Saturday, August 4, All day beginning at 7 a.m.
Sunday, August 5, Noon – 5 p.m.

Celebrate the art of painting outdoors, en plein air, with the region’s leading plein air artists. Like their late 19th and early 20th century counterparts, contemporary plein air artists work on location to capture the atmosphere of the moment, including the ever-changing colors, light, and shadows. This event brings together dozens of artists to create new works and exhibit them in the Museum’s front yard by turning the South Park Blocks into a lively outdoor studio.

All day Saturday*, invited plein air artists will roam the South Park Blocks and surrounding area to paint many of your favorite landscapes and landmarks with oils, watercolors, and pastels. Artists will begin at first light and paint throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to watch and talk with the painters as they translate the landscape in front of their eyes to canvas.

On Sunday, the artists return to exhibit and sell selected works in the Museum's courtyard. Enjoy live music by jazz/swing trio Boy & Bean, handmade ice cream from Salt & Straw, and tasty sandwiches from Lovejoy Bakers. Sweets, wine, and beer will be available for purchase in Museum Grounds cafe.

*Artists can paint from 7 a.m. on Saturday until noon on Sunday.

The Oregon Invitational Plein Air weekend is sponsored by Gamblin Artists Colors and Oregon Coast Bank.

Hotel Partners are the Hotel Lućia, Hotel deLuxe, the Governor Hotel, and the Westin Portland.

Participating Artists