The Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust (VESLT) held its biennial Paint the Shore event this fall. Paint the Shore is a plein air art show that connects artists and the community to conserved lands. A group of 17 artists painted en plein air (meaning outside) on privately owned conservation lands protected with an easement held by VESLT and Brinkley Preserve owned by Northampton County.
On the Eastern Shore, we are blessed with access to many wild places and breathtaking natural beauty. We have a rich tapestry of preserved land. The Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust holds 14,400 acres privately held but permanently preserved. Because the lands are privately owned, VESLT is always seeking ways to connect the community to these protected landscapes. Paint the Shore was one more way to open access both to the artists painting on protected lands and the community viewing the artwork at the show.
The event culminated in a November reception and art show at the Historic Onancock School. For the second time, the show included student artists from the Nandua Middle School Eighth Grade.
The Painting Process
Carrie Jacobson’s completed painting with pallete and subject matter in the background. Photo courtesy of Carrie Jacobson.
Elizabeth’s painting at Nickawampus in progress with subject matter in the background and pallete in the foreground. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rhoades.
Camden painted several watercolors at Seaview Farm. This photo shows one of his paintings still in the notebook.
Photo courtesy of Camden Whitehead.
Painting of Custis Farm in progress with subject matter in the background. Photo courtesy of Ellen Sinclair.
Student artist shows off her palette. Photo courtesy of Sarah Brown Clark.
Students paint under the picnic shelter at NMS. Photo courtesy of Sarah Brown Clark.
Students painting en plein air at NMS. Photo courtesy of Sarah Brown Clark.
Student painting in progress with palette visible. Photo courtesy of Sarah Brown Clark.
Students paint en plein air at NMS. Photo courtesy of Sarah Brown Clark.
Artist Paintings
Medium: Watercolor, Location: Seaview Farm
Photo courtesy of Camden Whitehead.
Medium: Acrylic, Location: Granger Farm
Photo courtesy of Cara Burton.
Medium: Oil on black canvas, Location: Nickawampus
Photo courtesy of Carrie Jacobson.
Medium: Oil, Location: Nickawampus
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Cochran Leonard.
Medium: Oil, Location: Willow Cottage
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rhoades.
Medium: Oil, Location: Brinkley Preserve
Photo courtesy of Ellen Sinclair.
Medium: Acrylic, Location: Nickawampus
Photo courtesy of Julie McGowan.
Medium: Oil, Location Nickawampus
Laura won the People’s Choice Award.
Photo courtesy of Laura McGowan.
Medium: Watercolor, Location: Custis Farm
Photo courtesy of Margaret Bradach.
Medium: Acrylic, Location: Custis Farm
Photo courtesy of Sarah Brown Clark.
Student Artist Paintings
Jordyn is an eighth grade student at NMS. She won the Student People’s Choice Award.
Medium: Acrylic, Location: NMS
Jordyn won the Student People’s Choice Award.
Arianna is an eighth grade student at NMS. She won the Student Artist’s Choice Award.