Plein Air Paint Outs

DUE TO COVID-19 our scheduled Paint Outs have changed and critiques are now made virtually. Please check the PAPC Facebook Events Page for most up to date information and cancellations. See the EVENTS & EXHIBITS page for details of each paint out, maps, and registration for Members Only Critiques.

Paint outs are offered the first three Saturdays of each month. On the fourth weekend, we offer a Friday night nocturne and Sunday morning paint out. At least once a month, a celebrated guest artist is on hand to demo and critique.

Everyone is invited to paint along with us, as we enjoy each other’s companionship and enhance our artistic skills. As members, we have fun exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, watching demonstrations by well-known artists, sharing painting insights, and learning from critiques. At the end of each plein air season, all of us – from beginners to professionals – feel a great sense of satisfaction when we frame and exhibit the paintings we created during our paint outs.

Downloadable Personal Safety and Packing List

Paint Outs are listed by month below, and also on our Events Calendar page.

April

May

June

  • Paint Out: Montrose Harbor

    June 3 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at Montrose Harbor, south side

    Montrose Harbor is located on the northern edge of Lincoln Park, a short walk from Montrose Beach. ...

  • Paint Out: Hutchinson Historic District

    June 10 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at 600-800 Hutchinson Street

    This district’s mix of Prairie style designs and more traditional historical styles, such as C...

  • Paint Out: Armitage Avenue

    June 17 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at 1000 W Armitage

    This main street is almost exactly as it was in the 1800’s.  Historic buildings with great de...

  • Guest Artist: Frankie Johnson at Chicago Botanic Gardens

    June 25 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm CDT at Chicago Botanic Garden

    Today’s guest artist is Frankie Johnson,  Her colorful, energetic work includes landscape, fi...

July

  • Paintout: Michigan/Wacker Riverwalk

    July 1 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at Riverwalk under Wabash Bridge at Wacker

    Get off to a good start on this pre 4th of July holiday by joining us for this fun paint out.  We w...

  • Paint Out: Evanston Church Street Plaza

    July 8 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT

    Located at the corner of Church Street and Maple Avenue on the western edge of Downtown Evanston, Il...

  • Paint Out: Bucktown Garden Walk

    July 15 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at 1850 N. Hermitage Avenue

      This is a multi-event day!  We will meet at St. Mary of the Angels church, at the corner of ...

  • Paint Out: Buckingham Fountain

    July 22 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at Buckingham Fountain

    Today you’ll be able to paint one of Chicago’s iconic fountains.  If you love cityscape...

  • Paint Out: Belmont Harbor. This is on a Sunday

    July 30 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT at Belmont Harbor

    Belmont Harbor is located in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park and is one of the largest harbors i...

August

September

There are no upcoming events.

October

There are no upcoming events.

Become a Member

Join the Plein Air Painters Chicago today and receive all of the wonderful membership benefits.

Only $50 a year.
$35 for students with I.D. & current enrollment. 

Membership Registration

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