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Plein Air Paint Out Events
Artists are invited to participate in these Plein Air Paint Outs in historic St. Augustine, Florida!
Be inspired by the Spanish architecture, coastal environment, small-town streets, and Old World charm of the nation’s oldest city.
Artists and art lovers! You are invited to join the St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out events held in the nation’s oldest city. These events, a nod to St. Augustine’s art history, celebrate the town’s architectural and coastal beauty through the time-honored tradition of painting en plein air (outdoors).
Artists will be painting in and around St. Augustine at notable locations. In addition to watching the artists paint on location, observers can visit the St. Augustine Art Association’s gallery to see (or buy) works-in-progress and finished paintings.
For more information about plein air painting and upcoming events, see below.
The 2026 Plein Air Paint Out events are generously sponsored by the St. Johns Cultural Council
2026 Plein Air Dates
Plein Air Closing Party & Pop-Up Exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association
April 26, 2026
(4:00 – 6:00 PM)
Plein Air Paint Out Exhibit
at the St. Johns County Admin Building
November 19, 2026 –
February 8, 2027
Continue checking this page as Plein Air event dates and details are added.
About Plein Air Painting
Painting en plein air is nothing new. Commonly originated by Great Britain’s John Constable, outdoor painting became fundamental to French Impressionism around the year 1860. The birth of the French term en plein air–literally translated as outdoors–is a more elegant phrase than outdoor painting. Henry Flagler initialized the plein air movement in St. Augustine, bringing in artists from around the country to paint the historic town, and the Art Association harnessed the method in a marketing campaign–Like Painting in Europe! – which helped the organization survive during the Great Depression.
As the sun rises in the east and moves towards the west, shadows and colors transform. The plein air artist paints what they see in front of them at a particular moment in time, capturing these changing illuminations. Claude Monet is perhaps one of the most notable plein air painters and a forerunner of French Impressionism. He was notorious for painting the same scene over and over, but at different times of the day or year, to capture intricate differences in lighting and colors.
The St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out has become a favorite event among the artists and community. Artists are once again out in the streets capturing and adding to the charm of St. Augustine. Let us know where you find the artists by using the hashtag #staaacreative during the event!
2026 Plein Air Paint Out Locations
Thanks to our partners, artists will have the opportunity to paint in the following locations during select events. Check this page regularly as locations continue to be added.
- Avenida Menendez & the Bayfront
- Aviles Street
- Beaches on Anastasia Island
- Castillo de San Marcos
- Charlotte Street
- Henry Flagler Model Land Company Neighborhood
- Lightner Museum & Gardens
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- Oldest House Museum Complex
- Oldest Wooden School House
- St. George Street (South of the Plaza)
- The Collector Inn
- And More!
Looking for a place to stay during the Paint Outs?
During the Plein Air Paint Outs, visitors and participating artists can find the perfect place to stay in St. Augustine — from hotels, bed & breakfasts, resorts and vacation rentals. Click the button below for information on places to stay during the event.
Plein Air Wet Room
During Plein Air Paint Out events hosted at the St. Augustine Art Association, works-in-progress and finished paintings can be viewed & purchased – both online and in-gallery – from the “Wet Room.”
Open in the gallery from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily during the Plein Air Paint Outs.
Plein Air Closing Party & Pop-Up Exhibit
at the St. Augustine Art Association
Sunday, April 26, 2026 (4:00 - 6:00 PM)
Join us Sunday, April 26 from 4:00–6:00 PM at the St. Augustine Art Association (22 Marine St.) for the April Plein Air Paint Out Closing Party & Pop-Up Exhibit!
Registered artists may exhibit one (1) work completed during the Paint Out. While this exhibit is not juried, guests will be voting for their favorite painting(s) and a people’s choice award will be announced at 5:30PM.
This ticketed event is open to artists and art lovers alike. Each ticket includes food, beverages, and the chance to view brand new plein air work by local and visiting artists.
Please complete the registration form to purchase your ticket—we look forward to seeing you there!
Plein Air Paint Out Exhibit
at the St. Johns County Admin Building
November 19, 2026 - February 8, 2027
Registered artists may enter works completed during the April Plein Air Paint Out (or other 2026 Plein Air events) in this exhibit held at the St. Johns County Admin Building (located at 500 San Sebastián Way).
This exhibit is juried for acceptance and awards.
Exhibit entry, drop-off date and further details will be available closer to the exhibit date.
Programs & Exhibits of the St. Augustine Art Association are funded in part by grants from the the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, the St. Johns County Cultural Council, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida.
