Painting “en plein air” (the French phrase meaning outside or in the open air) captures the spirit and essence of a landscape, enhancing our relationship with the natural world.

Join Kestrel and Amherst Plein Air Society for a summer paint out at Scarborough Brook Conservation Area in Belchertown on Saturday, July 15th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The 70 acres of woodland, meadows, and two ponds contain the headwaters of Scarborough Brook, which feeds directly into the Lawrence Swamp (recharging a major aquifer that serves as a public water source for both Belchertown and Amherst).

Painters are invited to gather outside to capture the landscape on canvas. Whether you paint plein air regularly, want to try painting outdoors for the first time, or simply enjoy watching artists as they create, the event is open to artists of all levels, as well as spectators who register in advance.

• At 9:00 am, artists arrive at Scarborough Brook to paint for a few hours. Artists bring their own supplies, including an easel, canvas or paper, and painting or drawing supplies. A member of the Amherst Plein Air Society will be available to welcome artists and advise about set up. Please dress for the weather.
• Beginning at 11:00 am, registered viewers are invited to watch participating artists at work.
• At noon, artists will gather to informally exhibit and critique the paintings created that day; registered viewers welcome.

To participate as a painter:  Register here!

To watch participating artists: Register here!

Save the date for the the fall plein air in this seasonal series, which will be held at a conservation area in the Valley on Saturday, October 14th.

Attendance at all four events is not required. Come to one, two, three, or all four! Registration is per event and will be available as each upcoming program is announced.