The Plein Aire Painters of the Ozarks (PAPO) was founded by Gwen Long in 2003. Formally chartered in 2004 with 17 members, the group grew to over 60 members.
The group paints at various locations in the area each Wednesday and then enjoys lunch together at a nearby restaurant. The group meets from April to November. Most of these paintings are done in about three hours so they are not always finished works but would more accurately be called studies concentrating on capturing the form, lights and darks, the colors, and the mood of the scene.
There are some examples of my Plein Aire studies.
PAPO members must host at least one paintout each year. Some members have a paintout at their home and others select another location in the area. We had a paintout at our house in August 2009. It was a hot day but it didn't seem to dampen spirits or appetites.
The PAPO Newsletter mentioned the paintout at our house.
"Wow what a great time! Cathy and Mike provided a wonderful site for our paintout and bested it by cooking burgers with all the extras. Nineteen PAPOs and five visitors enjoyed the morning and lunch. THANK YOU SO MUCH, CATHY AND MIKE."
I no longer belong to the group. I miss it and may rejoin at some future date.