Thursday, June 26, 2008

For Newcomers: FAQ

Welcome! Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join us each Saturday morning. We are a painting group, but welcome folks using other mediums. If you are new to plein air painting we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may be useful.

To get started, show up at the designated meeting point. If you see someone wearing a black hat with the PAPC logo on it, introduce yourself. There is no formal check in. Choose a location in the vicinity of our meeting point to paint, then go for it. Be mindful to clean up after yourself and dispose of your chemicals and paints responsibly (take them home). Meet back at the designated meeting point at Noon-ish for critique.

Is this a class?

No, this is not a class. We are group of artists (amateur and professional) who paint outside. There are many skill and experience levels within the group. All are welcome. If you need help with something specific when painting, feel free to ask anyone – they’re usually more than happy to help. Respect their time, they have to finish their painting too. We hold a critique at the end of each session.

Do I have to participate in the critique?
No. You may simply show-and-tell about your work and ask for it not to be critiqued. But why not get some pointers from great painters and new ones alike? There is also the quid pro quo – if you comment on someone’s work – you should offer them the same opportunity to praise your work.

What should I bring?

A field easel if you have one. If not, bring whatever you can paint or draw on. One member started painting by bringing an old music stand and coffee table to rest her work on. Bring paints, canvas boards or paper and your paints or pencils.
If Summer: It’s helpful to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a visor or hat.
If Winter, bring an extra pair of gloves, disposable hand warmers (Hot Hands available at Walgreens) and wear the warmest clothes you can get on – especially boots. The thick insulated boots with removable felt liners (ice fishing boots) work best.

Are there bathrooms available during the paint outs?
We try to paint in public places where public restrooms are nearby. You may want to scout out a restroom before you begin painting so you know how far away it is (Starbucks, coffee shop, etc).

What if I have can’t make the exact times you paint?

You are welcome to begin painting earlier than our 8:30am time as well as finish before or after 12PM. Keep in mind that we informally meet as a group at Noon to have a critique.

Do I have to commit to the group?
No. There is no commitment. You are welcome to join us as little or as often as you like.

Can I show my paintings in your art shows?
Yes. Anyone who has painted with the Plein Air Painters of Chicago during one of our Saturday paint-outs are eligible to participate in our showings. There are some formal requirements (registration, nominal hanging fees and volunteering) that will be announced closer to show dates.

Is the work for sale?
It’s up to the artist. You can sell your work at any time – off of the easel, in a frame, etc. There are no eligibility requirements for selling – it’s a personal choice. However, if you decide to show your work at our shows, we kindly ask that you price them. A small percentage will go to the Palette and Chisel (where we show our work).

(Written by Beck Anstee--thanks, Beck!)

June 28 Chicago Riverwalk


This Saturday will be a treat: painting along the Chicago Riverwalk in the downtown area. Meet at O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe on the riverwalk between Michigan and Wabash at 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.

Here is a link to an interactive map of the Riverwalk.

(Click on the map above to make it bigger.)

Thanks to Errol J. for the suggestion!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

June 21, St. Michael's Church, Old Town

This Saturday the group returns to Old Town. Meet at the parking lot of St. Michael's Church, located at Cleveland and Eugenie.

Mapquest is here.

Time: 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Locations Wanted

Due to a scheduling error on my part, I'm not going to be in Chicago for the next few weekends right in a row. So I'm looking for suggestions from you guys on where to paint. Please send your suggestions to me at "stuart painter at yahoo dot com" and I will be happy to implement them.

Happy painting!

June 14 Cortland and Paulina

This Saturday's location is a request of Nancy Albrecht: the intersection of Cortland and Paulina, near where the old Leopard Lounge used to be. There is a big beautiful church nearby, neighborhoods, shops, an underpass--lots of stuff.

Here is the mapquest link.

Time: 8:30 a.m.
Critique: Noon

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

June 7, Lake Forest Farmers' Market

This Saturday there is a great opportunity for us in Lake Forest. This is an outing that Stephanie Weidner has been organizing. You can bring two or three paintings to sell as you paint, 35% of sales to go to Deer Path Art League's fundraiser.

I'll copy from Stephanie's email:

Start by checking in at the Deer Path Art League booth at the Farmers Market in Lake Forest. This is important because you need to pick up gallery receipts to sell your paintings. You will also be given a map with 5 areas to paint.

Here are directions to town. The Deer Path Art League booth will be on North Street.

*
I-90 W/ I-94 W/ Kennedy Expy W Continue to follow I-94 W
*
Continue on US-41 N (signs for US-41 N/ Waukegan) (8.1 miles)
*
Turn Right at the Deerpath exit toward Lake Forest (1.2 miles)

Late Lunch/Critique/Studio Tour at Diane Rath's - about 3:00 p.m.

BE AWARE: A pet parade is starting at 10 a.m., so people arriving late (after 9 a.m.) will have to take a different route: exit 41 or 294 at Rockland Road, route 176 come east to Green Bay Road. Make a right and head south. When you get to Westminster make a left or head east. At Forest make a right. You will see the Farmers Market half a block down. You will need to come to the booth at the farmers market to check in.