We invite artists of all ages and skill levels to the 3rd annual Paint Out!

About the “Plein Air” Tradition
The “plein air” tradition, or “en plein air,” is a French term meaning “in the open air.” Since the mid-19th Century and the advent of portable painting supplies like the paint tube and box easels, artists have taken to the outdoors. The plein air movement brought artists out of their studios and into the natural light.
What to Expect
On site activities will include:

• Art activities for children from 9:00 am to 12 p.m.
• Two student art instruction group
• Live entertainment of harps and violin and celloists.
• Food trucks on site from 9 a.m. to 1:30p.m.

Artists will choose or be assigned a location in the May Arboretum and Rancho San Rafael Park in which to paint in the medium of their choice.
Sponsorship for student artists is available on a first-come-first-served basis.
The public is invited to wander and view art in progress. A large map indicating artists’ locations will be available for viewing at the Registration Area.
At 12:30 pm, artists and the public will gather to display the works. Artists can choose whether to put a price on their painting for sale, to participate in a silent auction, or to display without selling. 70 percent of sales go to the artist, the remainder to support the May Artboretum Society’s support of the Arboretum.
Schedule
8:30-9:00 Artists check in, get map, set up
9:00-12:00 Artists paint in the Arboretum
9:00-12:00: Artful Play: free painting activity for children and families
9:00-10:30: First student group of art instruction (maximum five students)
10:30-12:00: Second student group of art instruction (maximum five students)
12:30-1:30 Art displays, Sales, Bidding and Prizes
How to Get Involved
Any person or business interested in sponsoring the event should contact Gwen Bourne at [email protected]. Artists who would like to participate should contact [email protected].


INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS

Click on image to REGISTER! 

The WATERCOLOR FROM A TO Z workshop took place from October 22 - 25 and all agreed it was great fun and a wonderful hands-on learning experience. Many thanks for Sterling Edwards for visiting Reno and Sierra Watercolor Society. Don't miss our upcoming workshops in 2020.

​For a full workshop list click here.

Sierra Watercolor Society was proud to host Alvaro Castagnet May 8 through 10, in Reno Nevada. His Watercolor Masterclass - "Understanding the 4 Pillars" was well attended and members and guests commented on the great level of energy and information they received. The workshop was an intense 3-days of inspiration, hard work, and productive learning.  
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Alvaro Castagnet was born in Montevideo, Uruguay.  His early interest in art was cultivated mainly by his father, who sent him to the National School of Art in Montevideo at a very young age where he was taught by Professor Esteban Garino.  Alvaro continued his formal education in art at the Fine Arts University, where Miguel Angel Pareja was his oil painting tutor.  Alvaro has been holding solo exhibitions since 1985 and has been recognized with dozens of awards over the last 30 years.  He travels around the world, painting, demonstrating, lecturing, and judging art competitions.  He is the author of the out-of-print, “Watercolor Painting with Passion” and “Painting with Passion-Beyond Technique” books.