Plein Air Painting Plus
Or the act of painting outdoors, this method is the opposite of painting in a studio or indoors and academic rules that create a predetermined look. The theory is credited to Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes, where he developed the concept of landscape portaiture by which the artist paints directly onto canvas the landscape. The invention of portable canvases and easels allowed the practive to develop (in the mid 19th century for Impressionism) painting in natural light. (Source)
The Monroe Art League values the method of Plein Air Painting and wants to extend it to all of our members -- especially those whose mediums go beyond the brush and canvas! So, bring your supplies and join your fellow artists for a chance to socialize outside while you work!
These meetings are extremely nonchalant and picked with great landscapes and sunlight for you to do your art work in, once in the evening during the week, and once in the afternoon on a weekend to give everyone a chance to join in. Sign up if you think you'd like to try, and convince friends and family to join you as well!
Sterling State Park
Date: Wednesday, May 13th 2026
Time: 5:30pm - 8pm
Location: Near the playground
This is our weekday Plein Air meeting for the month of May!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
Sterling State Park
Date: Sunday, May 24th 2026
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Location: Near the playground
This is our weekend Plein Air meeting for the month of May!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
2026 Summer Concert Series
St. Mary's Park
Date: Thursday, June 11th 2026
Time: 6pm - End of concert
Location: Anywhere you can find a spot (it is recommend to get there early to claim a spot! They fill up fast!)
Musical Guest: Legends - Elvis, Tina & Cash
A Special Plein Air Session!
Come on down to St. Mary's Park with your chair, easel, art supplies, and a drink (the social district is in effect for this event!) and rock out while you paint! This musical event is perfect for studing people--which also means it fills up fast! Make sure you claim your spot early and give yourself room to set up your art supplies too!
Toledo Botanical Gardens
Date: Tuesday, June 16th 2026
Time: 5:30pm - 8pm
Location: near the "Small Park with Arches"
This is our weekday Plein Air meeting for the month of June!
Bring your paints, your easels, your craft supplies, a table, a chair, and something to snack on as we gather here to enjoy each other's company and take in the beauty of the great outdoors!
2026 Summer Concert Series
St. Mary's Park
Date: Thursday, June 18th 2026
Time: 6pm - End of concert
Location: Anywhere you can find a spot (it is recommend to get there early to claim a spot! They fill up fast!)
Musical Guest: Power Play Detroit
A Special Plein Air Session!
Come on down to St. Mary's Park with your chair, easel, art supplies, and a drink (the social district is in effect for this event!) and rock out while you paint! This musical event is perfect for studing people--which also means it fills up fast! Make sure you claim your spot early and give yourself room to set up your art supplies too!
Toledo Botanical Gardens
Toledo Festival of the Arts
Date: Saturday, June 22nd 2026
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Location: There will be a specific location already planned for Plein Air Painters here! Ask a member of the Toledo Art Club
This is our weekend Plein Air meeting for the month of June!
Artists from all over will be showing and selling their art here -- and the best part? They will have an area dedicated to those who would like to plein air paint, etc., and take the opportunity to study human interaction around them! This will be a perfect opportunity to socialize with other artists from outside the MAL! So, bring your supplies and have fun!
