Featured artists' orientation with hosts Artists and Hosts will be treated to a light buffet reception following orientation. Hosts, please RSVP with this link: Hosts RSVP Form May 12, 2024   Stamping & Hanging 3 PM - 4:30 PM Artists Orientation 4:30 PM  (Required attendance by artists) Welcoming Reception Buffet  6:00 PM (Hosts, please RSVP) NC Plein […]

Greg Barnes got his formal training at Wake Forest University, receiving a BFA in 1985. Following college, Greg entered a career path that included technical illustration, computer graphics, computer-based training, and multimedia programming. Throughout those years, Greg always kept his art supplies close at hand. In 2002 after 911, he and his family took a […]

SPONSORED BY MITCHELL HARDWARE I strive to place you right by my side, in the middle of the action – by being there. During a recent trip to Key West, setting my easel up in the water captured the joy of playing in the surf. For another piece, peeking over a wall to paint helped […]

The beauty of visual storytelling lies in its ability to provoke emotions and spark the viewer's imagination. In my work I try to encourage the viewers to find their own stories within my work, creating a connection that transcends the boundaries of the canvas. "The less is more..." we always say!

“A sense of place. That is the goal of my landscape paintings, for the viewer to "see" what I am seeing and to feel that is a place they have been or would like to visit. Plein air painting inspires me to capture the quality of the light that sets off that connection. Many of […]

Since buying my first set of oil paints while still in high school, I’ve been alternately fascinated and frustrated by Plein Air painting. There is nothing quite like being out in nature and capturing the landscape live as you experience it. While I’ve had the opportunity to paint across the US and Europe, I’m most […]

Whether painting en plein air or in the studio, Rascoe strives to simplify his subject and composition into a non-rendered three dimensional tale that allows the viewer to actively jump in and participate in the story being told. He paints alla prima or wet on wet all in one session with oils, and his style […]

Painting outdoors from life is a praise and a worship. To me it’s like breathing. I am drawn to simple spaces like open fields and the low country; sunshine and late afternoons.I love painting competitions because they keep me measured up and in tune with my fellow artists. Every little success, whether a good painting, […]

After a successful career in portraiture, navigating Wall Street’s corridors, Cashwell pivoted towards Fine Art and Plein Air. Through self-discovery, he mastered impressionistic techniques with a modern twist, earning acclaim and invitations from art communities across the nation. He quotes, “I try to capture the moment in a modern/impressionistic style that makes you feel the […]

Russell Jewell is an internationally recognized plein air painter, published in multiple books and magazines such as: North Light’s Splash Series, The Best in Watercolor, Sketchbook Confidential II, The Artist Magazine, and Plein Air Magazine. Jewell is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America and the American Watercolor Society. […]

The Beaufort Historic Site Association will host a Pop-Up Gallery for Plein Air New Bern, an up-and-coming non-profit that cultivates artistry based upon the landscapes of Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret Counties. Every spring, thirty-seven artists from around the world come to the area and paint competitively “plein-air”, that is, in the “open air”. On May […]

Plein air painting is a joy for me, and makes my soul sing! I feel a spiritual connection with the landscape when out in nature capturing a scene. The challenge of getting the essence of a painting down quickly with shifting light patterns, weather changes and intrusive “no see ums” is a fulfilling experience that […]

Fascinated by each place offering endless inspiration he strives to capture the feel of each day, time and location. He often paints barefoot, dancing while creating. As racer of classic and modern sailboats, he’s especially passionate about subjects that include water. Painting is an opportunity to share with the viewer the "vibe" of the place […]

“How long does it take you to do a painting?” said the passerby. “About an hour” I say. If you really want to know, I started in 1966 sculpting with sticks and wire along Lake Zumbra, Victoria, MN. Jump ahead to 1976, University of Minnesota, paired with a semester at Tian Jin University in 1981 […]

Through experiencing the natural world outdoors; I'm intent on painting the color, space, and abstracted shapes combined with composition, to create mood and excitement in the painting and the process. Painting in the traditions of outdoor painters of the early New England Plein Air Painters of Old Lyme, CT, and Rockport, MA, I paint on […]

North Carolina's Outer Banks are home to white sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and ocean breezes that sweep over the unspoiled coastal terrain. These and other Atlantic coastal areas are often the inspiration for my landscape and wildlife scenes. They are the places that have my passion, my heart, and my concern. I try to portray […]

I lived and traveled on a 44' sailboat, for 27 years. I'm a USCG Licensed Captain. One of my favorite places to sail to was Oriental, Beaufort and New Bern, NC. I'm looking forward to painting this area. I now spend my summers on the Leelanau Peninsula on Lake Michigan and have won the Glen […]

Over time I've viewed my plein air painting excursions as an opportunity to work on my self. What better situation to practice moment to moment awareness ? We are continually shaped by the experiences that move through us. Painting allows us to share those experiences. An artist's response to nature, light and everything around us […]

I had a long successful career in sales and marketing for the Paint and Coatings industry – I sold paint for a living. It paid for houses, cars, kid’s college and family times. I have always been frugal. Also, I have always painted on the weekends and evenings… sometimes to the chagrin of my wife […]

As a young man Craig learned a deep appreciation for the outdoors, old farms and barnacle laden harbors with history told by the well-worn scars. Traversing the countryside with his artist father instilled in him to use his talents to record these precious memories within his paintings. Craig's method of painting from life brings a […]

The Beaufort Historic Site Association will host a Pop-Up Gallery for Plein Air New Bern, an up-and-coming non-profit that cultivates artistry based upon the landscapes of Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret Counties. Every spring, thirty-seven artists from around the world come to the area and paint competitively “plein-air”, that is, in the “open air”. On May […]

Growing up in a joint-family that loved to draw and paint, art became a part of my everyday life. So far I have seen three stages of my progress in art. Firstly, when right after my graduation I started teaching at the same university and learnt more from painting with my students than under my […]

GALLERY CLOSED FOR JUDGING-(Ticketed Reception 5 PM-6:30 PM  - -REOPENS TO PUBLIC 6:30 PM Festival headquarters, and the NC Plein Air Art Festival Exhibition and Sales Gallery will be based at Historic New Bern’s Farmers Market, less than two blocks from Tryon Palace. Beginning Monday morning May 13, the Exhibition And Sales Gallery will open […]

Who: Age 5 - 14 / Kindergarten-8th Grade are welcome Pre-registration, emergency contacts and waiver required. DON'T WAIT -  ENROLL TODAY - SPACES LIMITED  

Let's take the mystery out of the selection process. Hear from the Jurors on what and how they select. Panelists: Kippy Hammond, Invitational Juror, Shanna Kunz, Selection Juror, & James Richards Awards Juror What is in their mind What are they looking for What do they see that you might not see How much weight […]

Featured Artists Panel Fen Rascoe, Russell Jewell, Durre Waseem, Kirk Larsen, John T Eiseman, Craig Reynolds, Greg Barnes, Lily Braff, Jeffrey Markowsky 3:00 -"The Next Step"  Q&A with our select panel of professional artists who have been where you are. What are the "next steps" to move your art forward. How to transition from a  purely […]

Saturday, May 18, 2024  5pm - 7pm   Home / Event Tickets / Collectors’ Preview & Awards Reception Tickets Event Tickets Collectors’ Preview & Awards Reception Tickets $50.00 Saturday, May 18 5pm – 6:30pm  and Awards Ceremony 6:30 pm - 7 pm Join us in toasting our 37 featured artists for the fabulous week of […]