Stoked About Sketching -- Starting Tuesday, October 21

Beginning this Tuesday, a very informal sketching group will get going, just to help us keep our artistic energies alive in a communal setting throughout the cooler, wetter months.  This will kind of be like Friends With Easels going undercover until next summer, when we will start painting outside again.  So, please feel free to join in whenever you have time available on Tuesday mornings, 9-ish, at Stoked Roasters and Coffeehouse, 603 Portway Avenue, Hood River.  Bring your sketching tools and maybe something you want to sketch.  Or, you can look out the window or around the coffee house and find inspiration there.  And while we're enjoying our coffee drinks, let's share insights regarding whatever we've been learning about art and artists.

Hope to see you there on Tuesday!!  Stoked's website address is www.stokedroasters.com.

Last Scheduled Paint-Out of the Season: Tuesday, Oct. 14 -- Road to Glenwood OR Cyndi Strid's Residence

Hello artists!  I apologize for the long headline to this, my final regularly scheduled post of the season for Friends With Easels.  It appears that cooler, more rainy weather is heading our way beginning next week. So we have a "first choice" location, and a backup location, in case of rain (and forecasts say 80% chance for next Tuesday).

If there is no precipitation, we will be setting up at the roadside pull-out on the road to Glenwood, Washington.  (Thank you Jan Muir for the suggestion). There is no specific address that I'm aware of, but casual driving directions are as follows: From Hwy 14 in Washington (along the Columbia River), head north on Hwy 141 to BZ Corner.  Turn right onto the BZ-Glenwood Highway.  Follow along toward Glenwood and the Conboy Lake Wildlife Refuge. In the vicinity of Lakeside Road, there should be a turnoff toward the north along the Glenwood Highway; look for a pullout on the left, and look for other painters.

HOWEVER, if the skies are rainy, our backup location is Cyndi Strid's residence in White Salmon.  She has a covered area that will still allow us to paint outside without getting wet, and she says the views from her place are very paintable!  I will cut and paste the driving directions she provided me with:  545 Waubish, White Salmon, WA 98672

Drive into White Salmon and continue heading West out of down on Jewett which becomes Hwy 141 towards Trout Lake.

Drive 1/2 mile past the Big White House on the outskirts of White Salmon, on the left side of the street

LEFT onto Waubish St. ( it is the first residential street paralleling the bluff ) off Hwy 141.

In 100 yards, take first left again into our driveway ( it is a hard left and you will be heading East)

Go to the end of the driveway - house is grey with a white garage face.

Call if you get lost or confused! 503.789.5825 

I have a feeling we'll be painting at this location instead of toward Glenwood.  Please feel free to call Cyndi's cell number to confirm this with her.  

Last but not least -- Thank you to all of you who have participated in our Tuesday plein air sessions this year, and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to keep the blog going.  Look for periodic updates or notifications on this blog site throughout the fall and winter months.  And don't forget to contact me with suggestions for next year, at tenbrushes@gmail.com.  

**Terri**

Tuesday, October 7 -- Catherine Creek!!

I've been waiting this entire season for our painting trip to Catherine Creek!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good weather on Tuesday.  Most of us are familiar with the amazing territorial and river views to be found at Catherine Creek, on the Washington side of the Columbia River.  If you're inclined to hike uphill, you'll gain access to sweeping views of the Columbia; if you opt to cross the road to the lower, paved trails in the Catherine Creek area, you'll have many choices of river, creek, and foliage scenes to paint.  

Driving directions:  Head east on Hwy 14 (Washington) toward Lyle.  Turn left onto Old Hwy 8, which is the next left turn after Courtney Road.  Follow the winding road upwards for a mile or two until you see the Catherine Creek parking area (a gravel pull-out on the left side of the road).  We'll try to get started at 9:00.  

Here are a couple photos I took from Catherine Creek last year.  One scene is the Columbia from up on the hillside; the other is of my dog drinking from Catherine Creek!  

Tuesday, September 30 -- Yvonne Peterson's Big Red Barn

Earlier this year, we had the privilege of doing our art at Yvonne Peterson's ranch on Highway 35, south of Hood River.  We've been invited back, on Tuesday, September 30.  Driving directions to the big red barn (and all the other paint-worthy vistas her place has to offer) are as follows:  from the four-way intersection next to the China Gorge Restaurant, drive south on Highway 35 for approximately six miles.  Take the first left turn past the Pine Grove market onto Glass Drive.  You will see the barn from the road.  The address is 2831 Glass Drive, which will be on the right.  Let's plan to start at 9:00!

Tuesday, September 23 -- Husum, Washington Private Residence

Last Tuesday we painted at the Chamberlain Lake Rest Stop on Hwy 14 near Lyle.  The views were wonderful.  We have been invited to paint next Tuesday in Husum, at the residence of one of Laurel Bushman's friends.  We'll start at 9.  I hear the views of the vineyards and Mt. Hood are very nice!

Driving directions, provided by Laurel and her friend, Jocylyn, are as follows:

For GPS users, the address is 40 White Salmon River Road, Husum, WA, 98623.  Otherwise, drive Hwy 141 towards Husum, passing Wet Planet and Rover Drifters.  Less than half a mile after the rafting companies, turn left onto Spring Creek Road.  Stay left at the fork for Lower Spring Creek Road; it becomes a gravel road at that point.  Follow that down and around past a sign that says "Windwalker Ranch."  The next left is White Salmon River Road.  There are two houses flanking the beginning of the road. Follow that around and you'll be able to look up to the right and see the vineyard that is part of her property. Keep going a little farther and you'll see a "teeny tiny little blue sign" on the right that has the number 40 on it. That's Jocylyn's driveway, and once you get to the top, there will be plenty of parking.

If for no other reason than to enjoy hunting for this address, you should plan to come paint with us!  We have only three other outdoor painting sessions scheduled this season, so let's make the most of it!!  

**Terri**

Tuesday, September 16 -- Chamberlain Lake Rest Stop

Back by popular demand, we will be wielding our brushes, palette knives, and pastel sticks at the Chamberlain Lake Rest Stop in Washington, on Tuesday, September 16.  Driving directions:  follow Hwy 14 east from Bingen to mile marker #73.  How easy is that?  [Note:  my apologies for giving Hood-centric driving directions to those of you far east of the rest area].  We'll plan to get started around 9:00.

On another subject -- thanks to all nine of you who showed up at Cathedral Ridge Winery this past Tuesday to paint.  What a windy day it was!  But the camaraderie made up for the blustery weather.  I'm grateful in realizing that this group of artists is very kind and supportive, and fun to be around!

Cathedral Ridge Winery -- Tuesday, September 9

Cathedral Ridge Winery in Hood River is a very nice venue for plein air painting; vineyards and gardens are the main feature.  There are also some shaded picnic tables where we can enjoy a brown bag lunch afterwards.  And of course, we can taste and buy wine if we so choose!  The address is 4200 Post Canyon Drive.  From I-84, take the west Hood River exit, and within a short distance, turn right onto Country Club Road.  Follow it until you see Post Canyon Drive on the left; turn left and drive another short distance until you see the winery on the left.  Auxiliary parking is located to the west of the customers' parking lot.  Hope to see many of my friends with easels there Tuesday morning!

**Terri**

Tuesday, Sept. 2 -- Choice of Two Locations to Coincide With the Plein Air Paint-Out

As most of you know, this coming week is the annual Plein Air Paint-Out in the Gorge; many talented artists will be painting throughout the area during the week, and the highlight of everyone's efforts will be the show at the Columbia Center for the Arts this coming Friday evening!  

We thought it would be fun and inspirational (for those of us not directly involved in the paint-out) to paint in the same locations as the competitors.  Two locations have been chosen for Tuesday:  downtown Hood River OR The Dalles Mountain Ranch, which is located in Washington.  Driving directions to the ranch -- now a public park -- can be found at http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/tripreport-2000042205.

Take advantage of this opportunity to paint with other well-known painters from Portland and the Gorge! The choice of painting location is up to you!  Mark your calendar to see the show at the gallery in September!  

**Terri**

Driving Directions to Cascade Cliffs Winery

So sorry, everyone!  I just assumed everyone knew how to get to Cascade Cliffs, I guess -- when I was rereading my post, I realized I omitted driving directions.  Basically, all you need to do is get to the Washington side of the Columbia River, and drive east toward the Maryhill area.  Cascade Cliffs is approximately five miles east of the Dalles bridge (Hwy 197).  Actually, I haven't even checked to see if the five mile estimate is accurate; I'm kind of just giving directions the way I cook these days.  (Intuitively).  :-) I'm sure you can all figure it out!

Cascade Cliffs Winery -- Tuesday, August 26

Well for some odd reason, I am unable to upload the beautiful photos I took from the parking lot at Cascade Cliffs Winery today (Friday).  After a day of bottling wine at Domaine Pouillon, I stopped by Cascade Cliffs to confirm their willingness to let us gather in their parking lot next Tuesday, to paint the cliffs and the luscious green vines growing in perfectly symmetrical rows on their estate.  I took great photos, but alas...they are not available to me right now. (Perhaps a day of bottling wine has taken its toll on my ability to upload photographs). Nonetheless, they are very happy to have us paint there! So let's plan to arrive at our usual time of 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.  It would be polite to park in a less-than-prime parking space, to allow the winery visitors the best spaces.  Hope to see tons of you there!  This should be fun!!  And maybe we should buy some wine when we're done painting!  I hear their barbera is killer!

Deschutes River State Recreation Area -- Tuesday, August 19

Last Tuesday, approximately eight of us enjoyed painting at Mt. Hood Winery.  It was hot, and the sky was a bit hazy, but we all managed to have a great time!  Plan to have an equally good time at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area this coming Tuesday, August 19.  Let's meet between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.  It is about a half hour drive east from Hood River off of I-84.  Driving directions:  from Hood River, travel east on I-84 to Exit 97.  When you come to a stop, continue heading east on OR-206 E.  After a couple miles, you will cross over a small bridge and continue on to the entrance to the recreation area.  There is lots of shade, and restrooms are available as well.  Hope to see many of you there!!

Mt. Hood Winery -- Tuesday, August 12, 2014

After reviewing my recent photographs taken at Mt. Hood Winery, I am reminded of the joy painters take in being able to edit out unnecessary objects in the foreground -- such as the telephone pole in front of Mt. Hood, or the flagpole in front of Mt. Adams!  Let's spread out over the grounds of the winery on Tuesday, August 12, and see what sorts of views we can capture with our pastels, paints, and brushes.  Plan to arrive as early as 8:00 a.m.

Driving Directions:  Follow Hwy 35 south to Van Horn Drive; turn left. (Van Horn Drive is the first regular left turn after passing The Gorge White House).  Drive a short distance to the left turn into the winery parking lot.  The tasting room opens later in the morning for wine tasting and purchase.  Restrooms will also be available in the building.

Tuesday, August 5 -- Bob's Beach, Stevenson, Washington...and Upcoming Painting Locations!

This past Tuesday several painters gathered amidst the vibrant rows of sunflowers at Rasmussen Farms.  It was a lovely place to paint, in spite of the heat.

Next week, we will be meeting between 8 and 8:30 at Bob's Beach, in Stevenson.  Bonnie White's group painted there in years past.  Although it has a reputation for wind, we'll keep our fingers crossed that next Tuesday will be calm and sunny!

Driving directions: From I-84, take the Bridge of the Gods exit (#44).  When in Washington, drive east 3 miles on SR 14 to Stevenson.  Turn right on Russell Street; cross the railroad tracks.  Stevenson Landing/Bob's Beach is straight in front of you.  Turn right and then left into the parking area.

UPCOMING PAINTING LOCATIONS!

Beginning on Tuesday, August 12, we are planning to paint at the following areas (Note:  updates of any changes will be posted on this blog each week):

August 12 -- Mt. Hood Winery
August 19 -- Deschutes River State Recreation Area
August 26 -- Cascade Cliffs Winery
Sept. 2      -- Downtown Hood River OR Dalles Mountain Ranch (to coincide with Plein Air Paint Out)
Sept. 9      -- Cathedral Ridge Winery
Sept. 16    -- Chamberlain Lake Rest Stop (Washington)
Sept. 23    -- Laurel Bushman's friend's ranch in Husum
Sept. 30    -- Yvonne Peterson's ranch, Hwy 35
Oct. 7       -- Catherine Creek
Oct. 14     -- a waterfall (location TBD)

If the weather permits, we will add more locations to this list throughout the fall season.  Happy painting, everyone!!

Tuesday, July 29 -- Rasmussen Farms, Hood River

Rasmussen Farms - view looking South

The sunflowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and interesting light and shadows can be found all over Rasmussen Farms right now.  There are good territorial views, as well as up-close subjects, such as tractors, colorful chairs, and old farm buildings.  Let's meet there this Tuesday.  In fact, conversation with the farm manager indicates that they want us to come out to paint, to draw a bit of attention to their facility!

Additionally, Rasmussen Farms is having its annual Van Gogh Days celebration on the weekend of August 2 - 3, and it would be awesome if some of us would be out there with our easels again, to try rendering our own versions of sunflowers and blue skies.

Driving directions: follow Highway 35 south from its beginning for approximately 5-1/2 miles; turn left onto Fir Mountain Road; turn right onto Thomsen Road and drive about 1/3 of a mile, looking for the giant pumpkin and sign on the right.  Plan to start around 8:30 a.m..  Parking is toward the back left (south) side of the driveway, out of the way of the visitors' parking area.

Hope to see lots of you there!!

**Terri**

Tuesday, July 22 -- Panorama Point, Hood River Valley

Hello artist friends!  The weather report for this coming Tuesday reveals a chance of showers; with that in mind, I've selected Panorama Point as our painting destination, since it has a covered area that still allows views of the valley and Mt. Hood.  To get there, just head south on Highway 35, and follow Eastside Road and the signs leading to our location.  There are restrooms and plenty of parking space.  Let's meet between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.  

Upcoming painting locations include Mt. Hood Winery, River Bend Country Store, and one of the fruit stands along the Fruit Loop trail.  In addition, we've been invited back to Yvonne Peterson's acreage along Highway 35. 

Looking forward to getting together with you all once again this coming Tuesday!  

Tuesday, July 15 -- Mt. Adams Scenery in Trout Lake, Washington

It's hard to believe July will be half over by the time we get together on Tuesday!  We need to take advantage of our great summer weather as long as we can, so that when we're forced into our studios we'll be in the mood for a change of pace!

Get your oils, watercolors, and pastels ready for some Trout Lake scenery.  Rita Marlowe has provided driving directions to a location she's painted at in years past, when Bonnie White was our group's coordinator.  Let's shoot for 9:00 as our start time, since Trout Lake is a bit of a drive for most of us.

"Directions: Take Route 141 to the town of  Trout Lake, and drive through to the Mt. Adams ranger station. There you will find your only access to bathrooms, woods style. Continue down the road you came in on and take the very next right. I think it's called Trout Lake Park Rd. You will pass some homes as the road continues north about half to three-quarters of a mile; not far. When you see the road curve to the right, you could park and walk in. You can also drive, but if the little parking area is full, you may have to back up. The parking area is a clearing so you can paint here with the water of the creek in front of you and a great view of Mt. Adams. If you have a standing easel, you have more options."

I (Terri) will be unable to attend this painting opportunity, so if anyone feels like taking a few photos and submitting them to our blog for next week, I'd appreciate it!

**Terri**

Tuesday, July 8 -- Vagabond Lodge, Hood River

Recently featured on "Hotel Impossible" on The Travel Channel, Hood River's Vagabond Lodge is going to be our meeting place to make art this coming Tuesday, July 8.  Thank you, Laurel Bushman, for suggesting this site and for making arrangements for our use of the area.  Laurel kindly provided the following information, regarding the Vagabond:

" Vagabond Lodge is located just off Interstate 84 at 4070 Westcliff Drive, Hood River Oregon. If coming from the west (Portland) on I-84 east, take exit 62, turn left and go over the overpass, turn left on Westcliff Dr, and we’re a quarter mile west of the overpass.
If coming from the east (downtown Hood River), take I-84 west, take exit 62, turn right at the overpass, then an immediate left onto Westcliff Dr.
Parking: Please drive all the way to the back of the lodge property and turn right in front of the last row of buildings. Go as far east as you can and park in the back of the White Buffalo Wine Bar and Bistro. Please do not park in the lodge guest parking spaces.
Laurel Bushman will be the contact person since Terri is out of town. She will be there around 8:00 AM. Grant Poulson is the owner of the Vagabond and will probably be on-property. He is a very nice young man who has graciously offered us this opportunity. He mentioned that if it could be worked out, he might be interested in purchasing prints of our paintings we do on-site to hang in the guest rooms.
The grounds at the Vagabond are beautiful and the views are stellar! "

I regret that I won't be able to make it to this painting session, or to the one the following Tuesday, since I am still out of town, on a working/living vacation of sorts.  My special thanks go to Rita Marlowe for suggesting that on Tuesday, July 15, we all gather at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake to go to a nearby location that offers a good view of the mountain.  More information to follow on next week's blog.

What fun this is going to be!  Please send me photos of your art so I can post it on upcoming blogs!

**Terri**

Klickitat Trailhead -- Lyle, Washington -- Tuesday, July 1

On the last Tuesday of June, we greatly enjoyed the multitude of scenes available from Yvonne Peterson's acreage on Hwy 35 in Hood River.  Thanks so much, Yvonne!  (May we return later this summer)?  It's encouraging that we had our best turnout of artists so far this season.  :-)

On Tuesday, July 1, let's head out to the Klickitat Trailhead in Lyle, Washington.  Some have requested that we start painting at 8:00, rather than 9:00.  It's up to you!  There are restrooms available at the trailhead. Driving Directions:  cross the Hood River Bridge to Washington, and turn right (east) on Hwy. 14. Go about 13 miles to the Klickitat River Bridge (the entrance to Lyle). Just beyond the bridge turn left (north) onto Hwy. 142.  In 100 yards, turn left at the trailhead entrance. 

Hope you can make it!  Please provide comments or feedback for future plein air locations using the comment button on this blog.  Thank you.  

Flowers, Fields and a Big Red Barn -- Tuesday, June 24

Mt Hood

Please come enjoy the variety of outdoor compositions available to us this coming Tuesday, June 24, at Yvonne Peterson's acreage along Highway 35, just south of Hood River.  If you've traveled Highway 35 at all, you've probably noticed her place numerous times -- the big, red barn on the east side of the highway, just past Pine Grove.  In addition to the barn, there are fields to paint, or flowers near her house; there's even a chance for a Mt. Hood view if the weather is good.  This should be a fun opportunity for all of us!  Let's meet at our usual time -- 9:00 to noonish.

Driving Directions:  Head south on Hwy 35.  About 6 miles south of Hood River, take the first left past the Pine Grove market, onto Glass Road.  The address is 2831 Glass Road.  Her property is on the right side of the road.

Great Gorge Views from a Private Residence in Lyle -- Next Tuesday, June 17

Last week, a handful of us braved the blustery breezes at Marina Park in Bingen.  I was able to capture a photo of Laurel Bushman assessing the lights and shadows on the cliffs nearby (see below).    

This coming Tuesday, we are privileged to be painting at the home of Rita Marlowe, who lives off of Canyon Road (not Courtney Road) in Lyle.  I've heard about the amazing views of Mt. Hood and other vistas that her property offers; it should be a fantastic viewpoint!  We will meet at 9:00, as usual.  Thank you, Rita, for allowing us to share in the beauty from your property's perspective.  

Driving directions, provided by Rita, are as follows:  From Bingen, drive east on Route 14.  Just before Lyle and before crossing the Klickitat River, turn up the hill on Old Highway 8.  A mile or so up the hill at the "Y," turn right onto Canyon Road.  Follow Canyon Road a couple miles.  On the curve right before our turnoff, you'll see the first speed limit sign -- 35 m.p.h.  Around the corner is a green and white Silva Ridge Road (private) sign and a row of mailboxes.  Turn right and drive across the meadow.  At the gate, just push the button. [The gate is for keeping out the cows].  The house is straight ahead, green roof, number 42. Bathroom in garage, if needed.  If you get lost, call Rita at 206-660-3137.

I Remembered to Squint! :-)

Brushwork in Bingen - Tuesday June 10

Good day, blog followers!  Have you been getting out on your own to paint in this beautiful area we call home?  The weather has been so glorious lately, hasn't it?  I hope you're excited to come join us again on Tuesday the 10th, as we take in the vistas from the marina park in Bingen.  One of our fellow painters suggested we might enjoy this spot, because it offers great views of the cliffs in Oregon, the river, and the hillsides right above us in Bingen.  There is plenty of parking, and there is a bathroom.  Two possible sites exist:  the boat launch area, or the windsurfing launch site.  For the sake of convenience, let's meet at the boat launch area and discuss the plan.

Driving directions:  Cross the Hood River Bridge, turn right and head to Bingen.  Turn right on Maple Street, heading toward the businesses and parks at the Port of Klickitat.  When you see the blue sign saying "Welcome to Bingen Point, Port of Klickitat" you just need to turn left and head toward the end of the road where the boat ramp, marina park, and sailboard park are located.  

Last Tuesday, we had the pleasure of meeting and painting with Jeanne Chamberlain, who drove all the way from Portland to see what the lights and colors are like over here.  She told me that the sky here is a totally different experience than what she finds in Portland.  Sharon Benveniste, from Lyle, was also a newcomer to the group.  It's great to have new people sharing their paintings, experiences, and ideas with us!  Please come join us at 9:00 a.m. this coming Tuesday.  The more the merrier!  

Great Views from Courtney Road

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, June 3, we are planning to set up our easels along Courtney Road, just off Highway 14, in Washington.  The view options from that vantage point are stunning.  In fact, it is a place we will probably return to again and again throughout the summer season. I drove over there to check out the best places to park our cars and paint, and the one I'm liking right now is a dirt road off of Courtney, about a mile up.  Let's meet there next Tuesday to give it a try!  Or, if we decide to move slightly higher up the road, that's okay, too.

Driving directions:   From the Washington side of the Hood River Bridge, drive east on Highway 14 for approximately 4.5 miles.  Courtney Road will be on the left.  Drive up the curving road for one mile.  At that point, there is a reddish dirt road on the left, and it trails off through the tall green grass.  We could try parking along that road, and setting up our easels right there.  Although there are no bathroom facilities at this location, there is a bathroom down at the beginning of Courtney Road, at the Coyote Wall trailhead.

Remember to bring sunscreen (and perhaps insect repellent).

This is going to be fun!  I'll try to take some pictures of our group, so that I can post them in next week's blog.

**Terri**

Focus on the Possibilities

Hello, everyone!  I hope you're enjoying Memorial Day.  I'm taking advantage of the bursts of sunshine in Manzanita today, by just getting out and walking.  As I've zigzagged through the neighborhood,  I've made a point of focusing on the things I miss when I'm driving by in the car.  There so many rhododendrons and potato vines whose blooms I have examined, up close, and I've been amazed by their beautiful forms and colors.

In that spirit, I'm suggesting that we meet tomorrow at Good News Gardening again; but this time, perhaps it would be fun to focus on what appeals to us as we stand up right next to a blossom, looking for the essence of what it is that that particular flower is conveying to us.

I hope many of you can be there!  9 a.m. to noon.  Use the overflow parking lot around back, off of Tucker Road.

**Terri**

I felt the sun!

I felt the sun! It was beautiful at Good News Gardening. Very nice for painting, no wind, sunny... it doesn't get any better than this! 

Jan Muir, Andrew Grossman, Sally from Troutlake, Cathy Orfall and Cathleen Rehfeld.

Azaleas in bloom at Good News Gardening

Jan Muir's watercolor

Jan Muir and Sally from Troutlake

Andy Grossman

Cathleen Rehfeld oil painting and easel

Godess statue and peonies

Will The Third Time Be The Charm?

C'mon people!  Let's paint outside together!  I think we'll just keep trying Good News Gardening until we get a good response from our fellow painters. So let's see what happens this coming Tuesday, May 20. Please refer to the previous posts for all the pertinent information.

Be there or be...a 6 x 6.  (Also known as 'square').   :-)

Good News about Good News Gardening!

Since not many of us were able to make it to last week's outdoor painting session at Good News Gardening, we've been given another opportunity, and that's good news!  Check out some of these photos to get inspired to paint this coming Tuesday, May 13, from 9 a.m. until noon at Good News Gardening in Hood River. Be sure to bring extra layers of clothing, because it can be a bit 'brisk' out there at times.  Also, remember that we need to park in the auxiliary parking lot, located around the bend on Tucker Road.  Hope to see a bunch of you there!  

If you have questions or suggestions, please be sure to submit them to this blog site.  Thanks!  

First Plein Air Painting Session of the Season!

It's time to give yourself a break from still life painting and join us for our first outdoor painting session of the season!  Yay!  We plan to meet at Good News Gardening  in Hood River (1086 Tucker Road) from 9 a.m. until noon next Tuesday, May 6!    We have been asked to park in the overflow parking lot, which is around the bend on Tucker Road, on the right.  This plant nursery venue is especially wonderful because they have restrooms, beautiful flowers, AND lunch to revive you after all of that rigorous color mixing and brushwork.  :-)  

Show your support for Friends With Easels and come paint with us!  And if any of you has a suggestion for our next painting location, PLEASE submit your suggestion to the blog queen, so we can go to places that all of us are interested in.  Thanks!  See you next Tuesday!  

**Terri Neiman**

Add a Plein Air Painting Site to the map!

NEW Map Feature added! Click on the TAB above... add a site, let's see how it works.

What is this all about?

This blog is for people to sign up to find out where and when there will be a Plein Air Painting Group meeting to paint outdoors, each week during the Spring, Summer and Fall in the Columbia Gorge. The Blog Posts will be made each week by Terri Neiman. If you have any suggestions for places you would like for us to paint, leave a comment for Terri on the blog.

Check out the new "Plein Air Locations Map" on the tab above. You can add your favorite plein air painting locations!