Plein Air Experiences

Our open studio art group meets for plein air painting trips throughout the warmer months.

Plein Air Schedule

Plein Air Painting Dates

An ‘En Plein Air’ Art Experience

Guided and Coordinated by artist Heidi Lorenz

Wednesdays Weekly, June – September – 9:30am-12:30pm

Saturdays, once per month – 1:00-4:00pm 

Fee: $8/session for LAC members, $12 for non-members

This drop-in class meets in different inspiring locations throughout the year to draw, paint, sketch or photograph nature in comradery with other outdoor art enthusiasts.  This inclusive and welcoming group is designed to engage artists at all levels & to consider the natural effects of light & its ever changing influences on our landscape. Careful consideration of comfort in your outdoor gear is important when creating art in the open air.  Feel free to bring a full plein air kit or for ease & simplicity bring a simple sketchbook with pencil & pen, or anything you like, whatever works in your favor.  This drop-in series is an opportunity to create a fun community of artists, to be inspired, creative, adventurous, & to be amidst nature in all seasons throughout the year! 

**You can register and pay online in advance, or if needed Heidi can collect cash or check for the class upon arrival.

For any questions, or to ask to be added to the group contact list, please contact Heidi at heidi.libraryartscenter@gmail.com.

Library Arts Center

Plein Air Schedule 2025

June 4 – Moody Park

  •  152 Maple Ave, Claremont, NH 03743 – The gate will be open so we can use the road to the summit of the park & get the fantastic early morning view of Ascutney or explore the wooded paths & plants. 

June 11 – John Hay Estate at the Fells

  •  456 RT 103A Newbury, NH 03255 – The Fells 83.5 acres of beauty & tranquility; learn the legacy of diplomat & statesman John Milton Hay; tour the 22-room Colonial Revival home; explore the forests, walk the woodland trails; & enjoy the renowned gardens. The Fells is listed on the National Register of Historic Places & is a preservation project of The Garden Conservancy. Amenities available. Park entrance fee.  https://thefells.org

June 18 – St. Gaudens National Historic Site

  •  139 Saint Gaudens Road, Cornish, NH 03745 – National Park for the Arts preserves the home & studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). Enjoy the beauty of art & nature. The park & its partners continue the tradition of the Cornish Colony of artists. Unleash your creativity today. Amenities available. Park entrance fee. https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm 

June 21 – Enfield Shaker Village – Adventure Painting

  • 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield New Hampshire 03748 – Enfield Shakers (1793-1923) village was the ninth of 18 Shaker communities to be established in this country. At its peak in the mid 19th century, the community was home to three “Families” of Shakers and communal ownership of property.

June 25 – Eco Ag Center & Community Gardens

  •  95 County Farm Rd., Unity, NH is the Sullivan County Conservation District (SCCD) Community Garden, high tunnels, native pollinator gardens, outdoor classroom, fishing dock, & trail used for recreation & education. Amenities available. https://www.sccdnh.org/local-agriculture 

July 2 – Pumpkin Blossom Lavender Farm

  • Pumpkin Blossom Farm, 393 Pumpkin Hill Road, Warner, NH, 03278

Come visit and walk through lavender fields galore smelling the sweet aroma that soothes the spirit. Maybe have a cold glass of lavender lemonade, a picnic lunch or choose to harvest some lavender for yourself after a wonderful morning of painting! If possible please consider carpooling.    https://www.pumpkinblossomfarm.com/

July 9 – Arthur Walsh’s Farm

  • 507 Oak Street, Newport, NH – Arthur’s Farm is a haven for artists. This property abuts the sugar river. There are outbuildings and a large barn and we have access to the house to warm our hands, get a drink and use the bathroom. Arthur has hosted artists previously and is a thoughtful host. One caveat is we don’t let his indoor cat out or his outdoor cat in!!! So please be mindful! 

July 16 – Marianne Roberts

  •  214 Pinnacle Rd, Croydon, NH – a new location, next door to the wonderful Possum Trot Acre.  Marianne says there will be coffee, tea, & treats, we have gardens, interesting rock gardens too, a pond boarded with & an out house, though one can use the indoor facilities. We have a long and winding second driveway.

July 23 – Musterfield Farm

  • Harvey Rd, North Sutton, NH 03260 – Muster Field Farm Museum & The Matthew Harvey Homestead is an 18th Century historic homestead featuring restored farm buildings and a working farm in beautiful North Sutton, New Hampshire.    https://www.musterfieldfarm.com/ 

July 30 – Sanctuary Dairy Farm & Ice Cream Stand

209 Rt 103, Sunapee 03782 – A family run farm & gathering place for all there where you can indulge in their farm fresh, homemade ice cream & more. Amenities available.  https://www.icecreamkidbeck.com

August 6 – Washington Town Center

  • Rt. 31, Washington NH – we will spend the morning in the town center where there is a picturesque town library, country store, band stand, church and more.

August 13 – Alstead Town

  • Bragg Rd, Alstead, NH –  A quintessential New England town with Historical Society, Cold River Access, library, country store and more.

August 16 – Location T.B.D. – Adventure Painting

  • TBD

August 20 – Enfield Shaker Village

  • 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield New Hampshire 03748 – Enfield Shakers (1793-1923) village was the ninth of 18 Shaker communities to be established in this country. At its peak in the mid 19th century, the community was home to three “Families” of Shakers and communal ownership of property.

August 27 – Gunnison/Williamson Park – “The Goshen Ocean”

  • Rt 31, Goshen – No amenities.   A gorgeous lake, a trail, woodlands, views of the Monadnock/Sunapee greenway, & two small sandy beaches if you choose to swim. No motor boats on this lake.

September 3 – JD Salinger’s Farm

  • 301 Lang Road, Cornish, NH 03745 – The big beautiful barn called ‘Langwood Barn’ in Cornish not too far from the Song Garden! There’s an outside privy of the exceptional kind behind the lilac bush. The street address is located about 500 ft south of the barn. The group should not go up the driveway, but continue on to the barn.  Parking is across the street from the barn & further up the hill from the parking area is a walk on Salinger’s trails to ‘the top of the world’ that guests can explore.

September 10 – Heidi’s Farm

  • 700 Mill Village Rd, Goshen, NH 03752 – come visit my farm & paint horses, cats, barns, tractors & more. Amenities available. Please park at the end of the driveway nearest the road so cars do not obstruct possible subjects for painting.

September 17 – Newbury Beach

  • 976 New Hampshire Rte 103, Newbury, NH 03255 – view of Lake Sunapee, docks, train, restaurant, ice cream stand, PO, convenience store & restrooms available nearby.

September 20 – St. Gaudens National Historic Site – Adventure Painting

  • 139 Saint Gaudens Road, Cornish, NH 03745 – National Park for the Arts preserves the home & studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). Enjoy the beauty of art & nature. The park & its partners continue the tradition of the Cornish Colony of artists. Unleash your creativity today. Amenities available. Park entrance fee. https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm 

September 24 – Maxfield Parrish Home

  • 58 Freeman Road, Plainfield, NH 03781 – the current owner of the Maxfield Parrish House has graciously offered our group to come visit the studio & the grounds of the Maxfield Parrish home. Amenities available.

October 18 – Musterfield Farm – Adventure Painting

  • Musterfield Farm – Harvey Rd, North Sutton, NH 03260 – Muster Field Farm Museum & The Matthew Harvey Homestead is an 18th Century historic homestead featuring restored farm buildings and a working farm in beautiful North Sutton, New Hampshire.   https://www.musterfieldfarm.com/