Plein Air Painters and Cyclists converge on the historic town on New Bern, NC for great causes!

The Eastern NC Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society announced over 2,400 cyclists and 300 volunteers participated in last weekend’s Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride. Cyclists left from Union Point Park in New Bern for the successful 21st annual Bike MS September 12-13. Over $1.34 million has been counted to date, and officials project that they are on target to meet their $1.7 million goal.

Also converging on the historic town were plein air artists from Eastern North Carolina participating in the International Plein Air Painter's (IPAP) 7th annual Worldwide Paint Out (WWPO). The paint out is designed to bring recognition to the tradition of painting "en plein air"... the French term for "in the open air". The event brings plein air artists from all over the world who agree to paint outdoors on the same date by organizing events in their local area. Plein air painters from Onslow, Craven, Beaufort, Carteret, Wayne, Pamlico, and Pender counties were present for the special 2 day event.


The following artists participated in the 7th WWPO:
Susan Cheatham (organizer)
Bernie Rosage Jr (organizer)
Mitchell Morton
Stephen Greer
Dean Remington
Kit
Pat Boni
Karen Crenshaw
Kristen Crenshaw
Donna Tyree
Mike Rooney
Ann Ward
Sue Henry
Vickie Vitale
Eleanoe McAiver
John Hanley
Art Tyndall
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Apologies to any artist not mentioned.
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Hope you enjoy these photos from the paint out and make plans to join us for the 8th annual WWPO next September... see ya!
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Ann Ward presented Bernie Rosage representing OOPS (Onslow Outdoor Painters Society) with this cool bottle of wine! Thanks Ann!

Are you a Coke or Pepsi person?

Are you a Coke or Pepsi person?
Can you taste a difference?
I can... and Pepsi-Cola is my choice of soft drink.

"Bradham's Pharmacy... Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, New Bern, NC"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, en plein aire, 9-2008.

Click on image to see a larger view...
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This painting, "Bradham's Pharmacy... Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola," is set in downtown New Bern, North Carolina and was painted en plein aire as part of the 6th Annual Worldwide Paint Out sponsored by the International Plein Air Painters. It marks the spot that was once a pharmacy where Caleb Bradham invented "Brad's Drink" in 1898 which he later patented as Pepsi-Cola. The historical site is owned by the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company which serves as Pepsi memorabilia store where visitors can purchase a variety of Pepsi products and even belly up to a vintage soda fountain. I had a blast painting this one and met several nice people while working on it...

Photograph of sign on the building...



This original oil painting by American Artist, Bernie Rosage Jr. may be available for purchase... Check out Bernie's blog HERE...

"Tunnel Hill Battle Paintout"

As part of the annual "Worldwide Paintout" publicized by International Plein Air Painters, we had a wonderful weekend at the "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment in Northwest Georgia.
pictured front row (l-r) are Gretchen Allen, Allison Doke, and BJ Wright
back row - Phyllis Franklin, Cathy Cooksey, Cecil Warfel, Patti Vrobel, Shane McDonald, John B. Guernsey and Sandra Babb. We couldn't find Tim West - he was somewhere painting on the 83 acre property.
Both days were in the 90+ degrees, but we found plenty of shade and lots of interesting subjects for plein air painting. Everyone had such a good time that there's already talk about next year.

Early Summer Hay by BJ Wright

8" x 10" oil on RayMar panel painted en plein air, alla prima, on June 25th (completed at 9:30am) - $85 including shipping - contact me at beejw@charter.net for purchase.
The hayfields in Tunnel Hill have offered an endless source of painting ideas this early Summer. Every time I visit the property, I'm struck with a sense of quiet and peaceful existence. The shadows are always deep with purples playing against the yellow/orange of the hay. It's a wonderful palette to behold.
Next weekend (September 6th and 7th) the property will be the site of the annual "Battle of Tunnel Hill" Civil War reenactment. This year our location will also host the "Tunnel Hill Battle" paintout in conjunction with the International Plein Air Painters' "Worldwide Paintout".