In June 2024, I participated in my first plein air event, which was held in and around Weston, Missouri. Plein air is when artists make art outdoors, directly from the subject matter. This event was sponsored by the Weston Coffee Roastery and brought together several dozen local and regional artists.
My connection with Weston is quite simple–my little sister lives there. So I visit Weston a lot. I have reviewed Weston restaurants for my other project, Chuck Eats KC. I’ve done some other art in Weston, though not outdoors. Plein air painting is a natural progression for the work I do–watercolors of flowers, nature and streetscapes.
This event was sponsored by Weston Coffee Roastery, a really cute coffee shop. Love their mochas. Artists were encouraged to paint anywhere in Weston. I decided to set up on Main Street, where I planned to do at least two paintings. I don’t have any special plein air equipment, like a little easel, but I set up a folding chair and painted the best I could.
People talk to you while you are painting! I was mentally prepared for this, but it was still a bit odd when people stopped and asked about what I was working on. I was also surprised by a couple of friends, who may or may not have made a special trip to Weston to see me paint.
The prominent and historic Weston United Methodist Church was my first subject.
Further down Main Street, I decided to set up at the corner of Market Street, to paint this cute auto repair shop, Hiatt Motors.
These two watercolors were framed and displayed at the coffee shop for the past year.
These paintings are still available!
