Decatur Plein Air Paint Out
Every year on the day of the Decatur Sculpture Tour, plein air artists from across Indiana gather downtown and paint the local scenery.
In 2017, I signed up for the Decatur Plein Air Paint Out on a whim, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Joining that art competition led me to meeting so many talented artists and sculptors, and cemented a love of painting in the moment.
This is the first piece I ever made for the annual competition. It depicts Decatur’s local coffee shop, the Java Bean. I created this picture with watercolors. It placed second in the competition, and continues to hang in the Java Bean on permanent display.
2024
In 2024, I had an art opening for my book “The Scarf King” at the same time as an unveiling for my sculpture of the same name. I didn’t want to stray too far from the gallery ACE 40.8 or the installation site of my sculpture, so I choose to sit right outside of ACE 40.8 and do a simple street scene.
2023
Complete Printing Services is my favorite print shop. Run by Charlie Brune, this print shop is the only place I go to get quality prints.
2022
Soul Pig BBQ has the most delicious bbq I’ve ever tasted. I’ve been to several live music shows here, and wanted to capture that in my art piece.
2021
Famous Monster Pizza is the coolest Halloween-themed restaurant in town. Instead of my usual watercolors, I decided to use acrylics. I added in tiny horror movie characters enjoying a slice of pizza.
2019
Oak Room Salon approached me during the last Plein Air and asked if I’d consider painting their building next time. I loved working on the little details in this piece, getting the glimpse of sunlight. It won 3rd place in the competition.
2018
Vinnies redid their facade the same year that I decided to paint the building. It sold to the owner of Vinnies.
2017
The Java Bean Cafe was the first building I decided to paint for the Plein Air Paint Out. It won second place and continues to hang in the Java Bean today.
