1031 N State Street If you’ve wanted to perfect your cafe scenes, then this your opportunity. This small park faces outdoor cafes, buildings and a fountain. We can also paint along the sidewalks for store scenes. If you want a larger park, with lots of dogs, people and a fountain, Washington Square Park is 2 […]
The suburb of Riverside is a new location for the PAPC. Designed by Olmsted, the creator of Central Park, Riverside has greenery, winding streets, Wright homes among others, Des Plaines River views, historic downtown with cafes and train station. On a Sunday, parking is free. Restrooms in the local cafes.
The PAPC Year End Exhibition gives our members the opportunity to show their work to their fellow artists, friends, family, and the general public. Over 100 plein air paintings will be on display. Although the show runs through the week, the opening reception is special with the members voting for the Scott Talman Powers Award […]
The conservatory is a painting challenge! The gardens are beautiful and the fountain is a treat! If the conservatory area is not your thing, the zoo is right next door and the Shakespeare Garden is across the street. Restrooms in the conservatory and zoo; street parking but difficult. Zoo offers paid parking.
A favorite painting site, the mansion is challenging with its arched entryway and multiple chimneys. Cross North Ave. to paint the park, or head south for other historic mansions and beautiful shaded streets on Astor Street or State Parkway. Street parking; no nearby restrooms. Spot Hero provides additional parking in many high rises nearby.
Plein Air Painters Chicago (PAPC) is holding their full day educational event at the Cliff Dwellers club on April 26th, 9:30-3:00. The theme, Artistic Intent, explores the "why" behind the painter's subject, specifically landscape plein air paintings. Beginning with a lecture by Art Institute research associate, Jeff Nigro, on the intent behind the paintings of […]
From the early 1800s until 1960, Swedes ranked as Chicago’s fifth-largest foreign-born group. One of the areas settled by Swedes was a bucolic subdivision called Andersonville. It’s known for its 19th century row houses, as well as charming antique shops, cafes and great ‘after paint out’ eateries. You’ll find all of this along Clark Street, […]
This paint out is a favorite for PAPC members. If you like choices at your paint outs, then this is the place for you. The very active Humboldt Park offers a large boat house, field house, a large lagoon and smaller ponds. Often people are walking, bike riding and sometimes even peddling swan boats. There […]
This lively square has outdoor cafes with plenty of umbrellas! A large fountain and many shopfronts create a vibrant atmosphere. Street parking and a nearby lot.
Pilsen is a favorite painting site! The Jumping Bean Coffee Shop is a beautiful building with a Victorian tower. Walk in either direction to find terra cotta covered buildings, small, interesting shopfronts, or old bank buildings. Side streets provide early Chicago workers’ cottages. Street parking is available and Jumping Bean Cafe has a bathroom.