Pittsburgh Plein Air Collective Frick Park & Nature’s Palette

About the Exhibit

Experience Frick Park through expressive brush strokes and bursts of color with the (mostly) watercolor works of Pittsburgh's Plein Air Collective. Frick Park and Nature's Palette is the Collective's inaugural show, proudly presented in the backdrop that served as the source of their inspiration. The collection of works captures moments of natural splendor and joy found in the park. The collective encourages all who appreciate the beauty of Frick Park to continue to explore this special place in new and creative ways.

On view through end of November 2025. 

Opening Reception

Join us for the opening of Frick Park and Nature's Palette on Thursday, September 4, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Experience Frick Park as depicted through the changing of seasons. 

Meet us in the Frick Environmental Center, Living Room & Art Gallery

Artwork on display will be for sale by the artist with a portion of the proceeds going to the parks, helping us continue to care for the green spaces that spark creativity and connection.

Programming

In connection with the exhibit, the Collective is hosting a Painting in the Park Community Event and painting workshop on September 14th. 

Paint in the Park Pop-Up

Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Experience a day of painting in the natural splendor of the Frick Environmental Center campus.  Art and nature enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome and may bring portable painting tools onto the grounds (easels, chairs, umbrellas, etc.) or just come as you are!  This day-long event is free and open to the public. Participants may check-in at the welcome tent located near the gate house entry. Drop in, or stay for the whole event, light rain or shine.

Come join us for this day of creativity and community!
 

Painting Demo/Workshop with Teri Geever 

Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 10:30 -11:30 a.m. 

$10 Fee includes watercolor painting supplies.

Join watercolor artist and Teri Geever for a demonstration of simple techniques and tips for painting trees. Teri is a member of the Plein Air Collective, and this workshop is part of a larger Paint in the Park Community Event.

All skill levels are welcome. Please join this one-hour workshop, then use your newfound skills to continue painting across the grounds of Frick Park.
 
Limited spots available. Please register below.

About the Collective

The Pittsburgh Plein Air Collective paints outdoors each Friday, spring through fall, in scenic locations throughout the region. Founded in 2015, this small group of (primarily) watercolor artists, supports each other’s individual artistic styles and encourages experimentation with new ideas and techniques. In winter, (or wet weather) members meet indoors—often in coffee shops, the Environmental Center or in each others’ homes. This year, the collective selected Frick Park as a focus for multiple painting sessions throughout the changing seasons. 
A watercolor painting of trees is expressive and colorful.
Watercolor painting by Donna Coufal.

What is Plein Air Painting?

 
A person paints outside amongst tall grass, while holding an umbrella to protect themselves from the sun.

Jennifer McNulty, collective member working on a plein air painting; photo by Dean Simpson.

Plein air painting is the practice of creating artworks outdoors, directly from the subject, typically a landscape, in natural light. The French term en plein air literally translates to "in the open air". This method contrasts with studio painting, where artists often work from sketches or photographs. 

A watercolor painting depicts trees on a hill and a small person looking up at them.
Watercolor painting by Teri Geever.