Speaking pleinly

To paint “en plein air” means, in very basic terms, to do it outside.  This Saturday, Aug. 12, the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is inviting artists to gather outside on their large deck for a guided painting party.

Led by Lincoln County artist Catherine Hingson, artists will take advantage of the spectacular view from the deck and choose for their subjects from Newport’s commercial fishing fleet, the Yaquina Bay Bridge, the boardwalk and a portion of the bayfront shopping area.

Hingson moved to Lincoln County in 1992 and soon began teaching art. She has worked with all ages from children to seniors. She displays her artwork in seven Oregon galleries, participates in several local shows and festivals, leads a plein air group and teaches watercolor at five art studios. 

Participants must bring their own supplies and easels but folding chairs will be available for use. Painters will receive free admission in exchange for conversing with museum guests and allowing photos to be taken of the painting process. 

Paintings of the bayfront completed by October can be submitted for possible inclusion in a later exhibit at the museum depicting the bayfront “Now and Then.” The planned exhibit will include historic images from the museum archives juxtaposed with the current paintings of the bayfront.

Set up begins at 10:30 with start time at 11 am and work will continue until 4 pm. The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. For more information, go to oregoncoasthistory.org or call 541-265-7509.