Autumn is prime time for plein air painting in the Carolinas. The weather is pleasant, and the leaf colors add interest to the landscape. This year I went to Black Mountain, North Carolina, with two other artists to visit a friend. We participated in a plein air event organized by Ann Watcher and judged by Anne Harkness.

In the morning, we checked in at Tomahawk Park and had our canvases stamped. We could paint at the park or anywhere else and bring our paintings back to the park for judging in the afternoon.

When choosing a location to paint, I have practical and artistic considerations. I look for a view that has strong value contracts and side lighting to create shadows that define forms. I’m also attracted to a combination of natural forms like mountains and trees with buildings. It’s a bonus if I find colors that I can exaggerate. Otherwise, I make up my own colors. I also consider safety and comfort. I like to be in a quiet, but not completely isolated place. I don’t want to walk far from where I park, and I like to be near a public restroom.

In Black Mountain, my friends and I were in one car, so we chose a street that was quiet before the stores opened. We set up within sight of each other, but we all chose different views. Barbara painted a statue in a shaded alleyway garden and Pam chose a street scene. I painted the old train depot that glowed with sun on its yellow paint.

I find that two hours is about my limit for plein air painting. After that time, I’m tired of standing, the light has changed, and the shadows have moved. The time limit forces me to simplify shapes and focus on one main idea. When I was happy with my piece, I placed it in a simple black floater frame and took it back to the park. After the judging, I was honored to win the third place award. The gift certificate I received will buy art supplies for my next painting adventure. As most painters know, the awards might be assigned differently another time, so I don’t get too excited about winning or losing. The pleasure of painting with friends in a beautiful place was the real reward of the day.

How to you feel about plein air painting? Do you participate in such events? If you’re not a painter, do you notice and appreciate plein air events in your neighborhood?