist in Plein Air New Bern 2025.

2024 WORKSHOPS

Shanna Kunz

May 13-15, 2024

3 Day Workshop -

$475

New Bern, NC

Shanna Kunz of Ogden, UT is a naturalist painter of the landscape that surrounds her, interpreting the quiet and familiar places of the American West. She has been featured in numerous major art publications, including a feature article in Art Of The West, Western Art & Architecture, Plein Air Magazine, Outdoor Painter, Southwest Art Magazine, Western Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur.

What do you get when you take a workshop with Suzie?

In our workshop, we are going to explore compositional design and color decisions in studio painting. Some experience with your medium is required, though all levels are welcome! Shanna will be working in oil. Shanna will guide you through the decision making process from the very beginning of your painting. She will help you choose and enhance your theme, and to identify palette choices that make your painting more engaging. You will use brushes, palette knives and glazes to develop your own style! www.shannakunz.com

To register visit: https://ncpleinair.org/workshops/

COLLECTORS’ PREVIEW & AWARDS RECEPTION

May 18 • 5pm - 6:30pm Award Ceremony at 6:30pm

$50.00

ncpleinair.org

Join in the excitement of being the first to see and purchase newly added competition paintings. Each artist is allowed to enter three paintings of their choice for the consideration of being awarded ribbons and cash awards totally more than $13,000. James Richards, our asteemed Award Judge will also give comments on his selection of award winners.

Music entertainment by jazz musician Clay Steinwinter.

Exhibition reopens to the public at 6:30pm https://ncpleinair.org/event/collectors-preview-awards-reception-ticketed/

James Richards AISM

May 16-17, 2024

2 Day Workshop - $350

New Bern, NC

James’s workshops are geared to unravel the mystery of capturing light in your paintings. After many years of teaching and observing the artwork being created today, James realizes a major component that is missing in most work: The true illusion of light. Developing this one thing will add power and feeling into your work. This will also give you the freedom to explore your personal artistic creative voice. James will introduce exercises to practice and give you more clarity of the intention and process of creating light filled fine art.

Day 1 will be spent with James sharing his concepts, ideas and techniques for creating loose impressionistic paintings. This is mainly a teaching and demonstration day, with some student painting as well. Concepts covered will include planning and organizing your painting to allow for looseness and spontaneity. You will discuss how to turn the chaotic visual elements of reality into a visual language on canvas.

Day 2 will be spent working En Plein Air (weather permitting and locations TBD) while applying and sharpening the concepts and techniques from the previous day’s study. You will be encouraged to paint multiple pieces, with a focus on smaller studies.

www.artistjamesrichards.com

To register visit: https://ncpleinair.org/workshops/

PLEIN AIR NEW BERN YOUTH WORKSHOP

Saturday, May 18

9:15 am - 11:30 am

K-4th Grade

1pm-3pm 5th-8th Grade

First Baptist ChurchFamily Life Center

Greg Barnes demonstrates pastels on the waterfront

May 13 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Queen St. at Front St., New Bern www.barnesstudios.com

Fen Rascoe demonstrates painting activitiesOriental waterfront

May 14 • 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Oriental Waterfront www.fenrascoe.com

DEMONSTRATION

Jill Banks demonstrates Historic Downtown New Bern’s Mitchell Hardware

May 13 • 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

215 Craven St., New Bern www.jillbanks.com

Millie Gosche demonstrates late light at Galley Marina

May 14 • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

300 E. Front St., New Bern www.milliegosch.com

Galley

May 13 • 9:30

300 E. Front St., vladduchevart.com

Charles

demonstrates the waterfront

May 15 • 11:00 Beaufort cashwellfineart.com

Cashwell

Vlad Duchev demonstrates -

DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE

Duchev demonstrates a Nocturnal Marina pm - 10:30 pm St., New Bern vladduchevart.com

Cashwell demonstrates painting waterfront

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Beaufort cashwellfineart.com

Karen Crenshaw demonstrates in Historical Gardens

May 14 • 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Pollock St. & Eden St., New Bern www.KarenLeeCrenshaw.com

Russell Jewel demonstrates watercolor - Historic architecture

May 15 • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

130 Turner St., Beaufort russelljewell.com

Adam Houston demonstrates painting Historic architecture

May 14 • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Bern St. & Pollock St., New Bern adamhouston.art

Rose Kennedy demonstrates painting Historical architecture - Tryon Palace

May 15 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Pollock St., New Bern www.lilarosekennedy.com

Kirk Larsen demonstrates early evening light - Duck Creek Marina

May 15 • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

699 Galloway Rd., New Bern kirklarsenfineart.com

Jim Rehak demonstrates at Duck Creek Marina

May 17 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am

699 Galloway Rd., New Bern www.jimrehak.com

DEMONSTRATION

Jeff Steiner demonstrates waterfront Historic architecture

May 16 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am Broad St., New Bern www.steinerwatercolors.com

John Eiseman demonstrates painting the waterfront

May 17 • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm New Bern www.johnteiseman.com

11:00 Oriental Waterfront www.ralphgradyjames.com

demonstrates Historic

May 17 • 1:00 Beaufort www.craigreynoldsstudio.com

Ralph demonstrates the Big May 16 •

Craig Reynolds

architecture

DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE

James demonstrates painting

Big Boys 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Waterfront www.ralphgradyjames.com

Reynolds demonstrates painting architecture

pm - 3:00 pm Beaufort www.craigreynoldsstudio.com

Jennifer Holmes demonstrates late morning light - Duck Creek Marina

May 16 • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

699 Galloway Rd., New Bern pleinairpainter.fineartstudioonline.com

Durre Waseem demonstrates painting the costumed model - Historical Society

May 17 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Pollock St., New Bern www.durrewaseem.com

Debra Howard demonstrates late afternoon lighting - River Walk

May 16 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

New Bern www.debrahoward-artist.com

Gallery Talk with Shanna Kunz: How to See Art, How to Collect Art”

May 16 & 17 • 12:00 pm

421 S. Front St., New Bern www.shannakunz.com

2024 ARTISTS

JILL BANKS

Fairfax, VA

I strive to place you right by my side, in the middle of the action – by being there. During a recent trip to Key West, setting my easel up in the water captured the joy of playing in the surf. For another piece, peeking over a wall to paint helped capture the feeling of dining at the water’s edge. In Southern France, painting within the fruit and vegetable stand of the farmer’s market transported us behind the scenes. This immersion transforms us from spectator to participant – from observing the painting, to climbing into it.

GREG BARNES

Charlotte, NC

I’ve loved art since childhood, and it’s my greatest joy to be able to create spontaneously and make a living doing it. Pastel is my medium of choice as it provides a quick way to capture a scene with expressive strokes and color. Was featured in an article and on the cover of Pastel Journal in February 2020.

LILY BRAFF

Fuquay-Varina, NC

I have been painting for more than 20 years. In 2010 , I was accepted into the Hudson River Fellowship by Grand Central Atelier. We resided and painted for a month in the Catskill region of upstate New York . Two years ago, we relocated from New York city to a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina, I have become much more involved in en plein air. I spend time observing and being inspired by my surroundings and to paint with my mind, then I do thumbnail sketches. I like bold loose brushstroke to express my feelings.

ED CAHILL

Marietta, GA

I have always been artist. I paint what I know— where I live and what I love. It’s an honor to do so as a professional with other painters—and share it those who appreciate it. When I travel I do so with joy and interest —Plein Air painters are explorers and scientists, we see the world with an eye for composition, color and drama. The only regrets I have is leaving a place before I discover all its beauty.

CHARLES CASHWELL

Sautee Nacoochee, GA

After a successful career in portraiture, navigating Wall Street’s corridors, Cashwell pivoted towards Fine Art and Plein Air. Through self-discovery, he mastered impressionistic techniques with a modern twist, earning acclaim and invitations from art communities across the nation.

He quotes, “I try to capture the moment in a modern/impressionistic style that makes you feel the time and place.”

LYUDMILA TOMOVA CLARK

Cary, NC

Renowned artist Lyudmila dazzled the art world in 2023, clinching an astonishing 22 awards in national and international exhibitions, 9 of which were first place. She whimsically dubs her painting style “create-destroy-create” – a rhythmic dance of gestures on canvas. Lyudmila’s talent has earned her numerous Best in Show accolades and features in esteemed publications like International Artist magazine. Inspired by nature’s beauty, her work shines in prestigious plein air events like Easton, Bluff Strokes, Telluride, Lighthouse, Glaciers, Suffolk, and New Bern.

2024 ARTISTS

KAREN LEE CRENSHAW

Jacksonville, NC

A sense of place. That is the goal of my landscape paintings, for the viewer to “see” what I am seeing and to feel that is a place they have been or would like to visit. Plein air painting inspires me to capture the quality of the light that sets off that connection. Many of my paintings depict the pinkish-blue tones of early morning light or the amber tones of late afternoon. I have recently begun entering a few national competitions and I have been delighted to be included several times.

KATIE DOBSON CUNDIFF

Sarasota, FL

Inspired by Spanish painter, Jouquin Sorolla and Russian painter, Sergei Bongart, my passion is drawing and painting from life. I enjoy being outdoors painting places and subjects revealing the essence of everyday life. I was fortunate to have a father who was a successful illustrator teach me the basics of how to draw and paint, sharing his knowledge and love of the fine arts with me. I find it important and fulfilling to also share this knowledge and everything I have learned throughout my artistic journey, as well as my art, with others.

LAUREN DAVIS

Croton on Hudson, NY

I live and work in New York’s Hudson Valley. I walk everyday or evening along the Hudson River where I attempt to understand nature; the light the river, boats in the harbor. One of my Plein Air paintings was chosen as a finalist for October/ November 2023 Modern Impressionist Magazine.

VLAD DUCHEV

Baltimore, MD

The beauty of visual storytelling lies in its ability to provoke emotions and spark the viewer’s imagination. In my work I try to encourage the viewers to find their own stories within my work, creating a connection that transcends the boundaries of the canvas. “The less is more…” we always say!

JOHN THOMAS EISEMAN

Hebron, MD

John’s work encompasses several genres: Plein Air and studio landscapes, still lifes, and figures: using acrylics, oils, and watercolors. His paintings are surely representational and narrative at times, but the imagery is not about the pictorial. He uses the subject matter as design elements to capture natural phenomena, moment in space and time and mood of event. John believes that painting is not just the celebration of vision, but rather a quest for experience. In this sense, his paintings is not a recording of facts seen. It is the process of interpreting a fleeting muse.

MARTIN GEIGER

Staunton, VA

Martin is a figurative painter and draftsman. He attended art school in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and graduated in 2019, after four years. Words that describe his work might include light, geometry, space and activity. He is constantly chasing implied grandeur and action, compelling him to explore constantly to find the most invigorating subjects in his immediate area. While he tends to return to oil painting, his curiosity often lures him into other mediums like graphite, charcoal and watercolors.

2024 ARTISTS

MILLIE GOSCH

College Park, GA

Painting outdoors from life is a praise and a worship. To me it’s like breathing. I am drawn to simple spaces like open fields and the low country; sunshine and late afternoons. I love painting competitions because they keep me measured up and in tune with my fellow artists. Every little success, whether a good painting, an inspiring art group, or an award is a blessing. However, my favorite accomplishment is achieving signature status in the American Impressionist Society and becoming a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast.

YLLI HARUNI

Bloomington, MN

My name is Ylli Haruni, born in Albania. I was in 4th elementary class, 11 years old, when I was told by my teacher that I could draw that map better than the others [a class work we were given to draw the map of Albania] because I was gifted with a talent. That was it, I found my game and I never stopped playing that game, graduated College for art and then the Academy of Art in Tirana and, still keep on playing. I never get tired of it. I post my art on the media, sometimes very often, and someone asks me....when do you take a break?....and I answer ...that’s what I’m doing.

JENNIFER HOLMES

Chester, CT

Through experiencing the natural world outdoors; I’m intent on painting the color, space, and abstracted shapes combined with composition, to create mood and excitement in the painting and the process. Painting in the traditions of outdoor painters of the early New England Plein Air Painters of Old Lyme, CT, and Rockport, MA, I paint on location most of the time. Plein Air painting is exciting to me as a painter, since I love being outside in the natural light creating that same feeling of the place in my painting.

ADAM HOUSTON

Statham, GA

Since buying my first set of oil paints while still in high school, I’ve been alternately fascinated and frustrated by Plein Air painting. There is nothing quite like being out in nature and capturing the landscape live as you experience it. While I’ve had the opportunity to paint across the US and Europe, I’m most at home in the South. Growing up, I spent my summers running around the mountains and hills of Western North Carolina and developed a connection with the land that I seek to express in my work.

DEBRA HOWARD

Omena, MI

I lived and traveled on a 44’ sailboat, for 27 years. I’m a USCG Licensed Captain. One of my favorite places to sail to was Oriental, Beaufort and New Bern, NC. I’m looking forward to painting this area. I now spend my summers on the Leelanau Peninsula on Lake Michigan and have won the Glen Arbor Plein Air 3 times.

NEAL HUGHES

Medford, NJ

Neal Hughes is a former illustrator who has been painting full time for many years. His oil paintings have a distinctive style with a poetic impressionistic approach combined with an authentic realism. His work can be found in galleries along the East coast and he competes in numerous plein air events and teaches workshops across the country. He has received numerous awards and is a Fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists.

2024 ARTISTS

RALPH JAMES

Woodlawn, VA

Artist Ralph James captivates with a unique approach, seamlessly blending nature and canvas. Drawing inspiration from the everchanging landscapes, James beautifully captures the essence of each moment. A testament to James’s talent, his artwork earned a prestigious spot in the Woodson Art Museum’s “Beyond Artworks - Artists and Their Stories” exhibition, showcasing the narratives behind the works of twenty-five artists such as John James Audubon, N.C. and Andrew Wyeth, Roger Tory Peterson and others.

RUSSELL JEWELL

Easley, SC

In 2008 I received a US Patent on my own Plein Air Viewfinder. It is my philosophy that if you can trace an image, then you can draw an image. Therefore, the general public does not struggle with drawing, they struggle with seeing. After retiring from teaching secondary art students for 35 years, I now lead painting workshops across the country teaching people how to see.

ZACHARY KATOR

Ridgewood, NY

I’m most attracted to art that is realistic and expressive. Detail is secondary to creating a sense of mystery and emotionally moving the viewer. I was trained to work from life, and painting en plein air is my primary way of creating emotive artwork that captivates the viewer. I love to travel, and find inspiration wherever I go. My paintings express a love of both nature and cities. They also evoke an appreciation for diverse people and the myriad of places we inhabit.

TIM KELLY

Baltimore, MD

I took to Plein air painting around 2006 and have been an avid practitioner ever since. Cityscapes and waterfront vistas are my favorite subjects, and I often paint such scenes in a reportorial manner.

ROSE S. KENNEDY

Hope Mills, NC

Plein air painting is a joy for me, and makes my soul sing! I feel a connection with the landscape when out in nature capturing a scene. The challenge of getting the essence of a painting down quickly with shifting light patterns and weather changes is a fulfilling experience that drives my desire to create. My style is painterly, with expressive marks and harmonious hues that convey a sense of warmth and serenity. Detail is implied rather than described, allowing the viewer opportunity to linger and engage with the painting on a personal level.

KIRK LARSEN

Hicksville, NY

Fascinated by life and learning; each new place, each day, offers endless inspiration. Kirk strives to capture the feel of that day, weather and setting. To connect, he often paints barefoot, dancing while creating. Exciting or mundane, it’s an opportunity to share with the viewer the “vibe” of the place & the people. The color, brushstrokes, composition and the tempo are uplifting.

Recognized with over 189 awards including Museum purchase awards & Best Plein Air oils & Best vehicle in Plein Air Salon 2023.

“When painting, I feel all is right with the world!”

2024 ARTISTS

JEFFREY MARKOWSKY

Savannah, GA

Jeff Markowsky was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. When he wasn’t playing hockey as a child, he was drawing, painting or sculpting figures with leftover clay found in his mother’s pottery studio. His formal education as a painter began in graduate school with Gregory Crane and then with Frank Mason at the Art Students League in New York City. In 2022 Markowsky, “The Plein Air Nomad” stepped away from full time academia and is currently traveling across North America painting, living a nomadic life.

LAURA MARTINEZ-BIANCO

Marlboro, NY

I am passionate about painting and I savor every opportunity I am given. Each painting is the result of a unique experience that may conclude with a completed pastel but always provides me with a study, a memory that will influence my future works. I have been fortunate to have been juried and invited to paint in Plein Air events around the country. Plein Air painting has provided me with subject matter, the ability to see places I never knew existed, and a community who appreciate the arts.

PAT MCBRIDE

Pinehurst, NC

My goal is to share the sense of wonder of scenes or people that intrigue me. I enjoy experimenting, allowing the painting to develop and surprise me in the direction it takes. I love the immediacy of working from life. Light and expressions are fleeting and therefore precious. Perhaps that is why I am particularly drawn to skies or a person’s facial expression. Art, for me is a magical game of show and tell. My goal is to capture a moment in time, preserve it, and share the beauty and emotion with others.

DEBRA MOFFITT

Williamsport, PA

Why paint? For the joy and adventure of exploring infinite combinations of line and shape, of color and texture. To record, through my personal impression, the unique ecological, historical, and cultural aspects of my environment, to tell the story of a place or person for a moment of time. And mostly, in creating my vision, I desire to convey the spiritual connection I find in the mystery and beauty of creation. Awarded Second Place overall and Best Painting at Audubon Site at Hudson River Plein Air Festival 2023.

CRISTA PISANO

Nyack, NY

Crista is known for her small scale format landscape paintings and is a member of numerous art organizations, and is represented by Sylvan Gallery in Wiscasset, Maine and Box Heart gallery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trippe Gallery in Easton Maryland.

FEN RASCOE

Windsor, NC

Whether painting en plein air or in the studio, Rascoe strives to simplify his subject and composition into a non-rendered three dimensional tale that allows the viewer to actively jump in and participate in the story being told. He paints alla prima or wet on wet all in one session with oils, and his style can be considered contemporary impressionism. His work is often inspired by the outdoor lifestyle of hunting, fishing and agriculture.

2024 ARTISTS

JIM REHAK

Seaford, DE

Over time I’ve viewed my plein air painting excursions as an opportunity to work on my self. What better situation to practice moment to moment awareness? We are continually shaped by the experiences that move through us. Painting allows us to share those experiences. An artist’s response to nature, light and everything around us can be expressed in paint…and each artist’s response is unique. Plein air painting in particular allows for an intuitive and personal interpretation and has been a good fit for me.

CRAIG REYNOLDS

Gadsden, AL

My painting process is deeply rooted in the essence of life, as I find inspiration by capturing the intricacies of subjects in real-time. The vitality of observing and interpreting essential elements like lighting, values, and color harmony in nature becomes the bedrock of my artistic expression. Through this immersive approach, I elevate my work to new heights. Despite accolades and recognition, my current focus centers on the gratifying journey of evolving to create expansive artworks based on my field notes and plein-air experiences.

ELIZABETH RHOADES

Belle Haven, VA

I have been painting in plein air since my teenage years, over 50 years. I started out painting in watercolor, then moved to dry pastel, and now paint in oils. I am typically drawn to water views, particularly marsh scenes. I prefer painting nature to urban settings. In my work I strive to make the viewer feel the deep space of a place, it’s time of day, weather, and light. I am fascinated by the way light bounces off objects and forms, and how surfaces pick up color from their surroundings.

KARI GANOUNG RUIZ

Interlaken, NY

I have recently found myself intrigued by small bits of the greater scene; the corner of a building, an edge of marsh, a glimpse down a narrow path. I prefer to capture these moments en plein air – to represent the essence of that which made me stop and paint. My current body of work was created during several years of transition; trading in the commotion and energy of village life for the peace and solitude of the woods. I’m finding home in each painting; a quiet corner, solitary shadow, or sympathetic quality of light.

JEFF STEINER

Minneapolis MN

With my architectural background I’m drawn to the built environment, painting urban and small town street scenes as well as interesting structures within the landscape. I Paint with an impressionistic style, simplifying a scene using bold brush strokes and a limited palette, allowing a focus on the relationship of light and shadow, creating an atmosphere that captures the mood of a subject. I’m always striving to quickly paint a subject with spontaneity and energy, bringing freshness and life to a scene. To me the immediacy of watercolor best supports this approach.

ROKHAYA WARING

Clyde, NC

Most often I choose to paint nature’s patterns and harmonies: boats in a harbor, clouds, a forest, a herd of goats. These are conversations between many objects in constant flux, and repetition is the underlying rhythm. Rather than a single focal point or place, I prefer my painting to be an experience in which atmosphere, motion and a sense of time are intrinsic. Five QuickDraw Awards including 3rd place at 2022 Cape Ann Plein Air, and Honorable Mention at 2023 Plein Air Easton.

2024 ARTISTS

DURRE WASEEM

Corona, CA

Art had been a common intertest in our family. Growing up we sisters drew, paint and talked art all the times, In our formal art school days we had open drawing sessions and paint outs at our house. While other two sisters majored in sculpture and design I graduated in painting. For over 30 years I had only been painting from life but since last few years i started using photo references which helped me progress in my work.

North Carolina

2024 Sponsors Plein Air Art Festival