Paint the Lavender!
Saturday, June 20th 2026, noon-4pm
Rain Date: Saturday, June 27th
Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery
11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Home of the annual Maryland Lavender Festival, Springfield Manor is an historic estate built in 1774 and located along Rt 15, against the Catoctin Mountain backdrop. The restored bank barn houses tasting rooms for the Winery, Distillery, & Brewery as well as additional event space. The 130-acre estate includes 2600 lavender plants of both French & English varieties. Peak bloom is Mid-June & a second bloom occurs in September. Blossoms are harvested at peak bloom to produce the award-winning Lavender Gin & Vodka.
Come prepared to enjoy the lavender and paint.
There is a $10 per person entrance fee, payable on the day of the event.
There is plenty of parking, but we recommend you arrive a little early, at 11:45, to get a good parking spot and connect with other MPS participants.
While at Springfield Manor, please set up at least 10 feet from lavender to allow guests to get around bushes safely. Indoor seating and patio seating are available in case of rain. Seating is all first-come, first-served.
If you are new to plein air painting, limit your kit. You need to comfortably carry all the supplies you need. Be sure to clean up after yourself (leave no trace). Also, visitors to the farm are likely to stop, observe, and ask questions. That's part of the plein air experience. Be gracious with your answers and enjoy the opportunity to share your love of pastels.
Here are some resources you may find useful:
MPS Checklist for Plein Air Painters
Karen Margulis’ Blog article: Packing for Plein Air with Pastels
Pastel Today article: 11 Tips for Pastel Painting En Plein Air by Lorenzo Chavez
Richard McKinley’s tips for pastel painting en plein air
