First Paint Out - Lessons Learned

Paint Out Day Three

On small glimpse of the show, my work in top right gold

On the third morning we had to take in our wet paintings (framed and ready for show). As I drove into downtown Milford I saw plein air painters everywhere! They were all painting for the Quick Paint (3 hours), it was awesome! I turned in my 2 wet paintings, viewed the amazing work on the gallery walls and then walked through town looking at all the painters. I am guessing the secret to a Quick Paint is to paint super close to the venue. I loved seeing all of the Quick Paint Artists painting their works, a town filled with artists!

In the afternoon there was an art sale and artist reception at the SHAC. WOW!
I have to say I was so impressed with the quality of work produced at this event. There is so much talent on the wall, you must go see the show and ask yourself how did one artist accomplish this work in 3 hours, or even how did this artist complete this work in a day? To me there were several gallery worthy artists and paintings at the final art show, I was in awe!

SHAC (Suzanne Haskew Art Center) is located at 125 S. Main Street in Milford. The show runs now through August 22, I encourage all to go view the show!


Lastly, as my first paint out weekend came to an end, I wanted to share my lessons learned...

Lessons learned:

1. Scouting locations before the paint out is a must. You don't want to spend time looking for a place to paint, you want to get to a location and set up and paint away.
2. Painting one hour small paintings helped my confidence & decision making (I try to do this twice a week)
3. Plein air painting once a week before the paint out ensured that I knew my equipment and could set up quickly
4. Paint with a friend or friends! Not only do you have someone to watch your equipment when you have to use the restroom, you also can solicit a quick critique.
5. Review the schedule, allot time to get your canvases stamped and note the wet paint turn in deadlines
6. Watch the weather and plan accordingly --rain coat, trash bag for tarp (rain)
7. Don't get too ambitious - Keep it simple (this should really be #1)
8. Don't forget your lunch and your waters - stay hydrated

One last note about a Paint out, and that is Go with Confidence! I have heard several artists state that they do not have the confidence to participate in a Paint Out! That surprises me! Sign up and go for it, make it a goal, find a local event and do it! You can paint alone or with a friend, and since there are two days (or more) there are opportunities to create several paintings. And you should put at least one in the show! You never know until you try! Go for it! PS- My friend who also was a first time paint out person, reluctantly put one of her works into the show. Her jaw hit the floor when she won an award! That is why you have to try and to go with confidence.