WAS-H Plein Air Group

Plein Air Coordinator

Alla Adams

Motto

"Progress over perfection."

Questions/Comments can be sent to PleinAir@WatercolorHouston.Org



Plein Air Paintings by Carla Gauthier


Painting outdoors, or plein air painting, offers artists a unique opportunity to capture the natural light, colors, and atmosphere of a scene in a way that studio painting cannot replicate. The ever-changing light conditions and weather elements provide a dynamic and challenging environment that pushes artists to observe and render their subjects with immediacy and authenticity. Outdoors, we also hear nature, identify various smells, feel air movement, and begin better relating to our subject of interest. Plein air painting offers a deeper connection with the subject matter, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world. This direct interaction with nature enhances an artist's ability to perceive subtle variations in color, light, shadow, and movement, resulting in more vibrant, spontaneous, and lifelike paintings. Furthermore, the immersive experience of being outdoors can inspire creativity and support a sense of freedom in artistic expression.

The Plein Air Program is designed to encourage the members to study one subject at a time.

We will schedule locations in the Greater Houston Area for group outdoor painting each month. 

These sessions are for WAS-H members only and are free but participants must register prior to the session.

Be sure to watch the suggested YouTube videos in each description to prepare you for the event.  This encourages participants to practice painting prior to the outing.

Members bring their own plein air supplies. The Plein Coordinator will ensure that all participants are well-informed about upcoming events and weather conditions. 

Be sure to prepare for painting outside!  Here is a suggested supply list, if you need help: Watercolor Supplies for Plein Air Painting.docx

2025 Plein Air Schedule

Monday, July 7

Topic:  Lakes


Sheldon Lake State Park

Houston

Saturday, August 9

Topic:  Nocturnal Painting


Sabine Street Bridge


September 1

Topic:  Boats


Kemah

September 13

Topic:  Buildings, Garden, Pond


Cypress Alamo 



September 27

Topic: Nocturnal

Miller Outdoor Theatre

 


October 13

Topic:  Barns, People, Buildings


Round Top Market

October 25

Topic:  Nocturnal


Kemah Boardwalk

Monday, January 20

Topic:  Clouds and Trees


Donor's Pond

Saturday, Dec 13

Topic:  Buildings/Night


River Oaks Theatre

Upcoming events

  • Plein Air for Members

    • August 09, 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Sabine Street Bridge, Buffalo Bayou Walk, Houston, TX 77019
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, August 9

    7 pm - 10 pm

    Sabine Street Bridge,

    Buffalo Bayou Walk,

    Houston, TX 77019



    Additional information regarding meeting location, etc. will be emailed to those who register before the event.

    This Plein Air event will focus on Nocturnal watercolor painting.

    Experience the enchanting glow of the golden hour as you capture the beauty of twilight with watercolors at the gorgeous Sabine Street Bridge. This special nocturnal plein air painting event invites artists of all levels to explore the interplay of soft evening light, shadow, and architectural charm. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let your creativity shine. Bring your watercolor supplies and enjoy this unique opportunity to paint during one of the most magical times of day!

    Sunset time on August 9 in Houston will be 8:08 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – nocturnal watercolor painting in Plein Air!

    Watercolor Night Painting – Tips on Painting Nocturnes by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U8Q42QMV4U

    Night Vision: Watercolor Painting Techniques for Creating Stunning Night Scenes by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_8o4Rcdas

    Watercolor Nocturne by Christopher Leeper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsC5X6Kea0s

    Night Painting in Watercolor: Step by Step Tutorial by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThchRmBo98


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • September 01, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Kemah (Boats)
    Register


    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, Sept 1

    11 am - 3 pm

    Kemah


    Additional information regarding meeting location, etc. will be emailed to those who register before the event.

    This Plein Air event will focus on boats.

    Painting a boat in water under bright sunlight with watercolor beautifully captures the vibrant interplay of light and reflections. How to go about it? You might want to start with a light pencil sketch to outline the boat's shape and position on the water. Use bold, warm tones for the boat to highlight the sunlit areas, and softer, cooler colors to suggest shadows and contours. The water can be rendered with fluid, transparent washes of blue and green, capturing the shimmering reflections of the boat and the play of light on the water's surface. Pay attention to the bright highlights where the sunlight strikes, and use soft edges to blend the boat with its reflection, creating a realistic sense of water's movement. The translucent nature of watercolor lends itself perfectly to depicting the clarity and sparkle of the scene, making the boat appear both solid and part of the shimmering landscape.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting boats.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting boats in Plein Air!

    Secrets of Paining Watercolor Outdoors by Andy Evansen

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYNWmOZTTpU

    Virtual Demo, Lighthouse Plein Air Festival by Vladislav Yeliseyev

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDd8pCh2Vdg

    How to Paint Watercolor Landscape Painting by Joseph Zbukvic

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpth9P7diOo

    How to Paint Many Boats in a Seascape: Step by Step Process of Painting a Complex Scene by Ina Xi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vFGbp9BkFM


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • September 13, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Cypress Alamo
    Register


    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, Sept 13

    10 am - 2 pm

    Cypress Alamo. Address: 12715 Telge Rd., Cypress, TX 77429

    Entry is free. No reservations are required, except for those rarely closed days that are listed on the website.

    Additional information regarding meeting location, etc. will be emailed to those who register before the event.

    This Plein Air event will focus on buildings, garden, and water pond.

    The Alamo full-size replica in Cypress located just northwest of Houston. It is a popular location for wedding photography and enjoying the natural beauty of well maintained grounds.

    The Plein Air Coordinator will submit a “photography liability waiver” form to this venue, the only requirement for an organized group to visit for recreation, photography, visiting, or any other reason. Individual visitors do not need any forms. The concern is that there could be snakes on grounds. There are a lot of ponds, water, wooden picturesque bridges, gazebos, so there could be snakes. However, when I visited this month, I saw well-groomed landscape and meticulously maintained grounds.

    To be on a cautious side, I would suggest closed sturdy shoes or boots and long thick fabric pants.

    The grounds also feature the Little White Chapel and moss-filled oaks.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting a building, garden, and water pond.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting building, garden, and water pond in Plein Air!

    Painting a Country House in Watercolor by Charles Evans

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCB-Qc_h7FE

    Painting Demonstration Summer Bridge in Ohio by Thomas Schaller

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrHN-2KEIu4

    How to Draw and Paint Houses in Watercolor by Chris Petri

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBlKI_3-Vk8

    How to Paint a Garden Ruin in Watercolor and Exaggerate Your greens by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhncu8UAamA

    Understanding Color Temperature by Painting a White Marble Sculpture with Watercolor by Yong Hong Zhong

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L3WpSHMcfA

    How to Simplify a Flower Garden Watercolor Painting by Kerrie Woodhouse

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTIC7fcMj2g


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • September 27, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Miller Outdoor Theatre
    Register


    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, Sept 27

    6 pm - 9:30 pm

    Miller Outdoor Theatre 

    in Hemann Park. Address: 6000 Hermann Park, Houston, TX 77030

    During the performance “Dia de la Hispanidad” by the Institute of Hispanic Culture, Houston.


    Additional information regarding meeting location, etc. will be emailed to those who register before the event.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal painting.

    Experience the amazing performance “Dia de la Hispanidad” by the Institute of Hispanic Culture, Houston, that will begin at 7:30 PM (after the sunset). Produced by DANMAR Academy of Performing Arts, it will showcase a rich tapestry of traditions through dance, music, and audiovisual presentations.

    No tickets are needed for the uncovered area on the hill in front of the theatre.

    Sunset time on September 27 in Houston will be 7:11 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – nocturnal watercolor painting in Plein Air!

    Watercolor Night Painting – Tips on Painting Nocturnes by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U8Q42QMV4U

    Night Vision: Watercolor Painting Techniques for Creating Stunning Night Scenes by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_8o4Rcdas

    Watercolor Nocturne by Christopher Leeper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsC5X6Kea0s

    Night Painting in Watercolor: Step by Step Tutorial by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThchRmBo98


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • October 13, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Round Top Market
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, Oct 13

    11 am - 3 pm Henkel Square Market, Round Top. Address: 102 N Live Oak St., Round Top, TX 78954

    Additional information regarding meeting location, etc. will be emailed to those who register before the event.

    This Plein Air event will focus on barns, people, fountain.

    This will be the week of the Round Top Antiques Fair – antiques from all over the world along 11 miles of scenic Texas highway 237. It is one of the largest antique shows in the country.

    This Plein Air event will focus on painting barns, people, and a fountain.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting barns, people, and a fountain in Plein Air!

    2018 AWS Watercolor Evening with Andy Evansen

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl8f2aTUUiY

    Plein Air Watercolor Painting – Watercolor Outdoor Tutorial by Shahanoor Mamun

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX-aD6pMEfM

    Country Cottage Watercolor Tutorial Step by Step Demonstration by Patrick Ley-Greaves

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zJgDSMIE8s

    How to Paint Figures – Adding Life to Your Watercolor Paintings by Matthew White

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DiZrqBSro

    How to Paint Figures in Watercolor Part 2 by Trevor Waugh

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHIOpAg2ybo

    University of Lund, the Fountain, a Watercolor Painting by Erik Lundgren

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMwTIvx7p6c

    Fountain in watercolor by Grant Fuller

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcy3bNGmuFo

    Kingfisher Water Splash in Watercolor Painting by Kembart Drawing

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVamGjiR5d8


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • October 25, 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Monday, Oct 25

    5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave,

    Kemah, TX 77565

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal painting.


    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Experience the enchanting glow of the golden hour as you capture the beauty of twilight with watercolors at the amazing Kemah Boardwalk. This special nocturnal plein air painting event invites artists of all levels to explore the interplay of soft evening light, shadow, and architectural charm. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let your creativity shine. Bring your watercolor supplies and enjoy this unique opportunity to paint during one of the most magical times of day!

    Sunset time on October 25 in Kemah will be 6:39 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – nocturnal watercolor painting in Plein Air!

    Watercolor Night Painting – Tips on Painting Nocturnes by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U8Q42QMV4U

    Night Vision: Watercolor Painting Techniques for Creating Stunning Night Scenes by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_8o4Rcdas

    Watercolor Nocturne by Christopher Leeper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsC5X6Kea0s

    Night Painting in Watercolor: Step by Step Tutorial by Tim Wilmot

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThchRmBo98


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • November 11, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Donor’s Pond in the Savanna Trail of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Tuesday, Nov 11

    9 am - 1 pm

    Donor’s Pond in the Savanna Trail of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center (Woodway entrance). 4501 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX 77024

    This Plein Air event will focus on clouds and trees.

    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Painting clouds in watercolor is a delightful way to enjoy the soft and ethereal qualities of this medium. The transparency of watercolor allows for a beautiful play of light, giving clouds a realistic, luminous quality. Experimenting with different techniques can result in a range of cloud formations, from wispy cirrus to dramatic storm clouds. Also, if you can paint a good sky, it really takes your work to another level. It sets the mood for the scene. There is something special and inspiring about cloud arrangements, towering clouds… how they just pass each other, changing every minute.

    This Plein Air event will focus on practicing painting clouds, trees, and their reflection in water.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting clouds and trees outdoors!

    Painting Clouds with Watercolor Wet on Wet Technique by Eric Yi Lin

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OowOblcJ3pA

    Try These 2 Simple Tricks for Easy Watercolor Clouds by Steve Mitchell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDsE289sJRU

    Painting Clouds with Dramatic Side or Back Laight in Watercolor by Steve Mitchell

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtrqo9KIoa0

    Mastering Water Reflection with Pablo Ruben

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8VW_MsIwLE

    How to Paint Trees in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygV5PuvzjE4

    Trees Reflecting on Water Using Watercolor by Lucy Akins

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQw0mmnvksM

    5 Tips for Painting Trees in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMVEuCfSVbs

    How to Paint Sunlight Through the Trees in Watercolor by Paul Clark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx_5Yrm8XFo


    Show details

  • Plein Air for Members

    • December 13, 2025
    • 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • River Oaks Theatre, 2009 W Gray St., Houston, TX 77019
    Register

    Plein Air for Members

    Alla Adams, Coordinator

    Saturday, Dec 13

    4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    River Oaks Theatre, 2009 W Gray St., Houston, TX 77019

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal painting.

    Additional information is emailed to those who register.

    Experience the enchanting glow of the golden hour as you capture the beauty of twilight with watercolors at the iconic River Oaks Theatre. This special nocturnal plein air painting event invites artists of all levels to explore the interplay of soft evening light, shadow, and architectural charm. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let your creativity shine. Bring your watercolor supplies and enjoy this unique opportunity to paint during one of the most magical times of day!

    Sunset time on December 13 in Houston will be 5:24 PM. The golden hour with streetlights turning on will begin 30 minutes before sunset.

    This Plein Air event will focus on nocturnal watercolor painting.

    Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

    Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

    I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – nocturnal watercolor painting in Plein Air!


    Show details

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Gallery: 713-942-9966
Questions? Email admin@watercolorhouston.org

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

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