Ohio Plein Air Society Paintout 2015 - Licking County, Ohio

I just returned from an OPAS paintout this weekend. It was great meeting so many wonderful and talented artists. I completed four paintings and a small sketch over the two and a half day event. The final show was on the streets near Sunbear Gallery in Alexandria, Ohio. This tiny rural town gave us a big warm welcome. :)

Here are street scenes of the paint sale:

...and close-ups of my two paintings...

To get this painting above, I dragged my gear to Blackhand Gorge using a luggage cart. I then carried all my stuff up a path with roots scattered like pick-up sticks. Then, I crossed a foot bridge, climbed down a few rocks and walked to a small beach oasis in the woods. I realized how dangerous this could potentially be if I ever broke an ankle - in the middle of nowhere. I'm seriously considering a switch to watercolor sketches. After the event, I headed down to Hocking Hills and did a few watercolor sketches while hiking. My gear was lightweight in a small drawstring backpack and I carried my folding stool using my yoga strap carrier across my shoulders. My hands were free to use hiking poles.  I'm thinking this is a good way to go.

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I entered a Granville house for the main competition.

...and painted a porch scene for the two hour quick draw.

My quick draw painting sold! Happy Day!

...and I was finally able to get a three night stay at one hotel. So, instead of driving around with my wet paintings, I stored them in my room closet. My drying rack (posted 9/6) worked great with the variety of panel sizes. Removing the back panel, I could adjust the size. It traveled with ease. I can even see flying with these, since they pack easily, or at least heading to a local Office Max to purchase them.