What is Plein Air Painting?
“En plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color, and movement into their works.
Come give it a try! No experience necessary!
This Week's Painting Locations & Announcements
LOOK HERE FOR LAST MINUTE CHANGES TO OUR SCHEDULE.
Especially during summer months, rain will be a determining factor. Please watch the weather forecast for the area we are to be painting at and check emails and website for last minute announcements.
TIME CHANGE: *Due to heat, WE ARE ADJUSTING START TIME TO BE AROUND 8-8:15, with CRITIQUE at 11:00am. Of course you can come anytime you want if this is too early for you.
COMING UP:
7/15 – Paint Out CANCELLED!
What We Do
We paint on Wednesday and some Saturday mornings, at a different location each week. We start around 8:30-9:00 and gather for a critique at 11:30. This is a friendly gathering to share our paintings and encourage each other. Staying for the critique is not required but strongly encouraged! Saturday paint outs may be in the morning or late afternoon/evening. Check the current schedule.
Our monthly schedule will rotate between locations in and around Fort Myers and the surrounding areas including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and sometimes even Naples.
The paintings we do each week can be seen on both Facebook and Instagram! Follow Us!
Upcoming Schedule
Always check the THIS WEEK’S PAINTING LOCATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS at the top of page before coming to a location. Often the weather plays a significant factor during the summer months. If you are on the group email blast, any changes will be emailed out also.
JULY 2026
7/1 – Wednesday – Salty Sams Marina, 8:30-11:15am, Fort Myers Beach, 2500 Main Street, FMB, 33931
7/8 – Wednesday – Lighthouse Beach, 8:15-11:00am, Followed by Beach Time & Bag Lunch, 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 33957
7/15 – Wednesday – CANCELLED – NO PAINT OUT!
7/22 – Wednesday – The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 8:15-11:00am, 26811 S Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134
7/29 – Wednesday – Bowditch Point Park, 8:15-11:00am, *Followed by Beach Time & Bag Lunch, 250 Estero Blvd., FMB
Group News...
TIP: Painting Under an Umbrella
Many of you stop painting in plein air due to the heat in the summer. Painting under an umbrella greatly reduces how hot it feels when outside painting. It is well worth purchasing one.
SO WHAT TYPE OF UMBRELLA SHOULD YOU BUY?
You don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive professional plein air umbrella. There are many other alternatives. You just want to make sure that the underside of the umbrella is white or silver because if it is a color, that color will reflect down on your pallet and canvas and alter the colors. I suggest NOT clamping your umbrella to your easel because if a strong wind comes, it can act like a kite and take your entire set up down. If you like to sit and paint, they sell small umbrellas that clip to a lounge chair.
UPCOMING SHOW THEME IS THE ESSENCE OF WATER: The theme is open to interpretation and is not specifically a plein air show however it is a great opportunity to do some plein air painting! Intake is July 21 (9-noon). Show runs from July 22 – September 8th.
As your summer starts, I want to make you aware of two plein air shows that will be taking place next season. If you like to plan ahead, spend some time this summer painting pieces specifically for these shows! More details for these shows will be posted in the fall when they become available.
Iconic Images of Southwest Florida – This annual show is in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Painters of Naples and Bonita Springs and the Pastel Society of Southwest Florida. Previous years this show has been at the Norris Center. We will have a different location this year. It will be hosted by The COCO Gallery in Naples. Chairperson is Dana Enders. Receiving is Dec. 1st and the show runs through Tuesday, Dec. 29th. Up to 3 framed entrees can be submitted along with 5 unframed, matted and bagged pieces for the bin work. All work submitted must be 80% completed in plein air.
FMBAA Gallery – Plein Air Exhibit – Receiving is Jan. 12. Show runs through February 23.
All work submitted must be 80% completed in plein air.
Lunch & Learn Series – Every Saturday but there are several coming up that will be most helpful to plein air painters!
Find the Lunch & Learn schedule under the workshop tab on the website.
Lee County Parking Pass
Some locations in Lee County are available to park for free, if you have a Lee County Parking Pass. Those include some beaches and parks that we fequently visit.
Fee $60 for 12 months. Click on link below to go to the website.
Frequent Locations
Keep scrolling to find the individual locations, listed in alphabetical order. Click on location name to see map and details.
Alliance for the Arts
10091 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33919
The Alliance for the Arts is off of McGregor Blvd. and sits on a large corner lot adjacent to the Edwards Building. There are many interesting things to paint between the two properties.
Parking near the Edwards Building under the big trees.
Bathroom access will be inside the Alliance.
Bayshore Live Oak Park
23157 Bayshore Road
Punta Gorda, FL
Bayshore Live Oak Park is the focal point of Charlotte Harbor Historic District. Enjoy vistas of the harbor, fishing pier, banyan trees, kayaking and canoeing, and nature trails. Restrooms on site. FREE PARKING.
Beach Pottery
17980 San Carlos Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach
Parking – No Fee
Park on the left of the front, along the fence gravel area. They reserve the paved area right in front for customers.
Brilliant assortment of large and small colorful pots, both in front of and at the rear of the shop. Cafe on premises. If you are staying for lunch, meet in the back at the tiki hut.
Blind Pass/Tuner Beach
17200 Captiva Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
Sanibel Toll Required
Parking – $5 hourly using app on phone. (*Lee County parking pass is valid at Turner beach side only!)
Paint on either side of Blind Pass. Restrooms located on Turner Beach Side near the jetty.
Critique will be on the Blind Pass side of beach in the shadow of the bridge. Bring your lunch and wear you swim suite. Stay and make it a beach afternoon!
The Boat House Tiki Bar and Grill
17101 State Road 31
Fort Myers
Paint around Marina and restaurant. Bathrooms available. Restaurant opens at 11:00 and group typically stays for lunch after our critique.
Bonita Beach Access #1
27890 Hickory Blvd
Bonita Springs, FL
STATUS SINCE HURRICANE – unknown
Parking – $2/hour
Lee County Parking Stickers are accepted here the website says.
This access is located north of Bonita Beach Park.
Bowditch Point Park
250 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach
Portable Bathrooms are in a nice trailer towards the front of the parking lot where the bus drops off. Paint at the beach, up on the point or boats and docks on the bayside. Critique at the beach side picnic tables.
at
Cape Harbour and Harbour View Gallery
5828 Cape Harbour Drive
Cape Coral, Florida
This great location in Cape Coral features waterfront restaurants & shops along a marina. Please don’t block walkways. Several of our weekly artists have work in Harbour View Gallery.
Parking – FREE – There is a parking lot that sits between the shops and across from Rum Runners.
Bathroom – there are public restrooms in the breezeway between Harbour View Gallery
and the French Press
Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park
15801 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Lovely natural location with pines, wetlands, grasses, wildlife and lily pads. No public bathrooms. Closest gas station is about a 9 minute drive. Coming north on 41, pass the dump and then the entrance will be on the left.
C
Dean Park Historic Residential District
2685 Rhode Island Ave
Fort Myers
Location
Located at the north edge of downtown Fort Myers river district. GPS advised.
Critique
Critique will take place at Triangle Park which is at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue, Cranford Avenue and Providence Street. You can Google Triangle Park Fort Myers.
Parking
Parking on streets where signs allow.
About the park
80 historic homes built 1916-mid 1920s.
Edison Park Historic District
Fort Myers, 33901
Directions: Use 1619 Llewellyn Drive, Fort Myers 33901
To the right and behind the church is a grassy parking lot. Entrance to Edison Park Neighborhood on McGregor is noted by the 1926 historic “Rachel” fountain. Closest Public restrooms would be the Publix down the street. Learn more at www.edisonparkfortmyers.org
Erickson & Jensen Seafood Packers
1100 Shrimp Boat Lane
Fort Myers Beach, Fl
When heading to FMB, Main Street is on the left just before the FMB Bridge. Turn right onto Shrimp Boat Lane. Park in the parking lot that runs along shrimp boat lane prior to reaching the waterfront. Boats are docked between the old Trico Market and Erickson & Jensen Seafood Market. We only have permission to be at Erickson and Jensen’s. The warehouse to the left of the waterfront is a different property and they do not want us there. The old Trico market property is also fenced off. We have permission to park around the pink building at Erickson & Jensen’s. During working hours, we can use their private restroom in their office which is in the pink building. When we paint there on a Saturday we will not have access to that bathroom. Closest restroom would be at Parrot Key restaurant a few blocks down the road. Depending on construction, we are allowed to paint in the framed out building that doesn’t have walls. It provides nice shade and a barrier if it is windy. That is where we will meet for critique. You are allowed to paint in other spots but please remember this is a working waterfront. Do not get in the way of any equipment or work being done.
Critique at 11:30.
Estero River Outfitters
20991 S. Tamiami Trail
Estero
Paint stacks of kayaks along river. Very little shade at this location. Tight spaces between kayaks, so please don’t set up in small pathways that might block workers or customers from getting by or getting to kayaks. Port-A-Potty on site. Meet at back of parking lot for critique at 11:30.
Everglades Wonder Gardens
27180 Old 41 Rd.
Bonita Springs
Pre-approval needed for us to enter as a group.
Discounted entree fee is $10 pp, $8 for 65+. RSVP needed for this paint out!
Parking – Park to the right in the back.
Flamingo pond, pavilions, wildlife, tropical gardens.
Critique under the big tree just inside entrance.
Group will often go to lunch afterwards at the Survey Cafe ½ block away, 10530 Wilson St.
Farmer Mike’s U-Pick – Bonita Springs Location
26031 Morton Ave, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Local farmer’s market with blooming sunflower fields when in October and November.
Fiore’s Landscape and Garden Center
15885 Pine Ridge Road
Fort Myers, 33908
Outdoor garden and nursery center. Includes garden, paths, pond with bridge and chickens. We are asked to NOT use the front parking lot. Follow the driveway to the back of the property. Critique at 11:30 near the cafe. Restrooms are in the cafe.
First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs
9751 Bonita Beach Rd.
Bonita Springs
Outdoor Meditation/Reflection Gardens. Every artist is required to bring a drop cloth to have on the ground below their easel to prevent any paint from getting on the brick walkway. Please be respectful of anyone using the garden for meditation.
Directions once on property: Follow covered sidewalk along the first building you see on the property known as Price Hall. The garden is just beyond that.
Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery Courtyard
13451 McGregor Blvd, Unit #1, Fort Myers, 33919
The courtyard outside of the FMBAA Gallery is quaint and colorful surrounded by yellow buildings, tropical foliage and several restaurants with outdoor seating.
Garden of Hope & Courage
332 8th St.
Naples
Next to the NCH Baker Downtown Hospital. Garden entrance is just east of the hospital’s main building. Tranquil setting with tropical plants and sculptures surrounding a lake that features a curving trellis with blooming bougainvillea. Do not block the walkways that are often used by people on bikes. Bikers cut through the pavilion to enter the park so please don’t block their access. Critique around the pavilion.
Gilchrist Park
400 W Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda 33950
Gilchrist Park lies along the Peace River in the heart of historic Punta Gorda. This popular park features sweeping views of the Peace River, as well as the Sunseeker Resort that dominates the shoreline just north of the US 41 bridge spanning the Peace. On the opposite side The park includes pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, a picnic area, a fishing pier (now damaged by hurricanes), pubic rest rooms and plenty of shade.
Across from the park along Retta Esplanade are some of the magnificent historic homes,some dating back to the 1800s. Feel free to explore around town for other paint-worthy subjects.
Critique at 11:30 at the gazebo near the statue of Juan Ponce de Leon that is in line with Gill Street.
Gulf Harbor
Vista River Dr.
Fort Myers, Fl
Meet at the Marina. Hostess: Joan Zeoli. (Directions in March). Critique at 11:45 near the cafe/restroom. Wonderful scenic marina, views, peninsula with tower, etc.
Gulfside City Beach Park
2001 Algiers Lane,
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Requires causeway toll to Sanibel (automatically billed $6 through lisc. plate)
PAY PARKING ($5 per hour, pay using App)
Boardwalks offer comfortable access to beach, trails, picnic tables and grills. Bathrooms near parking lot. *Parking lot is fairly small so arrive early. Bring a lunch, your beach stuff and wear your bathing suit. Stay into the afternoon for some relaxing beach time together!
Koreshan State Park
3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Blvd., 33928
$5 per car entrance fee.
Paint the park’s historic pioneer buildings among majestic oaks. Bathrooms are near parking lot. Critique at shaded picnic tables near bathrooms. Historic Part of Park closes at 5pm. Rest of Park closes at 9pm.
Lakes Park
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL
When entering the park bear right. Keep following the parking lot to the end. You will see some pavilions. This is where we will meet at 11:45 for a friendly critique. You will see a public garden. Beyond the garden is a white gazebo and a botanical section with beautiful plants, cactus, a small pond with fountain. Other parts of the park have larger lakes with bridges. In season, there is normally a farmer’s market.
Parking: Free during Farmer Market Hours! $2 an hour during other times.
The Landings
S. Landings Drive
Fort Myers, FL
This is a private community and we are only allowed in with pre-approval.
Hostess: FMBAA Member Ann Dunlop
After critique we will go to The Helm restaurant for lunch. RSVP is required for this paint out and lunch.
Directions (left side of McGregor Blvd. before College Ave). The gate will expect FMBAA members. After the gate turn Left on S. Landings Dr. Go to stop sign. Turn Right on Flagship Dr. Follow to the 2nd stop sign. Turn left onto Yacht Club Circle and continue to the Marina. Turn right into the Marina and drive to parking entrance. Walk past the Ship Store and Wheel House Restaurant to the Picnic Point Pavilion. Paint the marina, river views, kayaks, etc.
Lovers’ Key State Park
8700 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach
*UPDATE – Although reopened to the public, little vegetation left around beach. Air conditioned trailor with bathrooms.
Fee $8.00 per vehicle.
Trails, kayaks, new visitors center, beach. Tram to beach is free.
Times Square down Old San Carlos Blvd to Bayside Park, FMB
950 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach 33931
Paint the area of beach, birds, people, palms, remnants of pier or food trucks surrounding the Time Square area. Parking Fee: Lynn Memorial Park has $2.00 per hour through an app on phone. Bathrooms are the trailers in the parking lot.
Matanzas on the Bay
414 Crescent St
Fort Myers Beach
Located on Matanzas Harbor, under and next to the FMB Bridge. $3-5 Hourly public parking can be found in adjacent lots. Restrooms near Snug Harbor. Paint the canal, harbor, marina, bridge or surrounding waterfront restaurants.
Critique at Bayside Park Pavilion at 11:30.
Corner of Old San Carlos and 1st Street. (in the shadow of the Matanzas Pass Bridge)
Matlacha Community Park
4577 Pine Island Road
Matlacha, FL 33993
Free parking and restroom facilities. Paint along Matlacha Pass, the waterway by the park with views of boats, pier. Lots of interesting trees and mangroves near the pier side of park. You also can venture out on Pine Island Road where you will find colorful shops and restaurants. Be careful if you set up along road because it gets very busy during lunch time.
Critique at 11:30 near the community center building.
The Mound House
451 Connecticut St
FMB, FL
Drop off supplies and park at the designated lot down the street. Paint at the house (historic home, views to the bay, fishing pier, kayak launch).
M&M Farms
5500 Higginbotham Road
Buckingham, FL
Reservation required. This is a wedding venue on a farm that has a herd of cattle, windmill, old tractors, trucks and barns. Pens with goats, donkey, chickens and ducks. There is a flat charge of $50 for the entire group. Price will be split among the attending artists.
www.mmfarmswfl.com
Naples Botanical Gardens
4820 Bayshore Drive
Naples, FL
We do have to pay to get into the gardens. Sometimes they have specials during the summer where we can get in free or at a discounted rate.
Northshore Park and the Edison Sailing Center
13001 N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, 33903
Located just over the US41 Bridge in North Fort Myers, this small park hosts the Edison Sailing Center for Youth. The camp starts at 8:30 so try to get there early to get a parking spot! Paint the mini sail boats as they line up on the shore or wait until they launch out on the river. There is a pier and small sandy shoreline that runs along the river.
Patio de Leon
22 Patio de Leon
Downtown Fort Myers
Pay for Parking
Convenient Parking at the Lee County 2nd Street Lot. Parking lot address is 1648 Hendry Street. You pay electronically through an app you have to download on your phone. Paint the vintage buildings, cafes, fountains in the plaza, etc. Critique will be in the plaza area between 1st Street and Main Street. Plenty of shade. Please don’t block any sidewalks. The Pizza place that borders the courtyard has a bathroom. They open at 11:00. Otherwise, the closest public bathrooms are three blocks away at the Fort Myers Regional Library.
Pottery Express & Bamboo Farm
25370 Zemel road
Punta Gorda, Florida 33955
We are only allowed to paint outside in open area, around the parking lot near the pond and gazebos. No painting allowed around the rows of pots or inside. Do not block walkways. May be mosquitos. Restrooms are in the yellow building that you can see from the parking lots.
Promenade at Bonita Bay
26811 S Bay Drive
Bonita Springs, Florida 34134
Open-air shopping with unique shops and restaurants surrounded by fountains, sculptures and great architecture.
Riverland Nursery
1305 Palm Beach Blvd
Fort Myers, 33905
Located north on I75. Exit to the right onto Palm Beach Blvd. Continue 1-2 miles. Nursery is on the right. Unload supplies and park in the rear.
Riverside Park
10450 Reynolds Street
Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Park includes the bandshell, butterfly garden, historic Liles Hotel, artist cottages, fountain, 9/11 memorial, and a canoe/kayak launching dock along the river.
Rotary Park
5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
The park is 97 acres including an upland area occupied by the environmental center, butterfly house, dog park, playground, picnic shelters, and some open space for playing.
TRAILS
Please note – this preserve contains marshland and is very swampy at certain times of the year. That means be prepared for mosquitos when you visit
There are several rugged trails at Rotary Park and a boardwalk at Glover Bight. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Rotary Park has a rugged trail that is less than one mile long and passes through uplands and salt marshes. Possible wildlife sightings include gopher tortoises, alligators, snakes, and a large variety of wading and migratory birds. At times, sections of this trail may be underwater, particularly during the rainy season, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear.
Rooster’s Farm Market on Route 80
15508 Palm Beach Blvd.
on Rt. 80
Alva, FL
Gate opens at 9:00 a.m. Paint goats, tractor or farmer’s stand. Critique will be to the left of the building, under the big tree where there are several tables.
The Rum Bucket Bar and Grill
5150 Buckingham Rd.
Buckingham, FL 33905
Paint on the grounds of restaurant. Picturesque setting with tropical foliage, walkways, koi pond, patio with umbrellas, perimeter of property has large oaks with moss, and view of a barn. We will have access to bathrooms once servers start to arrive between 9:30-10:00. Critique at 11:45. Stay for lunch.
,
Salty Sams Marina
2500 Main Street
FMB
Shangri-La-Springs
27750 Old 41 Rd
Bonita, Fl
Shangri-La, the historic hotel/spa, is on the right. Several acres of gardens, creek, vintage buildings.
Critique: 11:30 at Fountain.
Parking: Please leave front parking for Hotel guests, unless you need handicap parking. Park on Kentucky Street, to the right side of the property.
Restrooms: In breezeway near the courtyard behind main building
Shell Point – The Island
15101 Shell Point Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33908
*We will be painting in the area marked #4 on map. The Circle has fountains, heron statue, lagoon and bridge.
Within Shell Point, once you go through the main gate and cross the small bridge you are in the area known as THE ISLAND. It is surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River and includes beautiful garden settings with fountains, statues, and a wide water view of the bridge and river. (SEE PROPERTY MAP) We will be painting in the area marked as #4 on the map.
Directions: USE GPS. At main gate state you are with the FMBAA plein air group. Once you go through the gate, the property map will be helpful at that point.
Parking: Look for spots around the property designated as visitor spots. Do not park in any spots designated for residents!
Critique, Restaurants & Bathrooms: We will have our critique in a shady spot outside the Crystal Restaurant where we can all have lunch afterwards.
Snug Harbor/Wahoo Willies
645 Old San Carlos Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach, FL
Lunch at Snug Harbor.
Sunset Harbour Village (formerly Marinatown)
3444 Marinatown Lane,
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Tropical setting with small marina, coffee shop, kayak rentals, and several colorful restaurants with tiki huts along the water.
Third Street South
1207 3rd St S, Naples, FL 34102
To see some photos of this area visit, www.thirdstreetsouth.com
Parking is available on the street or in the parking lot behind Tommy Bahamas. We will meet for our critique under the big tree on Third Street in front of Gattle’s. For those wishing to stay for lunch the Naples Pub is nearby.
Village Shops on Venetian Bay
4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, FL
You may wish to paint shops or areas nearby. We will meet for critique at 11:45 at the area near the front of the Tommy Bahama store located near the north side of the center (see small map)
Wigert’s Bonsai Nursery
2930 South Road
North Fort Myers
33917
Bonsai nursery with koi pond. Opens at 9:00am. Ample parking and bathrooms on site.
Wild Turkey Strand Preserve
11901 Rod and Gun Club Road
Fort Myers
33913
Nature preserve has 1.8 mile trail with access to boardwalks and restrooms and a pavilion. Preserve is made up of pine flatwoods, swamps, freshwater marshes and wet prairies. Part of preserve was formally used for military and some structures still remain. Open Dawn to Dusk.
Yacht Club Public Beach
5819 Driftwood Parkway
Cape Coral
33904
Riverfront sandy beach access with restrooms and free parking.
Group News...
TIP: Painting Under an Umbrella
Many of you stop painting in plein air due to the heat in the summer. Painting under an umbrella greatly reduces how hot it feels when outside painting. It is well worth purchasing one.
SO WHAT TYPE OF UMBRELLA SHOULD YOU BUY?
You don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive professional plein air umbrella. There are many other alternatives. You just want to make sure that the underside of the umbrella is white or silver because if it is a color, that color will reflect down on your pallet and canvas and alter the colors. I suggest NOT clamping your umbrella to your easel because if a strong wind comes, it can act like a kite and take your entire set up down. If you like to sit and paint, they sell small umbrellas that clip to a lounge chair.
UPCOMING SHOW THEME IS THE ESSENCE OF WATER: The theme is open to interpretation and is not specifically a plein air show however it is a great opportunity to do some plein air painting! Intake is July 21 (9-noon). Show runs from July 22 – September 8th.
As your summer starts, I want to make you aware of two plein air shows that will be taking place next season. If you like to plan ahead, spend some time this summer painting pieces specifically for these shows! More details for these shows will be posted in the fall when they become available.
Iconic Images of Southwest Florida – This annual show is in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Painters of Naples and Bonita Springs and the Pastel Society of Southwest Florida. Previous years this show has been at the Norris Center. We will have a different location this year. It will be hosted by The COCO Gallery in Naples. Chairperson is Dana Enders. Receiving is Dec. 1st and the show runs through Tuesday, Dec. 29th. Up to 3 framed entrees can be submitted along with 5 unframed, matted and bagged pieces for the bin work. All work submitted must be 80% completed in plein air.
FMBAA Gallery – Plein Air Exhibit – Receiving is Jan. 12. Show runs through February 23.
All work submitted must be 80% completed in plein air.
Lunch & Learn Series – Every Saturday but there are several coming up that will be most helpful to plein air painters!
Find the Lunch & Learn schedule under the workshop tab on the website.