Florida Plein Air Paint Out Blog

2009-05-05T21:40:00.003-04:00

I did three paint outs this spring, including Wekiva Springs Paint Out, Walt Disney World Epcot, and The Invitational Winter Park Paint Out. They were all three excellent and outstanding. The artists were treated royally at all three events.

2008-08-18T17:21:00.003-04:00

My next paint out is The Crescent Beach Paint Out in Crescent Beach Florida sponsored by Island Fine Art HERE

Stay tuned for information on this paint out scheduled for October 2008.

h
paint

out

2008-04-19T19:48:00.006-04:00

Annie Pais peeks out of the wet room in Evinston

This is the tent where dry paintings were hung in Evinston.

Trish Beckham painted many of the beautiful vegetables in the Wood Swink Store.

Wet room for the paintings in Evinston.

This is Florida's oldest working post office.

One of my paintings from the Wood Farm in Evinston.

The Heart of Florida Paint Out has come and gone. It was a great experience. There were 42 artists painting in three main locations so there were several that I never really saw until the opening on Friday night.

Stewart Thomas and Annie Pais ran a very professional paint out. There were over 400 paintings at the sale. I don't really know how many paintings were sold in total, but I sold five. Three from the wet rooms and two from the opening.

There was fresh hot food offered each day from one of the churches in Evinston. I enjoyed BBQ, Fried Chicken, collards, field peas, corn, squash and corn bread each day for lunch.

The Wood family offered hay rides each day around the town and farms, with great information about the history of the old town. They were the highlight of the paint out for me. I went twice.

We were allowed to paint on the large cattle farms in Evinston, which was wonderful. The farms backed up to Orange Lake and had many tall graceful palms, silos, old buildings,beautiful sleek cattle, and huge Live Oaks to paint. The painters could also paint at the Orange Lake overlook and the little town of McIntosh. I spent most of my time in Evinston at the farms and the Wood Swink Store. My special thanks to the people of Evinston for their generous support and encouragement to me personally and to the other artists.

There were several dinners and parties offered to the artists throughout the week, including parties at Gary Borse's farm, Jean and Ty Tyson's Cracker farm on the prairie, and at Ellie Blair's home in Gainesville. Thanks to all of them for their kindness in including me.

2008-04-18T16:06:00.002-04:00

The Epcot Center International Flower and Garden Festival Paint Out was it's usual huge success. We were treated like royalty by the Disney cast members and stayed at the beautiful Boardwalk Hotel. This event is the highlight of our year of paint outs. Spetacular in every way. From the fireworks and gourmet banquet to the VIP guest lounge, it was luxury all the way. It comes and goes in the blink of an eye.

Sales were pretty good too!!

2008-03-23T08:40:00.002-04:00

I got some more news today about the Heart of Florida Paint Out. They will have two Wet Rooms for the paint out this year. A wet room is a gallery where wet framed paintings can be purchased each day. The artists bring in their paintings each day so that viewers have new selections each day. It's very exciting for both the patrons and the artists. There will be paintings for sale right away on April 11th. The paintings sell each day as they are completed rather than having to wait for a week. The paintings of Evinston will go to the Wood Swink Post Office for viewing and the Orange Lake McIntosh paintings will go in the Wet Room in the old Citrus Shop at the Orange Lake overlook. This will be so convenient and great for everyone. At the end of the paint out there will be a big gala at the Thomas Center in Gainesville. The paintings that don't sell during the paint out will be taken there and hung for the big party. I have been told this is the best paint out in Florida for sales by all of my friends, so I am excited.

More on this paint out to come.

2008-03-10T16:44:00.009-04:00

Heart of Florida Paint Out

Stay tuned for photos and stories about the Top Paint Out in Florida. The Heart of Florida paint out stays true to the tradition of great Florida painters, featuring many of Florida's most beloved and excellent painters, including Eleanor Blair, Trish Beckham, Linda Blondheim, Morgan Samuel Price, Elisabeth Ferber, Kevin McNamara, Mitch Kolbe, Tom Sadler, Sally Evans, Mary Jane Volkmann, Jackie Schindehette, Gary Borse,Charles Dickinson,Cynthia Edmonds, Elaine Hahn, Chuck Manning, Larry Moore, Gene Rantz and many others. See the complete list of painters on their web site.

It is an impressive list. More importantly, they are Florida painters. Who knows our beloved state as well as it's own painters? No need to bring in painters from other states. We know and love Florida as no one else could!!

This is the paint out of the year in Florida. It is well run, very professional and easy to get to. The scenery is beautiful and this year's paint out includes two wet rooms for easy purchase of your favorite painter's work. The Artist Alliance of North Florida will be giving you the opportunity to follow along with the paint out artists from your office by reading the daily blog on their web site. HERE

Each artist will be well represented by a professional staff. You will have the opportunity to meet these wonderful artists and follow their paths through Evinston, McIntosh and the Orange Lake overlook.

Come on out from April 11- 18, 2008 and watch Florida's best in action.

2008-03-09T16:38:00.014-04:00

Report on Wekiva Paint Out 2008

Trish and Anne get ready for breakfast.

Scott is ready for the woods in cammo.

Peter, Barbara, and Jackie hang out in our favorite place, by the coffee machine.

Mitch catching the early morning Light.

Martin tries to wake up. The parkings lot wa a favorite gathering spot for all of us.

Leslie and Elisabeth

Kevin is from Dublin Ireland and has a charming Irish lilt.

Gene read us some wonderful stories around the campfire one night.

This year was really great. Leslie Long was our fearless leader along with the Friends of Wekiva who were so helpful to the artists. The weather turned very ugly at the end, but we all had a lovely time. I painted 15 paintings this year so I was well pleased with my production for the seven day event.

We were well fed by Leslie and her committee with meals from Publix Markets,Porkies BBQ, Subway and others. Thanks to Jane Yeackle for doing much of the kitchen duty this year and for the fabulous salads she created.

This years artists included Trish Beckham, Ellie Blair, Linda Blondheim, Robert Bridenbaugh,Cristophe Cardot,Peter Carolin,Grayon Conroy, Charles Dickinson, Cynthia Edmonds, Sally Evans, Elisabeth Ferber, Martin Figlinski, MJ Gandee, Anne Gilroy, Karen Harrod,Scott Heistand, Brenda Hofreiter, Mitch Kolbe, Kevin Mcnamara, Bernie Martin, Larry Moore, Susan Oller, Berto Ortega, Barbara Perrotti, Peter Pettigrew, Morgan Samuel Price, Gene Rantz, Tom Sadler, Jackie Schindehette, Sally Shisler and John Yeackle.

The show was amazing as always. So many top Florida painters together that it was dizzying to see the beautiful paintings, each better than the last.

Elisabeth out with her camera.

The best part of Wekiva is living in that lush beautiful environment with many other top painters. The time we spend together is precious and each year friendships and bonds grow stronger. There is a wonderful lack of competitiveness at this paint out, so unlike others. Many kind comments are made about each other's work and encouragement is given at every turn. There is no oneupsmanship and no favoritism shown to any artist. Jackie, Elisabeth and I stay in the Infirmary together. We work together to make sure campers who are locked out, get back into their cabins and handle any emergency which may occur if Leslie has gone home. We have the all important job of making sure the coffee is started each morning and looking after the place. It is just a wonderful environment, lacking in any ugly backstabbing or promoter biases. None of that occurs here, which is a welcome relief.

Berto played his guitar for us around the campfire. It was wonderful.

Tree's behind Scott's cabin
12x16 inches
oil on panel

I've never been to paint out where more opportunity exists to study nature and trees. There are so many wild animals, birds and trees in the park, it is heavenly.

The only hard part is leaving. I look forward to next year already.

2007-12-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

Coming in April

The Heart of Florida Paint Out

Sponsored by the Artist Alliance of North Florida and the City of McIntosh.

More information soon...

2007-08-23T13:44:00.003-04:00

The Second Annual

Wekiva Invitational Paint Out

Wekiva State Park

March 3-8, 2008

Stay tuned for more info...

2007-05-21T06:42:00.000-04:00

Friends,
I did manage to sell one painting at the Forgotten Coast Paint Out, which sold after I left. It certainly does not change my opinion unfortunately.

2007-05-20T07:27:00.000-04:00

Here I am at the opening for the Apalachicola Museum

Mary Jane Volkmann

Charles Dickinson, Debbie Boon and patron

My friends Mitch Kolbe and Tom Sadler

Oyster Boat
8x10 inches
oil on panel

Final Report on Forgotten Coast Paint Out

I would like to be more positive about this paint out but I am afraid there were major problems with it, at least for me. Number one being no sales. Last year I sold 5 paintings from 650.00-1000.00 This year I sold nothing as of Sunday morning.

There is a problem with one of the promoters who actively works to sell a certain few painter's works. This happened last year and it was shocking.This year was no different. Certain painters are given better hanging spaces and promoted heavily. This person has great influence in the community and so naturally people take his/her suggestions to heart when making purchases.

In the Apalachicola museum my work was separated in small sections and was all in the dark with no lighting. To add insult, they were behind the doors going to the bar, so people did not even notice them. Those who did look, saw them in the dark. One other artist was treated to the same terrible hanging space and it is no surprise that neither of us sold at the museum.

Last year the paint out was supported by a major corporation who graciously purchased at lest one painting from each artist. This year their new representative chose a select few artists and guess who they were? Yes, the favored painters by the promoter who advised the representative on who to select.

There was no wet room set up so that immediate sales were not possible. The only way to purchase and take home immediately was to come to the two openings, where one had to pay 25.00 and 100.00 respectively to attend. I spoke to many people in the communities who refused to pay to see art. They resented this restriction though they could well afford the tickets.

Some artists were allowed to turn work in a various times but the rest of us were not allowed to.

After giving my hosts the required painting of 650.00 value and spending about 200.00 in gas and food expenses for the event I am minus 850.00. I cannot call this event successful. I had a reasonable expectation that I would match or better my sales from last year but instead sold nothing.

On the good side, there are wonderful people who support this event. My thanks to Joe, Kim, Sandy,Jo, Carrie, Leslie, and others who worked so very hard to make it successful. It was successful for many artists, especially those who were favored.

Thanks to the many people who hosted meals for us and invited us to their homes.

Here are my suggestions for improvement, though they will probably not be considered:

A real Wet Room

By this I mean a building where artist can daily bring in framed work and patrons can purchase immediately every day of the paint out.

Patron lunches instead of any coctail parties or openings. There should be an agent for purchases at each patron's home for these lunch time picnics each day and artist could display their work during the lunches and sell.

All money spent for parties and openings should be instead channeled into print ads in Panama City, Tallahasee, and Dothan Alabama, the closest major cities to the Forgotten Coast. There must be an infusion of larger markets for this paint out or it will slowly die. There is not enough of a local market to sustain sales.

Any corporate purchases should be decided on only by the representative and not by the promoter. Promoter should not be allowed to have undue influence on patrons and should not be allowed to promote his/her favorites. This kind of behavior is completely unprofessional. This promoter is essentially acting as an agent for some artists and actually steering patrons away from other artist toward his few. I witnessed this myself last year and was told it happened again this year by other artists.

Communication is very poor between promoters and artists prior to the paint out and during, with many changes which are not shared with the artists.

A clear statement of what the proceeds benefit should be displayed at all events.

With all of the above, I do believe the wet room is the major issue along with the unlevel playing field. A few artist left early in anger over their treatment this year and I can't blame them. People need to realize that we are professionals in our field and deserve equal treatment and fairness. Without he reasonable expectation of sales and good marketing, we cannot continue to come.

I will be looked down on for airing dirty laundry here but I feel that it is my duty to be honest in my posts about the paint outs I do.

I enjoyed the painting time so much, and my host and others were wonderful.

2007-05-16T22:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a brief report from the forgotten coast paint out in Port St Joe Florida.

I had a wonderful time painting for 6 days with 31 other artists. It was my second year for this event. We painted from Apalachicola to Cape San Blas and I got 16 paintings. It is always wonderful to see old friends and make new ones.

2007-05-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

I'm heading out on Thursday for Apalachicola Florida to participate in the second annual Forgotten Coast Paint Out. This will be a great pleasure for me because that area of Florida is one of my favorites for painting. I will be painting with lots of friends there. I think I know about 20 out of the 30 artists who will be there. They will have a wetroom set up this year to display our paintings each day and a patron party on May 16th at the Apalach museum. You can purchase the paintings that evening at the Museum. I will not be able to stay for the ten day duration. I have to leave on the 17th. I am teaching two workshops in North Carolina. I'll upload some pictures of the area and from the paint out in June when I get home. I hope to see you there.

2007-05-02T20:40:00.000-04:00

Bridge
Oil on panel
Dominic Avant

Rose and Crown UK Pavilion
Watercolor
Linda Pence

Trellis at the UK Pavilion
8x10 inches
Acrylic on panel
Linda Blondheim

Epcot painters on the Boardwalk.

Barbara Perrotti, L Diane Johnson and Durinda Cheek enjoy the banquet.

As you can see, we had a wonderful time at Epcot Center painting during the International Flower and Garden Festival. The crowds were huge, the fireworks spectacular and the food and lodging first class all the way. Disney really knows how to treat artists. We are treated with the utmost respect and honor each year. It is a privilege to go and be a part of the Flower and Garden Festival.

2007-03-15T16:34:00.000-04:00

Our next paint Out will be at Epcot Center for the " Artists In The Garden" event as part of the annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Event Dates:April 5, 2007 – June 3, 2007
Don't miss the fourteenth annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival, which branches out for two full months to commemorate Disney Pirates and Princesses! This seasonal celebration full of fun for families and garden enthusiasts blooms with Disney magic! Visit our new Garden Odyssey Festival Center, meet top horticulturists and enjoy an enchanting evening "under the stars" at the Flower Power Concert Series. And Mom will love our scrumptious "Mother's Day Brunch" on May 13th, so make your reservations early!

Art in the Garden Weekend
April 20-22
Get a unique look at nature through the eyes of "Plein Air" artists and see one-of-a-kind works by Art in the Garden artists. Don't miss the fun of the colorful "Kid's Paint Out" event.

The Highwaymen – New!
April 20-22

We will be painting in the World Showcase at Epcot Center on April 20-22 2007.

This will be our fourth year at the Garden Festival and we are all very excited to be there. I will post pictures and stories after the event.

The following artists will participate in the Epcot plein air event:

Dominic Avant- Sarasota
Linda Blondheim- Gainesville
Durinda Cheek- Riggold GA
Charles Dickinson- St Augustine
Cynthia Edmonds-Winter Park
Elisabeth Ferber-Orlando
Dorothy Gardiner- St Petersburg
Karen Hedges- Orlando
L Diane Johnson- Carey NC
Stewart Jones- Winter Park
Linda Pence- Gainesville
Charles Schaefer- St Augustine
Joe Taylor- St Augustine
Mary Jane Volkmann- Gainesville
Kathleen Wobie- Micanopy

2007-03-13T09:04:00.000-04:00

The Wekiva Paint Out
March 5-10, 2007

Wet Room display of framed paintings.

Prevatt Lake by Elisabeth Ferber

12x24 inches

oil on canvas

Elisabeth Ferber from Orlando said:

As for the event!! Well I couldn’t ask for a more fun week with such great and talented artists! It was a new experience to be able to camp out and interact with each other in the evenings and meet new people. It was a nice mix of wildlife and landscape artists with various styles from abstract to realism. The Tippits, Bill and Rachel were very interactive hosts who supported us in every way. The Wekiva area has a host of places to paint from aka vistas, lakes, springs, forests, trails, wildlife etc. There is no shortage of artistic inspiration. The Patrons event was well attended and most of the artists had sales. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of an annual event.

Lake Prevatt Oaks
12x16 inches
oil on panel

Linda Blondheim

Linda Blondheim said:

This was my favorite paint out of all. I have done many over the last 15 years but this one was unique in that it allowed the painters to paint together and live in the same place for 6 days. Strong bonds of friendship form in this kind of environment. We worked all day and then socialized in the evenings over a camp fire, and in the dining hall and cabins. It was like being a child again and going back to summer camp.

We were treated lavishly to catered meals and a gala opening. Staying in the same place for a week and having the opportunity to spend long hours each day painting was a real treat. The parking lot became a gallery and meeting place each day, as painters came and went for meals.

The weather was perfection, with no rain the entire week. I have many happy memories of this event and so many laughs about the antics of the "Boys" in our camp.

I am very grateful to the following:

William and Rachel Tippit who made the event possible. They own Air Flora, Inc. These are the kindest most generous people I've met in some time. Their dedication and support of artists is so wonderful. Thanks to Leslie and Jana as well, who took care of all our needs and checked in our work each day. The park rangers could not have been nicer. I enjoyed talking with them and their families.

The Friends of Wekiva www.friendsofwekiva.org

Wekiva Wilderness Trust, Inc. www.home.earthlink.net/~w.w.t/index.html

Air Flora, Inc.

Albertsons- Apopka, Florida

Captain and the Cowboy

Catfish Place Restaurant

Chic-fil-A Hunt Club

Dunkin Donuts- Apopka, Florida

FastSigns- Apopka, Florida

Fredlund Gallery

Harris Harris Bauerle & Sharma

Porkies Barbeque- Apopka, Florida

Sun Trust Bank- Hunt Club

Urban Think Book Store

Wekiva Paint Out

Next years paint out is scheduled for March 3-8, 2008. I hope you will plan to come if you missed it this year.

2007-03-11T12:11:00.000-04:00

The Wekiva Paint Out March 5-10, 2007

Top Photo are Rachel and Bill, our superb and wonderful hosts. Thank you both so much!!!!

Next photo are some of the guys I painted with. They are so much fun and fabulous painters every one. Larry, Tom, Kevin, Mitch, and Charles left to right.

Middle photos of Youth Camp cabins where we lived.

Bottom photo is a group photo of some of the artists and friends who participated. It was a wonderful experience in every way. We are so greatful to Bill and Rachel, and Leslie and Jana for this wonderful event.

2006-11-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

Elisabeth Ferber and 2 of her paintings from the Paint Out.

2006-11-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

L Diane Johnson enjoyed painting at Rum Island.

Peter Carolin did some lovely miniatures at the springs.

Tom Sadler at Work at the Santa Fe River

2006-11-16T07:09:00.000-05:00

The High Springs Paint Out

The personnel working in the Gallery were wonderful and friendly throughout the whole time and the display of the art work was excellent.

I had such a wonderful experience while painting in High Springs. The town has many places to paint and next year we will all know the town better.

While painting the downtown scene, I enjoyed meeting the residents of the town, as well as the restaurant personnel where I was set up to paint, all of whom were great hosts.

I painted two scenes in O'Leno State Park and I cannot say enough about the beauty of the Park. I'm sure it is one of the Good Lord's master pieces.

The event was a wonderful experience for me and I hope to see everyone next year,

Sincerely,

Joe Taylor
Elkton, Florida

2006-11-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

A message from Dan Rountree, creator of the Adopt A River program. Dan has a website for his organization "Current Problems".

www.currentproblems.org

It was a joy to work with the artists that came from all over the Southeast to paint North Central Florida. I consider it a pleasure to reveal to many of the artists springs, swamps and the Florida State Parks along the Santa Fe River for the first time. O’Leno State Park and Camp Kulaqua allowed the artists unique access and a rare glimpse of our area, ranging from the boardwalk following the spring run of Hornsby Springs through the quickly changing light of a cypress swamp to the banks of the Santa Fe River in O’Leno State Park were the river goes underground to mix with our aquifer before surfacing in the River Rise State Preserve.

At the O’Leno State Park swinging bridge, the Santa Fe River was not flowing and the paintings reflected a lot of rocks in the riverbed. I spoke with artists about Vinzant Siphon upstream that was capturing the Santa Fe River. Siphons (sometimes called swallets) are places where local rivers and streams either completely or partially go underground to mix or become the Floridan Aquifer. Vinzant Siphon is largest unfiltered direct contributor of surface water to the Flordian Aquifer in the Santa River Basin, possibly in North Central Florida. Protecting upstream lands is imperative! We must educate all people, kindergarten through adults, about the intimate relationship between surface water, with all its runoff, and the Flordian Aquifer - the source of our drinking water.

Although not on the list of locations provided by The High Springs Gallery, visiting artists were led by local artists to outstanding places to paint such as Japhu Springs at Rum Island and, of course, Ichetucknnee Springs. “Wow this is beautiful” was the most common response by artist experiencing these places for the first time. I also wanted to educate the artist about our unique springs sheds such as the headwaters of the Ichetucknnee River being Lake City, Florida over 30 miles away. The underlying message of this being that whatever homeowners, farmers, and businesses of Lake City pour on the ground or spray in their yards eventually flows to springs along the Ichetucknnee River.

I personally want to thank the artists and volunteers for their support of Current Problems and its program Adopt A River – with this collaboration we can continue to bring this most important water issue to light!

2006-11-07T06:38:00.000-05:00

Rum Island
24x24 inches
oil on canvas

Linda Blondheim

" I like to have a plan before a big paint out. I spend time getting my paint box cleaned out, making sure I have enough paint in the box for multiple paintings. I get my drying box loaded with blank panels. I clean my brushes and reshape the hairs on them. I make sure I have extra solvent in my traveling supply box along with paper towels, bug spray, sun screen, and a hat.

I make sure all of my frames are pre-wired and the framing gun is in my car, so that I can install the paintings in frames very quickly.

I gather my promotional materials together and make sure they are in a lexan brochure box. I put the brochures and biz cards in the back of my French Easel while I am painting, so when browsers come, they can take a card or brochure.

I also do an email announcement about the paint out before the event and I send out a few post cards to patrons in the area where I will be painting.

If the Paint Out is far from home, I make sure to have enough clean clothes with me so that I don't have to worry about doing laundry. I take an extra pair of comfortable shoes in case the other pair gets wet.

I find that taking the time to do these chores, really helps the paint out experience to be wonderful."

Linda Blondheim

2006-11-02T19:02:00.000-05:00

HighSprings Kulagua Indian Camp
Charles Dickinson

Dean Davis Building High Springs
Charles Dickinson

Behind The Opera House in High Springs
Charles Dickinson

"I had such a wonderful time at the High Springs Paint Out. This region of Florida has a great deal to offer plein air artists (and visitors). I was inspired by the architecture of the little town of High Springs as well as the natural architecture of the rivers, trees, and springs in the area parks. It was difficult to settle on one site each day with so many possibilities.

It was also a pleasure to work with such talented artists and see the many interpretations of the landscape. The exhibit at the High Springs Gallery is really exciting to see. We were treated to beautiful meals and shown the greatest respect throughout this event. Many thanks to the staff and Chuck Sapp for all the hard work they did and for going out of their way to make us comfortable and welcome.

I love to participate in paint outs that not only allow me to record on canvas a new area but that also fundraise for a great cause and Adopt-a-River is a great cause. Thanks for letting me take part in this event."

From Charles Dickinson

2006-11-02T18:19:00.000-05:00

Paintings by: L Diane Johnson

Painting Real Dreams

"After participating in many a paint out, although one of the "new kids on the block", the High Springs Paint Out ranks as one of the best I've experienced. Not only did they gather some of the top painters in all media/styles, but the service and treatment of the artists was grand.

What an adventure! We were escorted to enchanting spots in the region to paint, were fed so well by Chuck Sapp, his Staff and Dan Rountree - who made us feel like old friends. When you are painting, so many things can break your concentration or divert your energies. Not so at this event. Everything was done such that painters could paint as much as possible without interruption.

The place was magical, which came through in the Exhibition. From the soft delicate observations of earth tones to bold jewel colors of water and sky captured by the painters, collectors from everywhere should take the time at next year's event to visit High Springs Gallery. Many of the painters who participated, are also represented year-round. Don't miss the the opportunity to consider work for their collections.

I so much appreciate having been a part of this first annual event. Thanks again to everyone including Linda Blondheim who brought so much of her experience to bear on the paint out."

From L Diane Johnson

2006-11-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

"Thanks to the High Springs Art Gallery, I was introduced to some of the most passionate
landscapes I have
ever experienced in Florida. It was truely a pleasure to paint in the town of High Springs and
in the parks near
town.

Each of the three days I painted, I saw deer when I first started exploring a site to
paint. I can't wait to
come back to the Sante Fe River and create more art to support Adopt-A-River. And next
time I will bring my
canoe."

Stewart Jones

2006-11-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

Rum Island
Kathleen Wobie

"My days at the High Springs paint out were a delight. Being next
to the flowing Santa Fe for 3 days from morning to late afternoon
offered so many wonderous moments - beautiful color, birds
singing, people kayaking and canoeing, folks visiting and chatting
about the paintings.

I also had fun the first day painting one of
the cottages in town - it threatened rain and was overcast all day
- this made for interesting low, steady light.

The other wonderful thing about the event was visiting with the
other artists. Having done a number of paint outs now, I have
come to know so many wonderful painters - talented, inspiring
artists who share a vision of Florida. This is a state that needs
a village of visionaries who want to keep its beauty for future
generations.

Being able to support the organizations who will
benefit from the sale of our paintings is something I'm very happy
to be able to do. I want to thank everyone who helped in this
paint out effort - thank you so much."

by Kathleen Wobie

2006-11-02T07:47:00.000-05:00

Linda Blondheim paints St Bartholemew's Church in High Springs

Gary Borse paints at the Santa Fe River.

Charles Dickinson is always a crowd pleaser.

2006-11-01T21:58:00.000-05:00

Planning A Successful Paint Out

from Linda Blondheim

I have helped plan many paint outs over the years and the following are very important to success.

Here are the expectations the artists should have for a profitable paint out:

Bottled water available all day. 2 meals every day.

Assistants to help with equipment.

Courtesy tent or home base for artists and patrons, with maps to painting locations, a leader board with names and locations of artists during the event, PR materials from the artists to hand out, an emergency medical kit, sun screen, bug spray, one easel for artists in case one breaks, a minimal tool kit with duct tape, wrenches, hammer, heavy duty stapler, nails for emergency repairs.

An assistant who can run to art store for unexpected supply needs. For example, easel is knocked over and paints are lost, etc. A sturdy table space for framing work and a storage area for wet paintings for each day of event.

Adequate publicity for artists and the event. Without good publicity it will be a waste of every one's time. A gala opening to culminate the event, where paintings will be sold.

A pre-paint out blog or web site like this one would build interest from patrons.

Boxed patron/artist lunches are a fun way to connect each to the other. Inviting a patron to have lunch with their favorite artist is a great way to build interest.

Have a metal and plastic yard sign that sticks in the ground with Artist Working printed on it. Give one to each artist to carry with them, wherever they go to paint.

Press packets used often, and sent to all local and regional newspapers where artists live. A catalogue for the event with artists names and contact info. A poster would be advised and local businesses would need to be contacted to provide sponsorship. Sponsors would pay for all related expenses for the paint out.

Many art supply companies would donate items and equipment and at the very least, their PR materials.

Host families or hotel accommodation for artists for each night of the event.
Above all, a good contact person for the artists. A facilitator who will be a go between for the artists and coordinators.

Quality Artists will make a good paint out. The best, most experienced painters should be invited and only the best. Don't try to get 50 mediocre artists when you can have 25 really good painters.

Expectations for artists from sponsors:

Firm commitment and follow through on artistÂs part.

Good communication with coordinators.

Bio/resume and PR materials handed in on a timeline.

Local and regional press contacts for artists along with bio and other materials requested by the coordinators.

A positive professional attitude in dealing with coordinators and with the public.

Leave your ego at the door and be a team player.

Arrive on time and be prepared to work with all materials and equipment in good condition.

Appropriate framing and installation equipment.

Following directions of coordinators.

Gracious attitude toward hosts.

2006-11-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

Santa Fe River -Charles Schaefer

Peanut Mill -Charles Schaefer

"The Paint Out at High Springs was an exceptional art event. The many artists there made for one of the best gallery shows that I have seen. Hopefully anyone in close proximity to High Springs will have the time to travel and see the wonderful artwork there. Also, while out there, you must drive over to the Sante Fe River in O'leno State Park and also at the Kulaqua Campgrounds. The hospitality extended to us during this event will not be forgotten, they were so kind to all of us. The Town of High Springs also let us go just about anywhere we wanted to set up our easles and let us paint away. The staff at the High Springs Gallery and Chuck Sapp was always there to guide us in whatever we needed, whether they were directions or in need of art supplies. Words can only convey a thank you to them all, just wish there were something more that we could do for them."
Charles Schaefer

2006-11-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

Kathleen Wobie at Rum Island Park.

Mary Jane Volkmann painting at Rum Island Park.

Stewart Jones painting at Oleno State Park.

Painters take a lunch break at Rum Island.

Valerie Druga runs the High Springs Gallery in High Springs. She is an interior decorator, expert framer, and a do everything person with boundless energy.

“I had a great time and feel very humbled being around all that talent. It was a great experience for me and I would like to thank everyone that was there for letting me be involved. “

Valerie Druga

2006-10-31T21:55:00.000-05:00

The Santa Fe River flows past and around Rum Island. It's an enchanting
place with a beautiful spring. One chilly morning I arrived shortly after
sunrise to find the steam swirling up from the warm river. The woodpeckers
were darting from tree to tree and the light was so beautiful that I spent
the first hour just taking photographs (see attached). I chose to paint
this particular view of the edge of the island because I loved the way the
sunlight was catching the tips of the trees and shining on the grass. The
brightness was reflected in the water, seemingly making it glow.

Mary Jane Volkmann

2006-10-31T15:49:00.000-05:00

"Hay Bales" 9" X 12" oil on linen
Val Sandell

This was the first time I've painted in those specific locations in Florida and it is beautiful. Looking forward to returning is the best compliment to all who organized and executed "The Nature of Art in High Springs" event. I encourage art lovers to see the show and variety of interpretations of such interesting local landscape.
Val Sandell

2006-10-30T20:02:00.000-05:00

This is Stacey Breheny's painting in progress on the Santa Fe River at the Paint Out.

Stacey wrote "I was challenged by that Kulaqua swamp but also loved it. Loved the complexity and mystery of it."

2006-10-30T11:42:00.000-05:00

Rum Island
18x24 inches
oil on canvas

I have been painting regularly at Rum Island for several weeks. It is truly magnificent. There is beauty in every direction.

I so enjoyed the experience of this paint out. It was a relaxed environment. The High Springs Gallery staff and the Adopt A River staff were gracious hosts. I have been to many paint outs over the years and I must say that this was a top quality group of artists. The exhibit is stunning!!! Please go by high Springs Gallery and see it. There are still plenty of beautiful paintings to purchase.

Rum Island Park

This blog is about The Art of Nature in High Springs.

The first annual event was held on October 26-29, 2006

Twenty three plein air landscape artists painted in High Springs, Oleno State Park, Rum Island Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and Camp Kulaqua for four days, producing an incredible body of work to be sold at High Springs Gallery on Main Street.

The show is still in exhibition through November at the gallery.

The blog will be active throughout the year until the next event. It will have plein air stories and travel stories from all of the participating artists, and news about the Adopt A River program, as well as news from the Paint Out sponsor Paddiwhack and High Springs Galleries.

Paintings from the paint out as well as new paintings will be posted in anticipation of our next event in October of 2007.

The 2006 participating artists were:
1. Linda Blondheim
2. Ellie Blair
3. Kathleen Wobie
4. Linda Pence
5. Mary Jane Volkmann
6. Kate Barnes
7. Peter Carolin
8. Charles Dickinson
9. Gary Borse
10. Val Sandell
11. Elisabeth Ferber
12. Elaine Hahn
13. Charles Schaefer
14. Stewart Jones
15. Hank Fleck
16. John Felton
17. L Diane Johnson
18. Stacey Breheny
19. Jackie Schendehetti
20. Tom Sadler
21. Mitch Kolbe
22. Larry Moore
23. Joe Taylor

Paint Out Sponsors:
High Springs Gallery
Paddiwhack
Adopt-A-River

See links for artists and sponsors in the sidebar.

Enjoy!!!