Plein Air Opportunities
This is where you can find information about upcoming Plein Air events. We try to organize outdoor painting events as interest peaks and weather permits, and we are also open to collaboration with other arts groups to organize these events.
On occasion, we're also asked to promote regional, out-of-state plein aire events, too, for those artists who like to explore and meet new scenery and establish fellowship with artists outside their state. Check out the Heading "Regional Plein Aire Events" for these.
We meet as a group at a designated spot and spend the morning painting various perspectives in a supportive group setting. Just an outing with fellow artists!
Everyone is welcome...all levels, all media. For Proprietary ALA Events where we are the sole sponsor, there are no fees, no instruction, no judgment.
Some of the venues we've painted include the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts grounds, the Old Mill at TR Pugh Memorial Park, and Wildwood Park for the Arts.
Our in-group Plein Air coordinator is Kay Reed. She can be reached at gandkreed@gmail.com
We are always open to suggestions, and if you, as a member, would like to organize a painting outing please e-mail Kay or the ALA at Arkansasleagueofartists@yahoo.com
PLEIN AIR EVENTS - COMING REAL SOON
THE COMMUNITY OF BATESVILLE, JUST A SHORT SCENIC DRIVE FROM THE METRO, IS HOST TO "PLEIN ON MAIN", the 9th annual plein-air painting competition hosted by Gallery 246 in Batesville.
Over $3,500 in prizes will be awarded. This event will run from October 6 thru October 10, 2026.
Time is running out to register, so if interested, follow the timetables below and enter. Good luck, Members, and if you participate we'd love to see your artworks after the event at one of our ALA Monthly Meetings.
This event in Batesville, now scheduled for October 6 thru 10, should provide many viewpoints of nature when the leaves begin to fall and change color and the White River swells a little with increased fall/winter rains (we hope). Nature is always posing and ready for your brushes.
For those ALA members who are interested and who participate, make sure to bring your resulting artworks to one of our monthly meetings and let us be inspired.
Here are a few photos of some of our past plein air outings.
At NLR's Old Mill, Stacy Jones came prepared for the elements - rain or shine!
NLR's "Old Mill" from GWTW Fame - always a picturesque venue for plein air painting.
A member's plein air vision of Arkansas' recently remodeled and expanded Fine Arts Center, an outstanding venue worthy of nat'l recognition. The pink in the trees and landscaping - excellent choices for creating mood.
Another vantage point for capturing the essence of the Old Mill. By virtue of their physical nature, plein air venues can provide a multitude of visions for any Artist to capture.