Category: Plein Air

Making Time for Plein Air Painting with a Full-Time Job

Balancing a 40-hour workweek with painting isn’t easy — and when your focus is plein air, it gets even trickier. The best light often happens in the mornings or evenings, and those hours don’t always line up with a 9–5 schedule. Still, with some planning and a willingness to either work small or tackle a larger piece over several sittings, I’ve found ways to keep my plein air practice alive alongside a full-time job.

1. Weekday Evenings
After work, I don’t always have the energy for a full painting session — but even an hour outside can make a difference. I’ll either bring a small canvas (8×10 or 9×12) for quick studies, or a 16″ x 20″ and plan on several sittings. Both approaches keep me in the habit of observing light and color directly from life.

2.Keep it Local
To save time after work, I paint somewhere within walking distance of where I live. This cuts out the commute and scouting, and it makes it easier to squeeze in shorter sessions during the week.

3. Thumbnails to Save Time
Thumbnail sketches have become my secret weapon. They let me work out composition and value decisions before I even set up my easel. When daylight is fading fast after work, this preparation helps me start painting with a clear plan, instead of hesitating and losing precious minutes.

4. Weekends for Larger Sessions
Since weekday time is limited, I treat weekends as my opportunity for longer plein air sessions. I’ll pick a location, pack my gear, and spend several hours chasing light and working on larger canvases. The smaller weekday sketches often feed into these bigger works, giving me a head start.

Making time for plein air painting with a full-time job is never perfect. Some weeks are busier than others, and sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. But staying consistent, even in short bursts, is what keeps me growing. It’s not about waiting until I have endless free time — it’s about carving out space where I can, brushstroke by brushstroke.

      Fourth Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2024

      First place winner at the 4th Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw.

      When: October 20th, 9am – Noon
      Where: Dvoor Farmer’s Market
      Frenchtown-Flemington Road, Flemington, NJ

      The fourth annual ArtVenture Plein Air event took place this year at the scenic Dvoor Farm, a historic and beautifully preserved site that offers endless inspiration for plein air painters. With partial sun and a light breeze, the weather provided just the right mix of challenge and charm.

      I’m honored to share that my painting was awarded First Place, selected by this year’s juror, the esteemed artist Barbara Kaiser. Her thoughtful and deliberate judging made the recognition especially meaningful, and I’m grateful to have been chosen from such a strong group of painters.

      One exciting development this year was the growing reach of the event—we welcomed artists from outside the area, which added new perspectives and a fresh energy to the day. It’s clear that ArtVenture is gaining a reputation beyond the local scene, and it’s been exciting to watch the event expand year after year.

      As always, ArtVenture did a fantastic job organizing the day. After three hours of focused painting, the post-event food spread was a much-appreciated treat and a great chance to unwind and connect with other participants.

      It was a rewarding day of painting, community, and celebration. I’m already looking forward to next year.

      Honorable mention at the Harford Plein Air Quick Draw part of the Harford Plein Air Festival

      When: July – September, 2024
      Reception: September, 15, 2024,
      Bel Air Armory, Bel Air, MD
      Where: throughout Harford County, MD

      In September 2024, I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention at the Harford Plein Air Quick Draw competition, held as part of the larger Harford Plein Air Festival in Harford County, Maryland. I was also juried into the full plein air competition, which brought together a talented group of artists to paint on location throughout the county.

      From July through the start of the exhibition, I spent time exploring and painting the varied landscapes of Harford County — from historic towns and rolling farmland to river views and quiet neighborhoods. The Quick Draw event, held during the festival’s closing weekend, was fast-paced and exciting, with artists creating a finished work in just a few hours for immediate judging and exhibition.

      Winning an award in such a strong field of artists was incredibly rewarding, and the entire experience was made even more memorable by the welcoming community and scenic surroundings.

      Plein air painting as a juried artist at “Artists on Location”, Knoxville, TN

      When: April 15-20, 2024
      Where: Knoxville, Tennessee

      In April 2024, I was honored to be juried into Artists on Location, a prestigious plein air painting event held in Knoxville, Tennessee. This annual event brings together selected artists from across the country to paint on location throughout the Knoxville area, capturing the character and beauty of East Tennessee’s landscapes, neighborhoods, and landmarks.

      The experience was both energizing and rewarding. The organizers were extremely friendly and helpful, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the week. I was also fortunate to stay with a wonderful host family who are deeply supportive of the arts and generously welcomed me into their home.

      Being part of this event allowed me to connect with fellow painters, immerse myself in a new environment, and exhibit work created on-site in a culminating public show and sale. I’m proud to have been included among such a talented group of artists.

      Third Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2023

      Me holding my third place painting titled "Building Blocks 2"
      Third place winner Francisco Silva holding his painting titled “Building Blocks 2”

      When: October 15th, 9am – Noon
      Where: Dvoor Farmer’s Market
      Frenchtown-Flemington Road, Flemington, NJ

      This was the third year of the event and the competition seems to be improving year after year. The day began cloudy but the sun came out at around 11am although it became a bit windy. The juror was Jeff Charlesworth, a reputable painter from the Lambertville/New Hope area, who patiently took his time examining each painting. I was lucky enough to receive third place. After the awards were given out, Jeff offered constructive critiques to anyone that wanted them. As always ArtVenture did a great job on the food; after 3 hours of painting it’s always appreciated.

      Harford Plein Air Competition 2023: A week of painting this beautiful Maryland county

      My wall at the Bel Air Armory

      When: September 15th-17th
      Reception: September 15th, 6-9pm
      Where: Bel Air Armory, Bel Air, MD

      This is the second year that I was lucky enough to be juried into this event. I decided to take the entire week off and create 4 paintings during that week. As I live over 50 miles away, I’m able to bring a plein air painting from my area which gave me a total of 5 paintings. Additionally, we were able to paint at Ladew Topiary Gardens on Tuesday and we had an artist’s taco dinner at the Market Street Brewery in Havre de Grace followed by a nocturne paint out. The final event was a Quick Draw on Saturday morning. I decided to have fun and use Tombow Dual Brush pens for the Quick Draw and my drawing was sold immediately! Overall, the staff of Maryland Center for the Arts puts on a wonderful event that I’d happily participate in the future.

      Painting this beautiful view of the marina in Harvre de Grace, Maryland

      “Night” Exhibit at Outliers Gallery in Jersey City, NJ

      View of my paintings currently at Outliers Gallery.

      Where: Outliers Gallery, Studio 150, #246, 150 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ
      When: January 1 – February 28

      The Outliers are currently having an exhibition with a “nighttime” theme at our gallery at 150 Bay Street. The four participating artist are: Dorie Dahlberg, Ed Fausty, Brad Terhune and myself. Each of us have our unique interpretation of the theme and and the exhibit is worth a visit. I have 2 plein air paintings and 2 studio paintings as part of the show.

      2nd Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2023: I was awarded an honorable mention

      My painting “Orange Roof on Main Street” was awarded an honorable mention

      When: October 8th, 9am – Noon
      Where: 50 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ

      This is the second year of the event and the level of talent has significantly improved in that short amount of time. The weather was perfect for autumn painting in quaint, downtown Flemington. After everyone painted, there was a free lunch with sandwiches, snacks, desserts and drinks (including hot coffee). The judge for the event was Roberto Osti, a university teacher and fellow plein air teacher/artist who was kind enough to stay afterwards to give honest, constructive critiques to anyone that wanted them.

      Harford Plein Air 2022: I was awarded an honorable mention at the Quick Draw

      Setting up my wall at Harford Plein Air 2022 Exhibition

      When: September 16 – September 17, 2022
      Where: Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
      Collector’s Preview: September 16, 2022, 6:30-9pm
      Quick Draw: Saturday, September 17, 9am-Noon

      This was a very well organized event hosted by friendly people where the artists were treated very well. On Thursday evening we were treated to a delicious dinner at a Havre de Grace seafood restaurant where the artists got the chance to mingle. Afterwards, we painted the streets of Havre de Grace at nighttime. The artists set-up their walls on Friday afternoon and we dressed-up for the Collector’s Preview on Friday night which was well-catered with food and drink. The entire event did not disappoint. On Saturday morning we participated in the Quick Draw where I was lucky enough to get an honorable mention. I can’t say enough good things about this event which I plan on participating in 2023.