Discover Nature through Art
In 2022 outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers once again will have the opportunity to come together in support of two wonderful causes. The Marine Discovery Center and the Artists’ Workshop are looking forward to hosting the 12th Annual NSB Plein Air Paint Out October 18-22, 2022. During this celebration of art and the outdoors, several professionally-acclaimed plein air artists will paint outside from dawn through evening at locations in New Smyrna Beach and nearby areas. The public is invited to watch the artists at work, view their recently completed paintings in the Artists’ Workshop NSB, and attend free daily painting demonstrations.
The 2022 Plein Air Paint Out will continue the legacy of fund-raising to enhance our environmental education and art programs and to further the goals of both the Marine Discovery Center and the Artists’ Workshop of conservation and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon and art appreciation to our youth, community and visitors.
How Can You Be Involved?
This exciting event allows you to get involved in a variety of activities. First, we urge you to interact with the painters; they love the attention! Attend a variety of events, demonstrations, sunset paints, and more. Become a patron or sponsor and pledge your love for our community, marine science, and the arts.
But most of all become a collector. There is no better way to support the artists and New Smyrna Beach than to buy paintings. While the artwork represents a mix of subject matter and styles, all paintings offer a true sense of place and your own meaningful remembrance of our beautiful surroundings.
Are you better able to donate your time than your money? Become a volunteer for the Paint Out! We need lots of help in preparation for and during the week of the event, and there are a lot of different positions available. Please contact Melissa Schwenn at melissaschwenn@gmail.com for more information.
Not in town for this event?
Not to worry! Photos of all art will be updated daily on our online gallery for viewing and purchase.
• Become a Paint Out Sponsor or Patron •
2022 NSB Paint Out Sponsor
View the 2022 Sponsor brochure | contact wendy@marinediscoverycenter.org
2022 NSB Paint Out Patron
contact wendy@marinediscoverycenter.org if you have questions
• What is En Plein Air Painting? •
“One of the best things that artists can do to advance his/her art is to be in the company of other artists. The opportunity to meet other artists, to talk to them and watch them work is of the highest benefit to anyone working to improve their art.” ~ Jean Stern, Executive Director, The Irvine Museum
Plein Air Paint Out offers just that opportunity.
En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air,” and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their works.
Artists have long painted outdoors, but in the mid-1800s painting landscapes and other scenes on location finally became practical due to two important inventions: paints in tubes and the box easel.
The high point of plein air art came with the emergence of Impressionism. Artists of that period included Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Interest in outdoor painting has remained constant since the 20th century. Today’s artists carry on the traditions of these past masters by capturing the light and movement in landscapes that can only come from seeing the subject outdoors in its natural form.
The last 20 years has seen a resurgence of interest in plein air painting in the United States. During this time, groups of plein air artists began gathering together to paint at single locations or within certain geographic boundaries. These “Paint Outs” are now very popular and give artists a chance to share their talents and creativity with the public and with one another.
• Why is it called a Wet Gallery? •
At the wet gallery, you will see artists bring their fresh-from-the-easel work in from the field to be catalogued, priced, and hung. Watch your favorite artist’s portfolio of work grow throughout the week. It’s called a wet gallery because most of the artists work in oils, and oils take several days to dry.
