Come paint and draw with us outdoors!
Free for all, and open to all levels of experience.
When: In 2026, early April to early November. we will get together on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9am to noon. See full schedule below.
What we do: We spend a few hours creating an artwork inspired by our amazing local scenery. About a half-hour before we break, we gather to admire what each person has done.
What to bring: your favorite portable painting or drawing materials (or both!), drinking water, sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and possibly a portable chair or something waterproof for sitting on the ground. Most, but not all, locations will have a nearby restroom. Some locations require a Discover Pass for parking.
Where: We include a mix of Port Townsend and county locations. Do you have a great spot you’d like to share for a special event? Send an email to Madeline, madilounelson(at)gmail.com.
April 1 – Pope Marine Park, downtown PT. Bay, mountain and city views; covered pier in case of rain. Services nearby; on-street parking. Meet near pier.
April 15 – Fort Townsend Park. Soaring evergreens, lush ferns, the bay and distant Port Townsend. Meet near Friends Barn and restrooms. (Discover Pass needed).
April 29 – Enfield Green. A pocket gem on E. Park Ave in PT’s business park. Pond and marsh, trees, friendly ducks. No restroom.
May 6 –Point Wilson lighthouse at Fort Worden. Special: Joyce Hester will give plein air demonstration. Be there at 9am sharp! For the demo, park (Discover Pass) by the lighthouse, walk north along the fence toward the jetty.
After the demo, paint iconic views of the lighthouse, shore and islands. Restrooms nearby.
May 20 – Anderson Lake. Lake, forest and mountain views, trails further around the lake for more intimate views. Outhouses and parking (Discover Pass).
June 3 – Old Alcohol Plant in Port Hadlock. Maritime and garden view from indoors or out. Enjoy the Quimper Arts painting show on the first floor while you’re there. Restrooms/parking.
June 17 – Cape George Marina in PT. Thanks to our hosts at Cape George, an opportunity to paint at this lovely private location, with views of the Olympics, Protection Island and more. Restrooms, limited parking; carpool if possible.
July 1 – Kah Tai Lagoon. Birds, native and exotic plants (including PT’s iconic poplars) and a Monet-esque footbridge. Meet at the parking and rest rooms near Henery Hardware.
July 15 – outside Ajax Café, Lower Hadlock Road. Dinghies, docks, Indian Island and distant PT views. Port-a-potty nearby. Meet near the picnic table.
July 29 – Coupeville Ferry field trip. Quick sketches are possible on the ferry, and there are many views near the Whidbey Island ferry terminal. Meet at the passenger waiting area in PT; we’ll take the 9:30 ferry over, and plan on taking the 1:15 ferry back.
August 5 – Marine Science Center at Fort Worden. Classic maritime views from the beach or pier. Parking and restroom. Meet at the foot of the pier. (Discover Pass).
August 19 – Island County Park. Bridge, fast-moving ship channel, driftwood, tide flats and distant mountains. After Indian Island bridge, park at the 2nd parking lot, which has a port-a-potty at the southern end. Meet near that end.
September 2 – Boat Haven in PT. Work and pleasure boats, warehouses, the bay and distant mill. Parking and restrooms. Meet near the entrance to the Larry Scott Trail (west side of yard).
September 17 – Point Hudson Marina west of downtown PT. “Pocket” marina and shipyard, water views include distant Point Wilson, and Hudson Point Café, which will be hosting QA’s October/November art show. Parking and services.
September 29 – Haller Fountain and steps, downtown PT. Services nearby; on-street PT parking.
October 7 – Laurel Grove Cemetery in PT. Trees, headstones, deer; distant water and Baker views. We’ll meet at the back (uphill). No restrooms.
October 21 – Heron Hill. Horses, a lovely horse barn and other structures, paddock among trees, and barn space in case of rain. 241 Sand Road (outskirts of Port Townsend, off Cape George Road). Park near paddock (will be marked).
November 4 – Finnriver Farm. Orchards, flowers and fields, outbuildings and farm equipment, covered outdoor tables and seating. Restrooms open, but restaurant will be closed.
Here are some photos from past outings.
Quimper Arts 