If you’ve been intrigued by creating art outdoors, you’re in luck. In Las Cruces, there are three groups aspiring artists can explore. The New Mexico Watercolor Society–Southern Chapter (NMWC–SC) holds plein air “paintouts” at locations around the area. The Las Cruces Outdoor/Urban Art Meetup Group has embraced the practice of recording urban and nature scenes in sketchbooks. The Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) Nature Journal Club helps members form a deeper connection with nature through art.
New Mexico Watercolor Society Paintouts
Nancy Tipton is the paintout coordinator for the NMWC–SC. She says, “Observing the natural elements, breathing fresh air, and taking in all the natural colors is so inspiring. Painting outside with fellow artists is fun and we learn a lot from each other and become even better painters through plein air painting.”
Finding a lovely location is important, but so is accessibility. Tipton explains, “I search for safe, easily accessible, and aesthetic places for us to enjoy painting.” They have painted at parks, gardens, Fort Selden, Old Mesilla, and other interesting locations.
The NMWC–SC meets on the second Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at Good Samaritan — Las Cruces Village at 3011 Buena Vida Circle. Guests are welcome and membership is $50 per year. Paintout dates and more at nmwatercolorsociety.org.
Las Cruces Outdoor/Urban Art Meetup Group
Ann McPhee formed the Las Cruces Outdoor/Urban Art Meetup Group over two years ago. The group gathers to sketch outdoors, unless the weather forces them inside, twice a month and once in December.
“We have all levels of artists, and all are happy to share information or advice,” McPhee says. “We have had photographers and writers attend also, just to spend a pleasant two hours out in nature.”
Location is key for these artists as well. “I will set us up at anything interesting,” McPhee explains, including at public buildings, private homes (with permission), and natural areas.
To be notified of upcoming events, search on meetup.com in the Las Cruces area and look for Outdoor/Urban Art. Join the group and RSVP when you can attend an outing. There’s no charge to join.
MVAS Nature Journal Club
The newest option for outdoor art is the MVAS Nature Journal Club. I formed the group with co-leaders Julia Osgood and Ellen Jaffe Castello this February to help others join this worldwide movement.
The MVAS Nature Journal Club meets monthly at a variety of locations to observe and record what we see in nature. In November, we’ll take a longer trip out to White Sands National Park.
One of the goals of nature journaling is to form stronger connections with nature because we care about what we’ve connected with and when we care about something, we help protect it. While creating a beautiful journal page is satisfying, nature journaling is more about the process than the product.
Learn more about the MVAS Nature Journal Club on Facebook and at MVASAudubon.org. You don’t have to be a member to participate, and beginners are always welcome. Events are also posted on the Las Cruces Outdoor/Urban Art Meetup Group schedule.
What Do You Need?
Artists, like other hobbyists, love to collect new supplies, but you can get by with the basics. If you’re heading out with the outdoor/urban art group or nature journaling club, a sketchbook is helpful, but you can use some sheets of paper on a clipboard and a ballpoint pen or pencil. Beyond the very basics, travel watercolor sets, waterproof pens, water brushes (paint brushes that hold water in the handle), and a cloth to clean your brush can enrich your experience. You can also use watercolor pencils or sticks, colored pencils, or brush pens.
If you’re going plein air painting with the Watercolor Society, you may want a pad or block of watercolor paper instead, but a sketchbook with watercolor paper will work, too.
For any outdoor activity in the desert, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, water, and layers are important. You may want to bring a portable stool or camp chair, bug spray, and snacks.
So, if you’re art-curious, this is a great time to give it a try!