Plein Air Paint-Out at Brookside Gardens

1800 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Friday, September 25, 2026, 9am to noon.

The park opens at sunrise.  If you want an early start, you may arrive anytime after the park opens.  We must, however, be done by noon.

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese inspired Gude Garden, Idea Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. 

Registration is limited to 20 people. Please RSVP.

Important guidelines:

• Please bring a drop cloth in the event you set up on or near a bench or stone/brick walkway. The benches are memorials to loved ones so please be respectful and especially careful when near them.
• You may bring water, but no food.
• Equipment:  as noted below, limit your kit. Tables are NOT allowed. You may bring a small stool along with your easel. Do NOT sit on the rock walls. 
• If near a path, limit your space allowing a 4 ft clearance around you
• Expect to walk into the gardens to paint. You will not be able to work out of the trunk of your vehicle. 
• Keep your gear compact. No large carts. Small wheeled carriers are ok.
• Budget your time. There is an afternoon event scheduled, and we must be finished and headed out no later than noon. 
• Please come to the visitor center’s front entrance. A member volunteer will be there  around 8:30 to meet you.  Note: There are 3 entrances but the main entrance goes to the large visitor center parking lot.

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 park 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

Key Dates: 

• Workshop: October 14-16 (3 days)
• 20 total registrants
• MPS Member Registration Begins: August 14, 2026
• Non-Member Registration Opens: September 14, 2026

Workshop Description:

Do you want to break free from the restraints of your reference photos and paint boldly and confidently?  

In this workshop we’ll explore the power of  value, color, and composition. Using a variety of techniques, we’ll learn to create vibrant, expressive landscapes with bold mark making - a key to keeping our paintings fresh and dynamic.  

There will be a focus on learning to see color and temperature to create mood in our work and free ourselves from the limits of our references.

Materials List

About the Artist Instructor: 

Kim's landscapes are inspired by the beautiful woods of Washington State where she lives. She plays with light filtering through trees, reflective ponds, and stunning skies. She also enjoys the occasional still life and wildlife painting.  

She is a Master Circle member of the International Association of Pastel Societies and a Signature member of the Northwest Pastel Society. She exhibits regularly around the globe and has won numerous awards. Her work is in private and public collections worldwide, including the Pastel Museum in Saint-Auyale, France.

https://www.kimeshelman.com/about

Details: 

• Cost: $450
• Dates: October 14-16, 2026
• Location: Howard County Arts Council, 8360 Court Ave Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Registration opens for Members 4 weeks before non-members. 

Registration:

• Class size is limited to 20 and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis with priority given to Maryland Pastel Society members.  
• Accommodations, meals, and supplies not included.
• Full payment is required at the time of registration. Multiple payment options are available: credit card or check.   

IMPORTANT NOTE: Completion of the registration form AND receipt of full payment of $450 will place you on the roster.  A confirmation email will be sent to you after your full payment is received.  

REFUND POLICY: Full refund of registration fee available if registration canceled more than 30 days prior to event. After that, fee only refunded if vacant slot is filled.

Fall General Meeting

Mark your calendars now. Check back later for details.

 Quarter

Signature Member Applications

Due November 28, 2026

Maryland Pastel Society members in good standing may submit work to be juried for signature member status.  Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.

Signature member status represents the member's achieving excellence in the use of soft pastel and application of the principles of design.

Guidelines and Standards

Principles of Design are used when evaluating artwork submitted with applications for Signature status. Ensure that you understand all of the guidelines and that your work displays appropriate qualities as described in the MPS Principles of Design. Visit the Member Resources page to download the MPS Principles of Design.

When you are ready to submit your application packet, send it to signature@  marylandpastelsociety.org

Requirements for artwork:

By submitting your application for Signature membership, you attest that the artwork you submit meets all four of the following:

• Was executed primarily (80 % or more) in soft pastel;
• Is of your own original concept and execution, not derived from any published or created images to which you do not hold the copyright;
• Has not been executed in whole or in part in an instructor-led classroom or workshop setting and;
• Was completed within the past three years.

To complete this application, you will need: 

• a one-page resume.

• 5 Digital images of your paintings, their titles & sizes. Images should be of high quality, cropped neatly to show only the paintings. Do not include framing or any distracting background in the image. Size should be reported as Height x Width (H x W) in inches (e.g. 8x10)

Applications will be reviewed at the upcoming MPS Board Meeting. 

Please contact signature @ marylandpastelsociety.org if you have questions.