PAG Plein Air

By stepping outside, you can discover new inspirations and enjoy fresh perspectives. The Guild organizes free Tuesday afternoon sessions giving members and guests a wonderful opportunity to explore creativity outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere. We welcome all experience levels and we truly want you to come and give this a try. We all had to start somewhere!

The challenge is working in a short window of time with changing weather and light. Clouds don’t stop moving and the shadows move with the sun. So Plein Air is a wonderful opportunity to learn to quickly get down the essentials. All while managing your materials and equipment.

We meet at a designated location mid-afternoon and make art for about 2 hours. We finish with a short “Show of Work” where we get a chance to look at each other’s work and draw inspiration for next time. There is no formal instruction. However, if asked, fellow artists will offer gentle and friendly encouragement and advice!

After – take your work back home to finish or use as a reference sketch for a finished painting.

We really look forward to you coming and trying Plein Air with Portsmouth Arts Guild. Come give it a try!

Wendy Berube, Graeme Smith, Amy Bartlett Wright

To receive the weekly schedule, sign up for the detailed PAG Plein Air newsletter. Please contact artistswelcome@portsmoutharts.org with any questions.

Rain will automatically cancel the event.

2026 Schedule

All dates are Tuesdays unless otherwise noted. Start times change relative to the sunset, check below for current time.
Sachuest Point

Sachuest Point, Middletown

APR 21, 4–6PM

Salt marsh, shoreline, beaches, habitat.

MAP769 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown

Sakonnet Bridge, Tiverton

Under the Sakonnet Bridge

APR 28, 4–6PM

Industrial, boat docks and ramps, water reflections.

MAP169 Riverside Drive, Tiverton

Leonard brown house (1)

Leonard Brown House

MAY 5, 5–7PM

Paint this historic home and scenic grounds. Avenue of trees, stone walls, colonial house, polo fields, horses, barns.

MAP121 Linden Lane, Portsmouth

Rocky Brook Orchard

Rocky Brook Orchard

MAY 12, 5–7PM

Apple, quince, pear orchard in blossom, farm buildings, gazebo, beehives.

MAP997 Wapping Road, Middletown, RI

Wondering what to bring? Download our handy Getting Started guide.

Plein Air Highlights

Please enjoy these highlights from previous Portsmouth Arts Guild Plein Air seasons.

Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild
Plein Air 2024, Portsmouth Arts Guild

With thanks to our generous sponsors

The Graham Gallery
Clements' Marketplace
Greenvale Vineyards
Prudence Island Quilters Guild