How 9 Plein Air Artists Honor the Fourth of July

Nine painters share their experiences, art inspiration, and patriotic landscapes in this unifying roundup.

“I love painting the many flags that fly in our community near Independence Day because they make exciting focal points,” says Jill Wagner. “But more importantly, they are visual reminders of how lucky we are to live in this great country… and that is definitely worth capturing on canvas!”

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Mary Smith, "Welcome Home," watercolor, 11 x 17 in. — Mary Smith, “Welcome Home,” watercolor, 11 x 17 in.

“For several weeks before July 4th a year or two ago, this flag was hung along a gravel driveway leading towards what looked like a long entrance to a home,” says Mary Smith. “I took a photo of it because it looked so hopeful. Later on, it was gone and it has never returned.”

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Roland Lee, "Symbol of Freedom," Transparent watercolor — Roland Lee, “Symbol of Freedom,” Transparent watercolor

“I painted ‘Symbol of Freedom’ a while ago from a scene we saw as we traveled through New England: A very old American flag hanging from a barn, a symbol of freedom.” ~ Roland Lee

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Tammy Stahl, "Before the Rush," oil on panel, 8 x 10 in.; painted during a SoCalPapa paint-out at Aliso Beach, CA. — Tammy Stahl, “Before the Rush,” oil on panel, 8 x 10 in.; painted during a SoCalPapa paint-out at Aliso Beach, CA.

“This may not be worthy of hanging; I’m still learning, but the only way to get better is to go out and do it,” says Tammy Stahl. “Since I still work full-time as a legal assistant, I really look forward to getting outside, and spending time in nature with the original creator.”

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Tom Smith, "Glory Rests," oil, 9 x 12 in., plein air — Tom Smith, “Glory Rests,” oil, 9 x 12 in., plein air

“Driving around looking for a subject in Plymouth, Wisconsin, I saw this view on a farm, screeched to a halt, and got permission to paint this amazing old boat,” said Tom Smith.

Tom Smith, "Marching On," studio, photo reference. "I painted a photo I took from the tiny Fourth of July parade at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. I was in awe of the old soldier, soldiering on." — Tom Smith, “Marching On,” studio, photo reference. “I painted a photo I took from the tiny Fourth of July parade at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. I was in awe of the old soldier, soldiering on.”

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Bonnie McGown’s mini set up and Fourth of July painting — Bonnie McGown’s mini setup and Fourth of July painting

“I really enjoy daily painting,” says Bonnie McGown. “I saw a little painting online done in an Altoid tin and I thought it would be perfect for me. I ordered tins and little 2 x 3-inch canvases and started painting these little glimpses of my world. What fun! I sold one right away, I was hooked. This one was painted on the 4th of July this year. I went down to the lake in the morning, found my spot, and started painting. I was just finishing up and it started to rain. Closed up my little tin and I was done.”

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Jill Wagner, “Lakeside Garden”
Jill Stefani Wagner is one of those special mentors you need along your path. She’ll help you improve your skills so that your art journey is always in an upward motion. Check out her art video workshop combo, available now at PaintTube.tv.

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Beth Bathe, “Red, White, and Blue,” 2023, 24 x 12 in., From “Paint Historic Old New Castle Plein Air,” Best in Show and People’s Choice Award.

Beth Bathe tells us the ship in “Red, White, and Blue” (above) is named Kalmar Nyckel, and this was painted in the pouring rain.

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A painting by Elaine Porter, created during Pastel Live — A painting by Elaine Porter, created during the Pastel Live virtual art conference (the next one is in September!). She tells us, “I posted this on the Pastel Live thread to show how much I learned. I feel it was well worth the entry fee as I sold the painting right away!”

“I have been painting and designing for over 40 years,” says Elaine Porter. “I have always been a plein air painter but in recent years have had to cut my time outside due to skin problems. Now I do shorter color studies, take many pictures, and then complete the work in my studio. My plein air experience has allowed me to draw upon my observations to create images that are soothing and relaxing. This proves that those who no longer can remain in the sunlight for long periods can still be vital and productive painters.”

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Dina Gregory, "Casa de Felty", pastel, 16 x 20 in., painted en plein air in Waxahachie, Texas at an OPS event; "Best of Show" judge, Cecy Turner. — Dina Gregory, “Casa de Felty”, pastel, 16 x 20 in., painted en plein air in Waxahachie, Texas at an OPS event; “Best of Show” judge, Cecy Turner.

“What caught my attention to paint at this spot were the dark values of the scene contrasted by the very light values of the sunlight hitting the white porch,” said Dina Gregory. “I liked that contrast! Also, I like the peaceful morning scene but with the contrast of the wind coming up and making the flag wave.

“Both of these opposite contrasts appeal to me and are a reminder that opposites matter and can coexist beautifully.”