The Plein Air Painters of Chicago

So Long, Moving to New Home

2008-10-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

This will be the last entry here at the old blogger site. Our new home is at www.papchicago.com. The new site has a lot more features that have been set up for us by that computer wiz Beck Anstee. So go there, check it out, and save it to your bookmarks.

September 27, OPA Paint Out, Geneva, IL

2008-09-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

Date: Saturday, September 27th
Rain Date: Sunday, September 28th
Location of Event: Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva, IL (directions below)
Time of Event: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fabyan Forest Preserve was once part of the large country estate of George and Nelle Fabyan. They came to the Fox River Valley in the early 1900's, and bought a farmhouse and ten acres south of Geneva on the west bank of the Fox. Over the following 20 years they acquired 300-plus acres and developed the property into a fabulous estate they called "Riverbank". After their deaths in 1936 and 1939, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County purchased 235 acres of the estate and created the preserve. The Fox River Bike Trail, which follows the Fox River, also runs through the Preserve, so it is an easy meander up or down river for fabulous river scenes.

The Villa, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, is now a museum dedicated to the history of Riverbank and the story of the Fabyans, and houses their varied collections, some furnishings, and many historic photographs.

The Japanese Garden has been partially restored and replanted, and is a fantastic subject for painting. On Saturday, there may be weddings going on at the garden. We have the Garden itself reserved from 3-5 pm on Saturday, September 27th, so make sure to bring your camera!

The Windmill, also a National Historic Place, was completely restored in 2003- 4. The Public Visiting Hours for the Japanese Garden are 1-4 pm on Sunday.

Website: http://www.ppfv.org/fabyan.html
Map: http://www.kaneforest.com/fp/map/Fabyan

September 20, Andersonville and Edgewater

2008-09-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

The show at the Edgewater Historical Society, is coming up fast, so this weekend why not paint in Andersonville, in the Edgewater area. (Edgewater runs from Lake to Ravenswood and from Foster to Devon.)

Meet at the Starbucks at 5300 N. Clark Street at 8:30. Directions here.

September 13, Palette and Chisel

2008-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the group will again be painting in the area of the Palette and Chisel to support the PAPC show-- which looks awesome!

Location:

1012 N. Dearborn (Mapquest here.)

Time: 8:30 a.m.

September 6, Palette and Chisel

2008-09-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the group will be painting in the area of the Palette and Chisel. The idea, of course, is to support the show that is opening there on Friday night, September 5. So come on down, set up your easels, and start directing traffic in the direction of the show.

Location:

1012 N. Dearborn (Mapquest here.)

Time: 8:30 a.m.

August 30 Old Town

2008-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Per Nancy Albrecht's suggestion, this Saturday let's meet in Old Town at the north end of the triangle, at Wisconsin and Lincoln. This would give people a chance to paint at the biggest Farmer's Market right across the street on Clark (a site the Old Towner's "Love") - or in the neighborhood. That should do it for Old Town sites as we prepare for the Old Town show this fall.

Mapquest directions are here.

TIME 8:30 a.m.

August 23 Montrose Harbor

2008-08-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, by popular demand, we return to Montrose Harbor. Meet at the bait shop (where Montrose curves around to the north and the side road goes to the south around the harbor). Go here for directions.

TIME 8:30 a.m.

August 16 Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg

2008-08-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

Let's meet away from the air show traffic at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg. There is a nature preserve and a "heritage farm" on the same property--Volkening Farm. We'll meet at the Nature Center. The map above shows the layout of the area, although it's oriented with north toward the bottom of the page for some reason.

For directions, go here and scroll to bottom of the page. There is a link for directions. Mapquest directions are here.

WHERE

Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg

WHEN

Saturday, August 16, 2008
8:30 a.m.

August 9 and 10 Methodist Camp Ground

2008-08-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

August, 9-10, 2008, Methodist Campground - Country Fair, Des Plaines, IL

Per Stephanie's email: "We will get a free booth to sell whatever paintings we want. We won't have to pay commission on paintings we sell. Free parking. Painting on the grounds. We can paint on Sat - and Sunday is open to whomever wants to stay. There will be a baseball game re-enactment from the 1800s and civil war re-enactments. Lots of interesting things to paint. They mentioned that people frequenting this fair are hungry for artwork of the grounds. There will be an auction to which Beck is donating a painting."

The Methodist Camp Ground in Des Plaines.

Time: 8:30 a.m. Group critique at noon.

Directions here.

August 3 SPECIAL OUTING Independence Park Farmers' Market

2008-07-30T21:43:00.001-07:00

This Sunday there is a special outing to the Independence Park Farmers' Market.

The market organizer writes as follows:

"Our Farmers Market runs from 8 am to noon. There's street parking or in the park lot (entrance on Springfield just north of the fieldhouse). The market is set up along Irving Park Road between Springfield and Hamlin. We've been promoting the artists and the response has been very good. Folks are looking forward to this. We have bluegrass musicians who come and play every market. Neighbors can join in their fun too. It think this is going to be just great. Plus you can get really good food, cut flowers, and baked goods."

Sounds awesome!

August 2 Andersonville

2008-07-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

This Saturday meet in Andersonville at the Starbucks at 5300 N. Clark. Paintings done in the neighborhood will be needed for the show in Edgewater in the fall.

Mapquest directions here.

July 26 Old Town, St. Michael's Church

2008-07-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the group returns to Old Town; keep in mind there will be a group show in old town this fall.

Meet at the parking lot of St. Michael's Church, located at Cleveland and Eugenie.

Errol will be at North and Wells, also in old town, but with perhaps more excitement. You can meet there as well.

Mapquest is here.

Time: 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.

July 19 Belmont Harbor

2008-07-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we will be painting at Belmont Harbor, a beautiful spot on Chicago's lakefront. We'll meet at the archery range on the north side of the harbor; I believe it's $10 to park in the lot there.

WHERE: Belmont Harbor (by the archery range)

TIME: 8:30 a.m., July 19

Mapquest directions may be found here.

July 12 Bucktown Garden Walk

2008-07-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is the Bucktown Garden Walk. Meet at Club Lucky, where the show will be.

More info from Stephanie W.'s email:

This weekend we will be painting in Bucktown as part of the Bucktown Garden Walk. We can paint on both Saturday and Sunday. You are welcome to start painting at our early start of 8:30 am but the garden walk is officially scheduled from 11 am to 5 pm both days. There will not be a critique.

The Bucktown Garden Walk information table will be set up at Club Lucky (1824 West Wabansia) and the PAPC art exhibit and sale will be hung in their party room. You can paint anywhere you like including inside the gardens on the list previously sent out by Stephanie. You may want to stop by the information table to get an official map of the garden walk. As a courtesy, always ask if you can set up in a garden if it is not a public parkway garden.

Also, please stop by the information table to pick up a sign to hang on your easel saying you are part of the garden walk and are with the PAPC. You are welcome to sell your paintings as you paint (bring a few other paintings to sell too). You can keep 100% of any sale proceeds from street sales. If you need to charge the sale, you can go to the information table but you will have to donate 25% of your sale to the Bucktown Commuity Organization.

There will be a trolley taking people around and making stops at key areas including Club Lucky.

Time: 8:30

No critique this Saturday. Have fun!

July 5 Bucktown

2008-07-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

This Saturday in preparation for the Bucktown Garden Walk, paint the Bucktown neighborhood and get a painting or two for the later show. Meet at Club Lucky, where the show will be.

Time: 8:30

Critique at noon.

Mapquest directions are here.

For Newcomers: FAQ

2008-06-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome! Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join us each Saturday morning. We are a painting group, but welcome folks using other mediums. If you are new to plein air painting we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may be useful.

To get started, show up at the designated meeting point. If you see someone wearing a black hat with the PAPC logo on it, introduce yourself. There is no formal check in. Choose a location in the vicinity of our meeting point to paint, then go for it. Be mindful to clean up after yourself and dispose of your chemicals and paints responsibly (take them home). Meet back at the designated meeting point at Noon-ish for critique.

Is this a class?
No, this is not a class. We are group of artists (amateur and professional) who paint outside. There are many skill and experience levels within the group. All are welcome. If you need help with something specific when painting, feel free to ask anyone – they’re usually more than happy to help. Respect their time, they have to finish their painting too. We hold a critique at the end of each session.

Do I have to participate in the critique?
No. You may simply show-and-tell about your work and ask for it not to be critiqued. But why not get some pointers from great painters and new ones alike? There is also the quid pro quo – if you comment on someone’s work – you should offer them the same opportunity to praise your work.

What should I bring?
A field easel if you have one. If not, bring whatever you can paint or draw on. One member started painting by bringing an old music stand and coffee table to rest her work on. Bring paints, canvas boards or paper and your paints or pencils.
If Summer: It’s helpful to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a visor or hat.
If Winter, bring an extra pair of gloves, disposable hand warmers (Hot Hands available at Walgreens) and wear the warmest clothes you can get on – especially boots. The thick insulated boots with removable felt liners (ice fishing boots) work best.

Are there bathrooms available during the paint outs?
We try to paint in public places where public restrooms are nearby. You may want to scout out a restroom before you begin painting so you know how far away it is (Starbucks, coffee shop, etc).

What if I have can’t make the exact times you paint?
You are welcome to begin painting earlier than our 8:30am time as well as finish before or after 12PM. Keep in mind that we informally meet as a group at Noon to have a critique.

Do I have to commit to the group?
No. There is no commitment. You are welcome to join us as little or as often as you like.

Can I show my paintings in your art shows?
Yes. Anyone who has painted with the Plein Air Painters of Chicago during one of our Saturday paint-outs are eligible to participate in our showings. There are some formal requirements (registration, nominal hanging fees and volunteering) that will be announced closer to show dates.

Is the work for sale?
It’s up to the artist. You can sell your work at any time – off of the easel, in a frame, etc. There are no eligibility requirements for selling – it’s a personal choice. However, if you decide to show your work at our shows, we kindly ask that you price them. A small percentage will go to the Palette and Chisel (where we show our work).

(Written by Beck Anstee--thanks, Beck!)

June 28 Chicago Riverwalk

2008-06-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

This Saturday will be a treat: painting along the Chicago Riverwalk in the downtown area. Meet at O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe on the riverwalk between Michigan and Wabash at 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.

Here is a link to an interactive map of the Riverwalk.

(Click on the map above to make it bigger.)

Thanks to Errol J. for the suggestion!

June 21, St. Michael's Church, Old Town

2008-06-19T04:29:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the group returns to Old Town. Meet at the parking lot of St. Michael's Church, located at Cleveland and Eugenie.

Mapquest is here.

Time: 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.

Locations Wanted

2008-06-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Due to a scheduling error on my part, I'm not going to be in Chicago for the next few weekends right in a row. So I'm looking for suggestions from you guys on where to paint. Please send your suggestions to me at "stuart painter at yahoo dot com" and I will be happy to implement them.

Happy painting!

June 14 Cortland and Paulina

2008-06-12T06:28:00.001-07:00

This Saturday's location is a request of Nancy Albrecht: the intersection of Cortland and Paulina, near where the old Leopard Lounge used to be. There is a big beautiful church nearby, neighborhoods, shops, an underpass--lots of stuff.

Here is the mapquest link.

Time: 8:30 a.m.
Critique: Noon

June 7, Lake Forest Farmers' Market

2008-06-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

This Saturday there is a great opportunity for us in Lake Forest. This is an outing that Stephanie Weidner has been organizing. You can bring two or three paintings to sell as you paint, 35% of sales to go to Deer Path Art League's fundraiser.

I'll copy from Stephanie's email:

Start by checking in at the Deer Path Art League booth at the Farmers Market in Lake Forest. This is important because you need to pick up gallery receipts to sell your paintings. You will also be given a map with 5 areas to paint.

Here are directions to town. The Deer Path Art League booth will be on North Street.

*
I-90 W/ I-94 W/ Kennedy Expy W Continue to follow I-94 W
*
Continue on US-41 N (signs for US-41 N/ Waukegan) (8.1 miles)
*
Turn Right at the Deerpath exit toward Lake Forest (1.2 miles)

Late Lunch/Critique/Studio Tour at Diane Rath's - about 3:00 p.m.

BE AWARE: A pet parade is starting at 10 a.m., so people arriving late (after 9 a.m.) will have to take a different route: exit 41 or 294 at Rockland Road, route 176 come east to Green Bay Road. Make a right and head south. When you get to Westminster make a left or head east. At Forest make a right. You will see the Farmers Market half a block down. You will need to come to the booth at the farmers market to check in.

Welcome New Visitors

2008-05-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the WTTW segment on the PAPC, the number of visitors to this blog has jumped up. Here is a screen shot of our sitemeter visitor data for the past 30 days. Check out the spike in traffic following Tuesday's Chicago Tonight!

For those new to the PAPC, here's a little something about what you can expect from joining our illustrious group.

May 31, Riverside, Illinois

2008-05-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Last summer we went to the beautiful town of Riverside--a lovely spot. Return there this Saturday or check it out for the first time--and escape the madding crowd in the City.

WHERE: Meet in front of the library.

Here are the directions to the library.

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.

WTTW Chicago Tonight: Reruns on Comcast

2008-05-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed the original airing of the Chicago Tonight segment about the PAPC, you can still see it if you have Comcast cable. Go to the on-demand programming, and you will find a section devoted to WTTW in the local programming area. Click on the Chicago Tonight program from May 27, and there you are--about half-way in to the show.

Congratulations to all, and a huge shout out of thanks to Beck Anstee for pulling this off.

May 24, Halsted and Armitage

2008-05-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

A great urban setting for this Saturday's paint out: Halsted and Armitage, somewhere we've been before, but always a good spot: shops, street corners, the el tracks. I believe there is a farmer's market down the street on Saturday mornings as well.

I can't get the links to work this morning, but mapquest dot com will help with directions.

Time: 8:30 a.m. Critique at noon.