Plein Air Experiences

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

Plein Air Schedule

EN PLEIN AIR PAINTING / ADVENTURE PAINTING

An ‘En Plein Air’ Art Experience

Guided and Coordinated by artist Heidi Lorenz

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

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

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

The Plein Air/Adventure Painting Art Group is about embracing the great outdoors and indulging in the joy of painting plein air, year round!  This drop-in class meets in different inspiring locations throughout the year, in varying climates to draw, paint, sketch or photograph nature in comradery with other outdoor art enthusiasts.  (We consider ease of vehicle access, especially when contemplating potentially snowy landscapes.)  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! 

Feel free to drop by and paint for the entire session or only an hour; whatever fits into your schedule!  We hear often of folks wanting to paint out of doors but stepping outside of our comfort zone can be intimidating! Once you push the boundaries of your comfort you will find great joy in painting outdoors. The key is correct clothing and supplies. Group facilitator, Heidi Lorenz, is here and happy to help guide any of you eager to give painting outdoors a try.

**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/Adventure Painting Schedule 2026

June 3 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Arthur Walsh’s Farm

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  507 Oak St.  Newport, NH  03773

June 10 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Christine Coombs’ Garden

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  17 Edwin Ave. Claremont  

June 17 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – John Hay Estate at the Fells

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  456 NH-103A, Newbury, NH  03255

June 20 –ADVENTURE PAINTING – Sugar River Trail – Covered Rail Bridge

1:00-4:00pm – Wright’s Bridge is located at coordinates 43°21′32″N 72°15′33″W in Newport, New Hampshire. It spans the Sugar River and is part of the Sugar River Trail.

Code: `[P1–2] [G1–2] [F0] [R0] [A1] [C1–2]` 

Historic rail bridge, river views, and wooded rail-trail perspectives. Expect a small trailhead parking area and a short walk on a packed dirt/gravel trail.  Can be muddy and buggy in June—bug spray and sturdy shoes recommended.

June 24 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Kezar Lake/Wadleigh State Park

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Kezar Lake, Sutton, NH  03260

July 1 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – McDaniel’s Marsh

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  McDaniel’s Marsh – More Directors coming soon…

July 8 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Ottersville Pond

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Otterville, New London, NH  03257

July 15 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Sugar River Mills, Old Gas Works

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  57 Broad St.  Claremont, NH  03743

July 22 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Musterfield Farm

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Musterfield Farm, Harvey Rd.  North Sutton, NH 03260

July 29 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Cornish/Windsor Covered Bridge

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge  Cornish, NH 03745
  • Code: `[P1–2] [G0–1] [F0] [R0] [A1] [C2]`  

    The longest historic wooden covered bridge in the U.S., spanning the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont. Strong river and village compositions, long portal views, and reflections.
    – Public access on both NH and VT ends
    – Small lots/pull-offs near each end; additional viewpoints along Route 12A
    – Use extra care near roadways when setting up to paint

August 1 – ADVENTURE PAINTING – John Hay Estate at the Fells – Historic Estate & Gardens

1:00-4:00pm – Code: `[P2] [G1–2] [F1] [R2] [A1–2] [C2]` 
Formal gardens, historic estate buildings, and lakeshore vistas on Lake Sunapee. Expect a mix of garden paths, lawns, and some uneven terrain.
Entry fee or membership required; restrooms available during open hours.

August 5 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Tracy Memorial Library Gardens

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Tracy Memorial Library, 304 Main St.  New London, NH  03257
      https://gardenattracy.org/visual-tour/   (Garden behind Tracy Library)  

    Code: `[P2] [G1] [F0] [R2] [A2] [C2]`  

    A beautifully designed garden—originally by the Olmsted Brothers—tucked behind Tracy Library. Gentle paths, mixed plantings, and architectural details make this a quiet, intimate painting location.  Garden open to the public from dawn to dusk; library restrooms available during open hours.

August 12 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – The Goshen Ocean

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Gunnison Lake, Gunnison Lake Rd. Goshen, NH  03752

August 19 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Beth Rexford’s Home

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  395 Washington Rd. (Rt. 31) Goshen, NH  – This home has beautiful alternative views of Gunnison Lake.  Beth’s house is to the left as you pull into the drive.

August 26 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Eco Ag Center Gardens

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  95 County Farm Rd.  Claremont, NH  03743

September 2 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Mary Bourdon’s Place

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  54 Judland Heights, North Charlestown, NH 03603

September 9 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Meadow Park

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Meadow Park, aka “Horsey Park” – Meadow Rd. Newport, NH  03773

September 16 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Pillsbury State Park

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Pillsbury State Park, 100 Clemac Trail, Washington, NH  03280

September 19 –ADVENTURE PAINTING – Tracy Memorial Library Gardens

        1:00-4:00pm – https://gardenattracy.org/visual-tour/

(Garden behind Tracy Library)  

Code: `[P2] [G1] [F0] [R2] [A2] [C2]`  

A beautifully designed garden—originally by the Olmsted Brothers—tucked behind Tracy Library. Gentle paths, mixed plantings, and architectural details make this a quiet, intimate painting location.  

Garden open to the public from dawn to dusk; library restrooms available during open hours.

September 23 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Sanctuary Dairy Farm

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream, 209 NH Rte. 103, Sunapee, NH 03782

September 30 – EN PLEIN AIR GROUP – Langwood Farm

  • 9:30am-12:30pm  –  Langwood Farm/Top of the World, Cornish, NH  03745

October 17 – ADVENTURE PAINTING – Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge 

1:00-4:00pm – Code: `[P1–2] [G0–1] [F0] [R0] [A1] [C2]`  

The longest historic wooden covered bridge in the U.S., spanning the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont. Strong river and village compositions, long portal views, and reflections.
– Public access on both NH and VT ends
– Small lots/pull-offs near each end; additional viewpoints along Route 12A
– Use extra care near roadways when setting up to paint

November 21 – ADVENTURE PAINTING – McDaniels Marsh, Springfield

1:00-4:00pm – Code: `[P1] [G1] [F0] [R0] [A1] [C1–2]`  

Broad marsh views with reflections, tree lines, and wildlife silhouettes—perfect for atmospheric, simplified compositions.
– Small parking area (may not always be plowed—check conditions)
– Short walk to viewing spots
– No facilities; expect cold, possibly wet or windy conditions

December 19 – ADVENTURE PAINTING – Heidi’s Farm

CODE KEY

Each meetup includes a simple code so you know what to expect for parking, walking, access, and facilities.

P = Parking

– P0 – No official parking  

– P1 – Pull-off street parking  

– P2 – Parking (approx. 4–10 cars)  

– P3 – Parking Lot (10+ cars, town/municipal lots)

G = Ground / Walk

– G0 – Flat and paved/packed, almost no walk  

– G1 – Flat grass/dirt, short walk (<5 min)  

– G2 – Uneven, roots/rocks, or modest walk (5–15 min)  

– G3 – Steep or rough terrain, longer walk (>15 min)

F = Fees / Access

– F0 – Free public access  

– F1 – Donation appreciated

– F2 – Day-use/entry fee (museum, estate, park)  

– F3 – Private property or business; permission/host required

R = Restrooms

– R0 – None  

– R1 – Portable / seasonal  

– R2 – Indoor facilities

A = Accessibility

– A0 – Not accessible (stairs, steep, uneven terrain)  

– A1 – Generally Accessible (weather can play a role)

– A2 – Accessible / good surfaces

C = Crowd / Traffic

– C1 – Usually quiet  

– C2 – Moderate use (visitors, dog walkers, light traffic)  

– C3 – Busy (downtown, heavier foot/vehicle traffic)

Example:  

`[P2] [G1] [F0] [R1] [A1] [C2]` means a small parking lot, easy walking, free public access, some kind of restroom, fairly accessible, and moderate use.