Studio 12

09/05/2026

All done! 144 plein air paintings were finished, mounted and hung yesterday at Dare Arts Council in Manteo.
Prizes went to some really talented artists. My two gouache paintings, “Red Dragonfly” and “Frank’s Boat” are available for sale, on display Sept 5-25.
I feel good about the results, representing Studio 12 in this marathon event.
If you want to level up your painting skills, I highly recommend going into nature and painting 3D vs working from photos. It’s a very immersive experience that will change how you see the world.

09/03/2026

Closing at noon on Friday Sept 4th- closed Labor Day- see you guys bright and early on Tuesday at 9 AM 

09/03/2026

About the umbrellas. During a Plein Air event, artists like to set up in the shade, or position an umbrella over their work space. I always assumed it had to do with protection from the elements. In fact, shade helps to maintain color perception in strong sunlight. With today’s temps, shade is a lifesaver too. I am staying cool in location 3 near a shady pond with plenty of hydration. Wow it’s humid.

09/03/2026

Sharing, day two, in the Dare Arts Fresh Aire - Plein Air event. Follow along as this Studio 12 first-timer discovers the secrets of painting in nature.

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

So planning is everything and even though I scouted locations and set up tonal values, I’m still only an hour and a half into this. Tomorrow will be easier. I’m sure. A great location is everything! Sunlight, locusts and cool breeze, really enjoyable. 

09/02/2026

Canvases stamped! My first Plein Air day in Dare County begins now. Rules are outdoors only, no photos. I’m starting on the far end of the county, taking it all in. I don’t think I fully appreciated that Dare County has nearly 110 miles of shoreline inspiration. 
Here’s the result of my Plein Air practice session on Sunday, two hours in the wild. Got a good sunburn and learned a lot about light and color. I think this is gonna be fun and challenging! 

I’ll be doing mini posts for the next two days. Not as a watch me compete thing, but as a come learn with me thing. If all goes well, I hope to bring a relaxed, learn-together plein air day to Studio 12 this spring.

In case you are curious about the other 75 artists, and this trending medium/sport lol, the public exhibit opens Friday night at 6pm, Dare Arts in Manteo. Open to the general public where we get to see all the winners. 

08/30/2026

Getting into nature with Plen Air landscape painting. Dare Arts is sponsoring the event this week. (Btw all spots are filled) The rules are simple- every artist must go into nature within Dare County no prep work, no photos just nature to draw from (haha). Artists submit two completed canvases for a juried exposition on Friday night, details to follow. I’m live recording my first ever attempt. Don’t expect much! Also no makeup alert lol.

08/28/2026