The sun moves, shadows change; there is only a short period of time that an artist has to capture the shifts of light and color when painting outdoors - but it is this very desire to distill the energy and freshness of nature that drives the plein air painter. Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters was formed to bring together artists who share this passion.
Monday, 29 November 2010
FLURRIES ON THE RIDGE
Plein Air Painting
by Claire Beadon Carnell
100 Paintings in 100 Days Challenge
'Inspirations from a Back Yard'
66/100
'Flurries on the Ridge'
Oil 6 x 8
66/100
Day 66
What a surprise to wake up one morning to the sight of
snow flurries coming in over the mountain ridge. The
flurries provided the perfect atmosphere for painting
this weathered old pine tree, which looked as if had already
withstood many a storm.
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
Plein Air Painting
by Claire Beadon Carnell
100 Paintings in 100 Days Challenge
'Inspirations from a Back Yard'
65/100
'The Day After Thanksgiving'
Oil 9 x 12
65/100
Day 65
Thanksgiving day was pretty cold, raw, and rainy here
in Pennsylvania (a perfect day to stay in, eat yummy food
and nap!) The day after, the wind kicked up and blew the
clouds away, leaving behind a pale light that bathed the
woods.
I have been refining my palette to get cleaner, fresher
color, and working to push the feeling of light in my work.
I was happy with what happened with this little
plein air. What do you think?
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
Friday, 26 November 2010
MOSSY SHED, ALLENBERRY by Sharon Benner

MOSSY SHED, ALLENBERRY was painted at Allenberry Resort and Inn during a SVPAP morning paint-out. The sun light filtered through the trees and illuminated this little relic of a shed with a hole and bright green moss on the roof. See more paintings at www.hanoverareaarts.com/42, contact sharonbennersart@yahoo.com
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Plein Air at the Governor's Mansion
Sunday, 21 November 2010
A Stately Entrance by Julie Riker
12x12
oil
I made arrangements for the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters to paint out in the well tended gardens of the PA Governor's Residence last week. Even though most of the flowers had gone for the season, there was still a lot of beautiful color to see. I particularly loved this shrub in the foreground with the firey red foliage.
It was a cold day to paint outside, but Tammy and the staff made us feel welcomed, even offering warm beverages and freshly baked cookies to warm us up. I think everyone had a good time.
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website http://www.julieriker.com/
Saturday, 20 November 2010
BARE TREE IN THE GARDEN
Plein Air
by Claire Beadon Carnell
'Bare Tree in the Garden'
Plein Air
Oil on linen 12 x 9
This week the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters
had the wonderful opportunity of painting in the gardens
of the Pennsylvania Governor's residence. The buildings
within the compound are beautiful, but my eye was drawn
to this scene of a bare tree standing starkly against a
backdrop of colorful fall foliage.
Although the day was raw and cold, we were warmly
greeted by Tammy and other staff at the residence,
and were even invited to come inside to warm up with
some hot tea and freshly baked cookies. Now that's
what I call some plein air roughin' it :)
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Morning Serenity -Original Oil Plein Air Landscape Oil Painting by Pennsylvania Daily Painter Pat Koscienski
9" x 12"
Oil on canvas
This scene was painted at the Conodoguinit Creek in a Community Park off Erford Road in Camp Hill, PA. It was a misty morning...I got 2 paintings that morning....this one being the earlier of the two done that day....the fog was heavier at this time, but did start to lift as I painted the 2nd. If you have any questions, contact Pat at patsfineart@hotmail.com If you want to see more of my paintings, both representational and abstract, please visit my website and blogspot at:
A SKIM ON THE POND by Sharon Benner

AUTUMN PALETTE By Cecelia Lyden

oil on canvasboard
6x8
Julie Riker arranged for our plein aire group to paint at the Govenor's mansion yesterday. We are planning to do a painting each season. The strong winds on Wednesday left many of the trees void of leaves and autumn color, but much of the shrubbery was still brilliant and contrasted beautifully with the bare branches of other shrubs.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Sunday, 14 November 2010
HANGING ON
Plein Air
by Claire Beadon Carnell
*** CRITIQUE REQUESTED ***
'Hanging On'
Oil on Linen
9 x 12
Last week our plein air group, the Susquehanna Valley
Plein Air Painters, painted at the juncture where the
Letort Creek flows into the Conodoguinet. We had
the most beautiful warm weather for the middle of
November, and many different vistas of this area
to paint.
I was really drawn to this curve where the Letort
flowed into the Conodoguinet, especially because
of the rock structures, weathered trees,
and the yellow foliage.
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
'Hanging On'
Oil on Linen
9 x 12
Last week our plein air group, the Susquehanna Valley
Plein Air Painters, painted at the juncture where the
Letort Creek flows into the Conodoguinet. We had
the most beautiful warm weather for the middle of
November, and many different vistas of this area
to paint.
I was really drawn to this curve where the Letort
flowed into the Conodoguinet, especially because
of the rock structures, weathered trees,
and the yellow foliage.
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Letort Falls by Julie Riker
11x14 oil
We couldn't have asked for a more perfect November day to paint together at this location. I tackled this day with a larger canvas than my usual and chose what proved to be a challenging view of the falls. When I started painting a large part of the falls was shaded by a tree behind me and I tried to capture that cooler light as well as the motion of the water. This is pretty much how the falls looked from my vantage point, but I am trying to decide if eliminating some of the rocks in the lower right and toward center area might make this a better painting. Any suggestions?
"Letort Rushing" By Debra Tritt Kreiger
This was painted plein air looking down on the rushing water of the Letort waterfall as it prepares to meet the Conodoguinet Creek. What a beautiful November day we had. Every plein air painting is a challenge for me . I liked all the activity going on and the calm pool near the rocks. I think I captured the rush!
To contact me about the purchase of this painting or see more of my work go to http://www.debkreiger.com/or follow my blog at debkreiger.blogspot.com or you can shop in my new store, Deb's Gifts
Friday, 12 November 2010
LETORT WATERFALL By Cecelia Lyden
8x10
Thirteen of our plein air group met on another beautiful fall day at a spot near Middlesex, where the LeTort stream meets the Conodoguinet. I have to say that capturing water splashing over rocks on canvas was a challenge but kind of fun. It suited my style of painting of working quickly and splashing paint on a canvas.
Backlit Letort by Cathy Mabius
Backlit Letort, oil 8 x 10
I joined fellow SVPAP painters yesterday to paint in Carlisle, PA on a mild November day with sparkling sunshine. It was little bit of heaven, painting to the noise of the rustling water as the Letort rushes down to meet the Conodoguinet Creek.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
6 PM October Apple Tree
Sorry to have missed painting the beautiful day today with the group...can't wait to see the new works!
This is one I finished in my yard a few weeks ago. As I was leaving my studio, the late-day light was just spilling across the back yard, and creeping right under the neighbor's tree illuminating the fallen (or piled up) fruit. T he effect lasted only minutes before the shadows moved on. I purposefully waited for the effect a few days later and was able to capture what I had missed the first time.
This one is displayed, along with works of Pat Koscienski, Claire Beadon Carnell, Ralph Hocker, Cecelia Lyden, and Lyn O'Neal at the Holiday Artists Market, 16 W. Pomfret Street, Carlisle. Stop and see this beautiful display through the end of December.
Acrylic on canvasboard, available, contact the artist.
This is one I finished in my yard a few weeks ago. As I was leaving my studio, the late-day light was just spilling across the back yard, and creeping right under the neighbor's tree illuminating the fallen (or piled up) fruit. T he effect lasted only minutes before the shadows moved on. I purposefully waited for the effect a few days later and was able to capture what I had missed the first time.
This one is displayed, along with works of Pat Koscienski, Claire Beadon Carnell, Ralph Hocker, Cecelia Lyden, and Lyn O'Neal at the Holiday Artists Market, 16 W. Pomfret Street, Carlisle. Stop and see this beautiful display through the end of December.
Acrylic on canvasboard, available, contact the artist.
Hunter's Valley View by Julie Riker
5x7 oil
I painted this tiny scene at the Hunter's Valley Winery last week. The colors were glorious that day. The grapevines were just starting to turn shades of burgundy and ochre, and the valley and distant mountains showed the full fall display.
This would be a great place for our group to meet sometime. The views are amazing...plus they offer wine tasting (which can only enhance the painting experience).
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website http://www.julieriker.com/
or my blog http://julieriker.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Mystic Memorial by Cathy Mabius
Mystic Memorial, oil, 9 x 12, completed in plein air.
When I arrived at Memorial Park in Camp Hill, PA the day was overcast. I had forgotten to add my easel back into my plein air kit, so I painted this from sitting on my supply case. As it turned out, the low view point made for an interesting composition. The sun broke through half way through the painting, but I stayed with the original cool light that was in force when I started.
I only post plein air work on this blog, but you are welcome to visit (or become a follower) on my personal blog "Art of Cathy Mabius" at cathymabius.blogspot.com. Today's post is a 20 x 30 oil of the Susquehanna River that I started in a workshop that I taught this summer "A Landscape from Start to Finish."
You are also welcome to visit my website www.cathymabius.com.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
MILLER ISLAND
by Claire Beadon Carnell
'Miller Island'
Oil 6 x 8
I painted this last year from the cabin we were staying in
while vacationing in Maine. It was so nice to just paint from
the back deck, all the while enjoying the breeze from the pond
and the sound of the loons. I wound up framing it and leaving
it behind in the cabin to thank the owners of the cabin for
letting us stay there.
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
Oil 6 x 8
I painted this last year from the cabin we were staying in
while vacationing in Maine. It was so nice to just paint from
the back deck, all the while enjoying the breeze from the pond
and the sound of the loons. I wound up framing it and leaving
it behind in the cabin to thank the owners of the cabin for
letting us stay there.
If you would like to see more of my work,
please visit my website or my blog. If you are
interested in purchasing any of my paintings you see
here on this blog, please contact me.
Monday, 8 November 2010
"Autumn by the Lake" By Debra Tritt Kreiger
This is a plein air painting I did while at Fuller lake painting with my friends from the Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters. It was a really beautiful fall day and just perfect for our painting and picnic!
To contact me about the purchase of this painting or see more of my work go to http://www.debkreiger.com/ or you can shop in my new online store, Deb's Gifts
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Autumn's Reflections - Original Oil Impressionistic Plein Air Landscape by Pennsylvania Daily Painter Pat Koscienski
This painting of the Yellow Breeches was done plein air off McCormick Road in Mechanicsburg, PA. The day was brisk, but the sun was out enough to show off the burnt siennas and yellow ochres of the autumn day. If you have any questions or wish to purchase, contact Pat at patsfineart@hotmail.com If you wish to see more of my paintings, please visit my blogspot and website at:
Saturday, 6 November 2010
River Rapids by Julie Riker
Another plein air study of water rushing over the rocks.
If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website http://www.julieriker.com/
or my blog http://julieriker.blogspot.com/
Friday, 5 November 2010
Thursday, 4 November 2010

Painted at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in October. This oil painting was painted with a pallet knife very quickly to capture the back lighting and to keep the colors clean and fresh. Please visit www.hanoverareaarts.com/42 or SharonKBennerFineArt.blogspot.com
"View from Negley Park" by Debra Tritt Kreiger

This is a view from Negley park looking over at the Harvey Taylor Bridge. My mission that day was to choose the brightest fall tree I could find and paint it. I think I succeeded.
To contact me about the purchase of this painting or see more of my work go to http://www.debkreiger.com/or follow my blog at debkreiger.blogspot.com or you can shop in my new store, Deb's Gifts
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Winter Morning on the Lake by Cathy Mabius
Winter Morning on the Lake, 12 x 12, oil
For my first post, I pulled up an image of a plein air painting that I did with two other members of SVPAP, Lyn and Sharon, a few winters ago. As I remember, the date was one of the first days in January. The location: Pinchot Park, in northern York County. Yes, it was cold -- but, as a rule, plein air painters are a hardy lot !
One of the reason that we plein air painters brave the elements and other distractions is to be able to capture the colors in nature that only our eyes can see, but a camera cannot. The reference photos from this day were almost totally monochromatic. For me capturing the color harmony is of vital importance in order to capture the feeling and atmosphere of the day.
You are welcome to visit my website www.cathymabius.com
or my blog cathymabius.blogspot.com
Labels:
Cathy Mabius,
landscape,
Pennsylvania,
plein air oil painting
2010 Susquehanna International Fine Art Competition
Attention all Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters!
Cecelia Lyden just received a comment on one of her Susquehanna River
Paintings informing her about an upcoming contest sponsored by the West Shore Gallery, Inc, and Sunbury Press, Inc.
The link to obtain contest information is http://www.susquehannaarts.org/, and the site is very clear and concise.
Digital entries must be submitted by Dec 10, 2010.
Definitely worth checking out!
Cecelia Lyden just received a comment on one of her Susquehanna River
Paintings informing her about an upcoming contest sponsored by the West Shore Gallery, Inc, and Sunbury Press, Inc.
The link to obtain contest information is http://www.susquehannaarts.org/, and the site is very clear and concise.
Digital entries must be submitted by Dec 10, 2010.
Definitely worth checking out!
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