Mt. Lebanon, PA. Plein Air Paint Out, Oct. 2-6, 2012

Church Restoration (St. Bernards), 11 x 14 in., Oil on Linen

I was invited to participate in the first year of the annual Plein Air paint out in Mt. Lebanon, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh. It was a well run event, the brainchild of David and Linda Csont. David had participated in the Easton Plein Air event, one of the bigger events that happens in Maryland every July, and decided he wanted one in his home town.

Trolley Clock, Mt. Lebanon, PA., 11 x 14 in. Oil on Linen

Mt. Lebanon is a 1st ring suburb of Pittsburgh and so benefits from train service into the city, walkable streets, and a vibrant business and restuarant district. It’s a beautiful town and it was nice to see children walking to school in a safe and clean community.

Mt. Lebanon Trolley Bus — The bus that the Plein Air Mt. Lebanon hired to give the artists a tour of the town.

There were substantial prizes, none of which I won, alas! But it was well judged by Pittsburgh artist Ron Donoughe and there were many good painters. I did sell a couple paintings and I had a terrific time. I tried to paint larger then I normally do, because it was a competition. They do take longer, however and I only finished 4 works in the 3 days. The “Trolly House” painting I gave as a well deserved gift to my hosts for the week, John and Lillian Sweeney, who made my stay wonderful and kept me well fueled with food, wine and good conversation!