McKinney Plein Air Society (MPAS)

We paint outdoors!

The McKinney Plein Air Society organized in the Spring of 2022 to further education of, appreciation for, and encouragement of painting en plein air. The group is dedicated to friendship, learning, and sharing -- nurturing artists of all skill levels and experience. Visiting artists are welcome!

Painting ‘en plein air’, the French term for painting outdoors, is a great way to study nature and improve painting skills while building a fresh body of original work. More importantly, painting outdoors is essential for the artist to savor the experiences that Nature offers and reclaim a sense of wonder that informs the creative process. 

Curiosity is a common trait of plein air painters. A chance to explore something new often leads us into unknown territory. Adventure is how we learn and grow. We never know where our outdoor painting will take us, but the experience is often unexpected, unusual, exciting, and worthwhile.

On the first Saturday of each month, McKinney Plein Air Society members gather to paint together. Even though there is no formal instruction at the Paint Outs, it is fun and inspiring to get out of the studio and be with fellow artists to paint en plein air.  

The McKinney Plein Air Society is a program of the Arts & Music Guild, a 501c3 non-profit.