Our goal is to bring artists together to explore and develop the tradition of plein-air painting. We hope to promote an awareness and visual appreciation of Michigan through our art, by sharing with the public our experience through shows and exhibitions throughout the state.

We have been painting together on and off for over 7 years and have developed many friendships as well. Painting and creating artwork has always been predominately a solitary journey of you the artist, alone in the studio in front of an easel or blank board, attacking or struggling with your creative development and current creation alone. Most of the time is without conversation, critique, opinion, enlightenment and spent working with photos. All of us will continue to do so, but to have the experience of direct painting outdoors with other artists brings all of your senses into play. You are truly interacting with life!
The end of a morning's painting session leaves you with lessons of how to see color, painting atmosphere, capturing the moment with a successful endeavor, or learning from mistakes that only a few of us make on occasion (ha ha ha). Learning how other artists develop their paintings and helping each other with opinions or supplies.
Some days are more productive than others, and this goes for the professional artists as well as beginners. Whatever skill level your are at, doesn't mater. If you show up and try, you are on your way, and will be a better artist for it!

Membership of the Michigan Plein Air Painters is FREE, and is structured for the purpose of interaction of ideas and promoting self improvement of each persons art. When shows or exhibits of the organization develop at different times of the year, participating members are encouraged to help with various tasks to make them successful for all.

Membership dues are for artists that choose to have their art displayed on the Gallery Page for $30 per year, which includes you and your art in the website, participation in shows/exhibits, notices and information about upcoming events, and all the free advice you can stand if you want it.

Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to offer their opinions and ideas for painting locations as well. Meetings are held quarterly or when necessary.

We paint in locations all around the Southeast Michigan area as well as other parts of the State and other states and countries as well.

On a regular basis, we meet at Kensington Nature Center on Saturdays at 8am and venture out from there. Postings of this information will be on the Home page or Schedule.