Plein Air Outings

Painting the landscape outdoors, or “en plein air,” is a centuries-old practice that requires an artist to respond directly to their natural environment. It’s not always convenient, but many artists choose to work outdoors as much as possible to better enjoy the personal and immediate experience of their subject. Many artists find that their plein air work is fresher and livelier than their in-studio work.

KAA is proud to schedule Thursday evening plein air meetups during the late spring and summer. We invite you to join us. The events are open to KAA Members only. Any artist who wishes to attend an event is welcome to show up at any time, stay as long as they wish, work in any medium, and with whatever gear they wish. We usually have watercolor, oil, and acrylic painters, pastel artists, photographers, and artists who draw in their sketch books. Some people bring easels, some bring beach chairs, some just sit on the grass or rocks. Many artists enjoy the camaraderie of working alongside others who may be trying to solve similar problems or depict similar views.The events are loosely structured; there is no signup or group interaction required, and attendance is non-compulsory. The Plein Air Meetups are typically cancelled in the event of rain, but if you enjoy working in the rain - go for it!

Locations are chosen so as to provide a selection of exciting views at unusually stimulating public and private venues. An effort is made to choose locations with convenient parking and bathroom facilities, but please note that this will not always be the case. Some locations may require a parking fee. Some locations will require a bit of a walk to reach vantage points or bathrooms. Participants should come prepared to carry their gear a moderate distance, and should be ready for sun, biting insects, and changing weather. There is usually a sign posted to help mark the event location.

Several demonstrations by professional artists are scheduled throughout the summer. Demonstration dates, artists, and fees are noted in the schedule below. When a demonstration is occurring at a particular location, artists working at that location do not have to participate in the demonstration, but a fee will be collected on site from those who do. Payments for Demonstrations must be made via cash/check.

2024 En Plein Air Outing Schedule

This schedule is finalized by the middle of April each year.
Please contact the KAA if you would like your property to be considered as a location for future Plein Air Meetups.
Pick ’n’ Paint: Locations that are noted as “Pick ’n’ Paint” offer exciting alternative locations nearby, as noted.

May 23rd: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Hosmer estate, at the very end of Raynes Neck Road, York, Maine.
Lilacs, bold oceanfront, barn, outbuildings, extensive gardens, stone residence, expansive views.

May 30th: 4:00-7:00 pm
York Beach and Short Sands. Oceanfront beach, and kitschy Vacationland retail buildings.
Meet in the Short Sands parking lot, near the restrooms in front of Fun-O-Rama.
There may be a parking fee.
Pick ’n’ Paint: There are a large variety of nearby beach and building views.

June 6th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The top of Mount Agamenticus, off Mountain Road, York, Maine.
Views to Isles of Shoals, Wells, and Mount Washington. Meet at the picnic tables under the trees near the restrooms.
There is a $2 per hour parking fee.
Pick ’n’ Paint: The half-mile Big A universal access trail circles the summit and provides numerous viewpoints.

June 13th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The A.M. McCurdy residence, 96 Goodwin Road, Gerrish Island, Kittery Point.
Lupine blooms, a broad field, and bold oceanfront.

June 20th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Wentworth Coolidge Mansion, 375 Little Harbor Road, and Carey Cottage, 400 Little Harbor Road, Portsmouth.
Views of historic buildings, Little Harbor and its islands, and Sagamore Creek.
Pick ‘n’ Paint: There is a 1.5-mile walking trail loop that connects numerous scenic views along Sagamore Creek and through the woods. Bathrooms are next to the Society for the Protection of NH Forests building, near the Carey Cottage: keep right as you go up the drive.

June 27th: 4:00-7:00 pm
Downtown Kittery Point and Pepperrell Cove Pier.
Pick ’n’ Paint: Although the waterfront is the main attraction, there are several good views up and down Rt. 103.
There are a small number of free parking spaces at the pier, otherwise you may have to pay to park in the lot across Rt. 103.
* David Lussier Demo: Fee: $15 for KAA members, $20 for non-members. *

July 4th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Hamilton House, 40 Vaughan’s Lane, South Berwick.
Historic riverfront mansion with extensive grounds, formal gardens, and outbuildings.

July 11th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Dianne and Jimmy Dean residence, 140 Pepperrell Road, Kittery Point.
Waterfront and views of Pepperrell Cove.

July 18th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Top of Foundry Place Parking Garage in downtown Portsmouth.
Views of the Portsmouth skyline, North Mill Pond, and various ongoing construction projects nearby.
Bathrooms are on the first floor near the office.
Pick ‘n’ Paint: Close by is a playground, freight train cars, and Old North Cemetery on Maplewood Avenue.
There is a parking fee.

July 25th: 4:00-7:00 pm
Four Tree Island, Portsmouth.
Park for free at Four Tree Island lot on Pierce Island, where we will meet.
Views of the river, bridges, working fishing boats, and both Portsmouth and Kittery river-fronts.
Pick ‘n’ Paint: Nearby are the Portsmouth Pool, a boat launch ramp, the gardens of Prescott Park,
the quaint and historic buildings of Mechanic Street, and Point of Graves Burying Ground. Bathrooms are on Four Tree Island.
* Doris Rice Watercolor Demo: Fee: $15 for KAA members, $20 for non-members. *

August 1st: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Pat and Dale Higgins residence, Payne Road, Kittery Point.
Pond and field views. Participants must sign a damage waiver.
More information to come soon.

August 8th: 3:00-7:00 pm
Wood Island Lifesaving Station, in the Piscataqua River.
Free transport from Kittery Town Pier, leaving at 3 pm.
Big thanks to Sam Reid, president of the board of the Wood Island Association.
There are a small number of free parking spaces at the pier, otherwise you may have to pay to park in the lot across Rt. 103.

August 15th: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Jackie Ellis residence, 6 Moore’s Island Road, Kittery Point.
Water on both sides.
Pick ’n’ Paint: There are several excellent views from various spots up and down Moore’s Island Road, also up and down Rt. 103 nearby.

August 22nd: 4:00-7:00 pm
The Marshall Gaffney residence, 18 Crockett Neck Road at Spruce Creek Sluiceway, Kittery Point.

8/29: August 29th: 3:00-6:00 pm
Fort McClary, Pepperrell Road, Kittery Point.
Pick ’n’ Paint: The main section of the park is on the east side of 103, but there is another section of the park, across Rt. 103, including a pond, playground, and views of Barter’s Creek. There may be a parking fee.

September 5th: 3:00-6:00 pm
The Hosmer Estate, at the very end of Raynes Neck Road.
Bold oceanfront, barn and outbuildings, extensive gardens, stone residence, expansive views.
* Mary Byrom demonstration: Fee: $15 for KAA members, $20 for non-members. *

September 12: 3:00-6:00 pm
Downtown Kittery, urban landscape, across-the-water views of the Shipyard.
* Todd Bonita Demonstration: Fee: $15 for KAA members, $20 for non-members. *
Meet at KAA building.

September 19th: 3:00-6:00 pm
Harbor Beach, Hartley Mason Park, and Cliff Walk, York Harbor, Maine.
Park on Harbor Beach Road and Rt. 1A. Bathrooms are by the beach.
Pick ’n’ Paint: For the agile and intrepid, there are excellent views along the Cliff Walk, especially a couple hundred yards north of the Reading Room.

September 26th: 3:00-6:00 pm
The Sam Curran residence, 578 Haley Road, Kittery Point. North End of Barter’s Creek.