Plein Air Washington Artists is about enjoying the camaraderie - sharing our experiences painting outside, learning from each other about techniques, equipment and styles. We go to places around Washington state and beyond that we might not have explored otherwise. Anyone can be a member, from professionals to those just trying it out. We all get satisfaction, no matter what our skill level. We paint with watercolors, acrylic, oils or pastel.
Where we've painted - mountains like Mt. Baker, Rainier and the Olympics; special places like Palouse Falls, Stehekin, Bloedel Reserve, the Seattle Arboretum; many beaches like Ruby Beach, Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment.
PAWA has grown to over 340 members since we began in 2000, when Sylvia Carlton started with a few other artists that enjoyed painting outside. We have between 15-20 organized paint-outs every year and a couple of winter “paint-ins”. Half of the paint-outs are all over the state and are multi-day events. The other half are easy one-day events in gorgeous and interesting places. Additionally, we may have at least one big paint-out held outside of the state, like in a national park or other famous area. Members sign up through Eventbrite, following the link from our Events page, Calendar or the monthly newsletter.
Each year we have a theme. That theme correlates with entering the winter show at the end of the year in Tacoma. We structure many of the paint-outs to benefit that theme. We conduct two shows - one is a summer show, called “Little Gems” at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes. This show says what it is - members may enter their best small works, whether studio or plein air. The other is our winter show at the American Art Co. in Tacoma. This show accepts small plein air pieces with a larger studio piece that is based on the plein air, or a large plein air piece! For each show, we invite a famous plein air artist from across the country to judge and conduct a workshop while they are here.
We have many other benefits for being a member or an advertising member. We have a following of patrons that enjoy our shows every year. For the most part, PAWA is all about the relationships we build as friends and painting in the great outdoors! Whether you are a patron or a curious artist, I hope this helps to describe our organization.
Join in on the fun! Visit Join PAWA - our sign up page - for information on different levels of membership and to register.
Advertising Members - You will find information on our Advertising Members page for members who wish to have a Gallery page and/or advertise a workshop, class or event.
Volunteer - Visit our Get Involved page if you would like to help out!
Member List - current members are listed on our Member Directory page. You must be a registered (paid) member to view this page. It's a great database for getting together with members to paint outside of scheduled paint-outs.
Member Profile - you can update your contact information on your Member Profile page. You must have an account and be logged in to update.
Newsletter - in case you missed it in your email, logged in members can find archived copies of the monthly Newsletter.