Member News

Third Saturdays of the month, 10:30-12, at the monthly meeting.

UNM Continuing Education Conference Center, North Building, Classroom D, 1634 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131. Guests are welcome!

Wendy Ahlm: Jan 24, Gouache.

Karen Halbert: Feb 21, Dynamic Symmetry

Michele Byrnes: May 16.

Wendy Ahlm:

Have you tried this new hot medium yet? Wendy Ahlm will demonstrate how she paints in gouache and lead you through some swatching exercises so that you can try out the medium and practice what she considers one of its most versatile, yet confusing characteristics: viscosity.

Wendy received a BFA in printmaking and painting from Carnegie Mellon University. Her landscape paintings in oil, gouache, and watercolor capture shifting light and atmosphere infused with vibrant surprises of color. Wendy’s sense of joy and playfulness often seeps into her paintings with unusual subject matter and an elevation of common, everyday scenes that tell a story. She has  won numerous artwork awards. Website

From Lise, PAPNM Member (and PAPNM Communications Director):

Lise Neer has had a painting accepted into the 2026 Arizona Pastel Artists Association’s 10th Open International Exhibition at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona. This event is an exciting exhibit that showcases outstanding pastel artworks from around the United States and the world. Thank you for participating! The Jurors of Images were Margaret Dyer and Stephie Clark, with Karen Budan providing her expertise as judge of awards. The show will be available for online viewing after February 28, 2026 at apaa.wildapricot.org and the ShowSubmit Gallery.

"I will be in good company, knowing that several other PSC members’ artworks have also been accepted!"

Congratulations Lise!!

From Natasha: 

“Dear Natasha Isenhour,

We are very pleased to inform you that your painting, Left Behind to Reflect, has been selected by juror Lyn Asselta for the 1st Prize of $1000 in the Established Category in our 2025 Dakota Pastels Fourth Quarter Pastel Competition! Wel deserved! The painting will automatically move on to the year-end Grand Prize portion of the contest. “

Thank you Lyn for this amazing honor!!! Still can’t believe it!

From Michelle:

The wonderful Manager of the much loved Abiquiu Inn started this idea last November and each one is a bigger success!

Kick off your New Year with some playful FUN...join us on Thursday, January 22nd. 'SIP & PAINT' Event!  4 to 7pm.

I will provide all of your supplies.  Bring a pizza box to take your painting home & sign-up early as we only have room for 18 painters!

If  you are coming from out of town, rooms at the Inn are 25% off in January!  This upcoming session will be done with ACRYLICS!

Call Abiquiu Inn to Register!  505-685-4378

Click here for full article: Handell article ONLY Modern Impressionist .pdf

Congratulations to PAPNM Members, Tobi Clement, for her Honorabkle Mention award and Spike Ress for his selection in the top 20 paintings, chosen by judge, PAPNM Master Artist member, Albert Handell.

Invited Faculty Member

Congratulations, Wendy. 

Here's a link to the bootcamp info:

https://www.gouachebootcamp.com/#id-6Z-d6Elmz-274

We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors.

Today’s feature is on the President of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Jack McGowan.

“I love experiencing Peak Fall Color, on Aspen Vista Trail, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains above Santa Fe,” says Jack. “Soon after I started painting one recent day, a group of students from New Mexico School for the Deaf happened by, and were drawn to my easel and the plein air process.

“When I asked if they wanted to ‘help me paint,’ they hesitated for a beat, then said, Yes! Each of the dozen or so kids relished their chance to take the brush, dig into the paint, and leave their mark on the canvas. What a thrill!”

Jack McGowan is represented by Legends Of The West Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM (www.legendsofthewestfineart.com).

https://www.outdoorpainter.com/plein-air-today-reader-spotlight-jack-mcgowan/

https://showsubmit.com/gallery/ais-6th-annual-all-member-online-exhibition

Congratulations!!

Read Taos News' Article with information on the Coors' Show++:  https://www.taosnews.com/tempo/arts/chris-morel-brings-the-heart-of-taos-to-denver/article_04acd782-ca0c-5fd9-9f8f-2aff3a0d51dd.html-  : Chris Morel brings the heart of Taos to Denver.

YouTube videos from Plein Air Magazine's Art School Live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZA7lB0sGa0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBw_G5-mbLw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM20TwAt5uQ

4 Chris Morel Paintings at the Coors' Show: