ESAC is thrilled to host the 8th Annual Plein Air Fairhope event. 60 artists will be painting the area!
*** What is Plein Air? ***
Plein air painting is the act of painting outdoors. This method contrasts with studio painting or academic rules that might create a predetermined look.
*** What can you expect from Plein Air Fairhope 2026? ***
You can participate in Plein Air Fairhope as an artist, student, patron, or audience member.
WE HAVE TWO WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE AS PART OF THE PAF PACKAGE!
Oct 31, and Nov 1: “Paint with Confidence and Clarity” with PAF 2026 Judge, Cory Wright, 9:30 to 4:30 pm – Join award-winning plein air painter, Cory Wright, for a fun and informative 2 day workshop just in time to get you warmed up for Plein Air Fairhope 2026! Through daily demonstrations using a version of the “sight-size method,” Cory will cover the various aspects of painting outside including materials, composition, values, color mixing, and paint application. Open to all levels, from beginners to advanced, the focus will be on taking you from your current skill level to the next. Expect to do a morning and an afternoon painting each day at locations throughout Fairhope with individual attention given to each student as Cory circulates around to everyone at their easels throughout the day. She’ll be working in oils, but all mediums are welcome.
ESAC NON MEMBER $550/ ESAC MEMBER $500
Plein Air Fairhope Artist Price: $400 ($150 Discount!)*
Nov 8, 2026 “Just Plein Fun” with Robin Popp , 10 am to 4 pm – – Being immersed in nature, capturing the sunlight, and using determined brushstrokes are all part of the Plein Air process. But…it can be a little daunting putting it all together. Join Popp on a fun excursion into creating work on location and learn some tricks and shortcuts to make it easier. Popp will provide all the supplies and student will be painting in oils because they are the easiest medium to paint with outside. Whether you are a beginner or just wanting to brush up on your plein air practice, this class will get you going.
ESAC NON MEMBER $200/ ESAC MEMBER $175
Plein Air Fairhope Artist Price: $125 ($75 Discount!)*
Nov 2 – Nov 7, 2026: Plein Air Fairhope Paint Out! 60 participating artists will paint the town from sunrise to sunset! They’ll be downtown, by the pier, local farmlands, and more… $50 to participate/First Come, First Served.
Nov 3 – Nov 6, 2026: Plein Air Fairhope Wet Room. As painters finish artworks, they will be showcasing them at ESAC on tables while they dry and before they are framed for the official exhibit. Get a special sneak peek or purchase one for your own collection before the rush!
Nov 4, 2026 @ 1pm to 2 pm: Gallery Talk. Join PAF Judge and 2025 PAF Best of Show winner, Cory Wright, for a Gallery Talk about her plein air painting experiences and what to look for as a show judge. $15 per person.
To learn more about Cory, visit: https://www.corywrightart.com/
Nov 6, 2026 @ 6-8 pm: Plein Air Fairhope Exhibit/First Friday Art Walk. Official opening of artwork created during the week! Free to the public. PAF Artists/Sponsors may enjoy a VIP early bird entrance at 5:30 pm.
Exhibit closes on Dec 18.
Nov 7, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 noon : Plein Air Fairhope Quick Draw: Artists and the public are invited to paint within a small radius including Eastern Shore Art Center, Mosher Castle, Little Bird, or Cemetery. Adults please accompany children if you are crossing the street to any location. All ages welcome, all supplies welcome. Bring paint, drawing, or watercolor supplies. Artists will have from 10 am to 12 noon to select their location and complete their plein air piece.
Quick Draw participants must check in at the front desk prior to the Quick Draw. Pieces completed in the Quick Draw are NOT eligible for the PAF exhibit
Awards:
Adult ($50 cash prize and apron)
Teen ($25 gift certificate and sketchbook + stickers)
Child ($25 gift certificate and sketchbook + stickers)
