"Nebraska Water Tower" Heartland plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Nebraska Water Tower"  6x12 oil on panel  SOLD

 

I have posted before about how easy it is to drive around looking for a good spot to paint during these competitions and not getting down to business. I found myself doing the same thing during the first annual Heartland Plein Air Festival in Omaha Nebraska.  Time was slipping by for a late day sunset painting, when I realized what I was doing I slapped my forehead, pulled into the nearest parking lot and painted this scene in front of me. It sold at the gala opening. 

"After the Storm" Heartland plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"After the Storm"  7x12 oil on panel   $750

 

Huddled under a very small shelter the lightning exploded like a giants flashbulb going off and then the immediate crack of rolling thunder.  I was stuck there so might as well finish the painting right?  

One of the things I love about plein air painting competitions is how they can force you to paint in places and under conditions you normally would avoid at home. That was the case at the first annual Heartland Plein Air Festival in Omaha Nebraska!  The road trip from Seattle to Ralston was mostly hot sun and brown grass, until we arrived. Then we were treated to the great plains light and sound show!  The artists all rallied and some great art was made in spite of the weather and in many cases because of the weather! Plein air, ya gotta love it!

This painting is available at the Heartland online gallery HERE

"Sunny Side" Heartland plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Sunny Side" 11x14 oil on panel   $800

 

My next few posts will be paintings created at the First Annual Heartland Plein Air Festival Hosted by The Ralston Creative District in Omaha Nebraska. Heartland is a plein air festival conceived and organized by Debra and Don Grosser and a fantastic team of volunteers.  We had a super fun week painting in Ralston and local districts around it even though the weather was a bit stormy. 

"Sunny Side" was painted in Ralston and won an Honorable Mention from judge of awards, Rick Delanty  This painting is available through Debra Grosser Gallery. Call for more info  402-592_6552

As the artists gathered at our designated location for the day a lot of people gathered to watch the art unfold. As I set up under a tree to do this painting I turned my easel with the sun in front shading my canvas. An interested onlooker asked what I was painting and I pointed to the manufactured home with a yellow side facing the sun. He squinted, looked confused and said he didn't get it. Ha!  I couldn't convince him it's all about the light!  =]

"Quiet Cove" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

 

"Quiet Cove"  11x14 oil on panel  $800
Available through the Cole Gallery, Edmonds, WA
425-697-2787

The last post from this years Whidbey Island Plein Air Paintout, "Quiet Cove" is another painting I did at Alla Spit.  It is featured in a new show at the Cole Gallery in Edmonds called "Our Northwest Landscapes, Light and Place"  Don't miss this amazing exhibition of local Northwest landscapes by some of the best painters working in the Pacific Northwest! 

"The Road to Alla Spit" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"The Road to Alla Spit"   8x16 oil on panel   $800

 

Sometimes it pays off to be bold when scouting painting locations. On my way to Alla Spit during the Whidbey Island Plein Air Festival I noticed this scene thinking it would make a great painting but there was no place to pull off.  I went back the next day and the owner of the property was working in his driveway so I stopped and asked if I could paint.  I heard the whole history off this property and scored a great spot to do a painting!  

"Alla Spit Lagoon" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

 

"Alla Spit Lagoon"  8x16 oil on panel   $750

I wasn't happy with the composition of this painting. I really loved the scene before me but stuck too ridgedly to what I was seeing and didnt capture the essence of the place. I was able to capture the local color so I can take my study and work it out in the studio. We will see what happens and of course, I will share it with you!  =]

"Coupeville Pier 2026" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

Coupeville Pier 2026   6x12 oil on panel

 

This is my annual Coupeville Pier painting done during the Whidbey Island Plein Air Paintout 2026. The pier is a fun place to visit when you are in Coupeville!  I paint it from different vantage points every year!

 

"Libby Beach Sunset" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Libby Beach Sunset"  6x8 oil on panel  $350

 

This is a little painting done in about 20 minuets as the sun set on the Salish Sea from Whidbey Island.

Tomorrow I will be teaching my fall plein air workshop through the Black Barn Fine Art Studio in Kingston.  If you have been thinking of giving plein air a try, this is a good workshop to get started. 

If you can't make it, contact me for future workshop opportunities.   Come on! It's fun!  =]

"Possession Point" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Possession Point"   6x12 oil on panel  SOLD

 

I spent a few days driving to the far south end of Whidbey Island looking for a good painting location I have not tried before and ended up at Possession Point State Park. I have painted here before but of course weather, light and time of day can change everything. New possibilities for compositions open up under new conditions.

I  have heard of artists who go back to the same view every month for a year and end up with a collection of paintings totally distinct from each other reflecting the seasons of the year. I think that's a cool idea and would like to try it sometime.

"Cultus Bay" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Cultus Bay"  14x18 oil on panel  $1100

 

After participating in the Whidbey Island Plein Air Paintout many times I have found a few locations that I like and serve different purposes. The Hamond Preserve is one I have painted at before on the far south end of the island. The morning hours from 8am-11am provide shade to set up and a stunning view of Cultus Bay.  

I had about four hours of peace and quiet at this small off the grid park so decided to paint a larger canvas. (14x18) I spent more time adjusting greens and loosing yellow as those greens moved back into the distance. 

"Double Bluff Park" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Double Bluff Park"  11x14 oil on panel   $800

 

Whidbey Island seems to be a magnet for giant piles of storm blown driftwood and for someone who likes to paint it, a driftwood paradise!  There are also a lot of great state and county parks along with land trusts and reserves. Above is a painting I did at Double Bluff State Park, a popular place to bring the kids and let them run wild building driftwood forts and splashing around with dogs and friends. I spent an enjoyable morning trying to be present in the moment and capturing the day on canvas. Hope you like it!

Lighthouse Demo Painting, Whidbey Island Plein Air Paintout, by Robin Weiss

 

Lighthouse Demo Painting  6x10  oilon panel  $500

Workshop students 

This was the first year teaching an Indroduction to Plein Air workshop prior to the Whidbey Island Plein Air competition hosted by the Pacific Northwest Art School in Coopeville.  Four students signed up which was not as big a class as I was hoping but I was really glad we went ahead with the workshop!  The students were excited about plein air and their enthusiasm encouraged me.  the smaller class size gave me plenty of time to spend with each student, get to know them and encourage their progress with the goal that they continue on painting outside.

David Marty painting on Alla Spit

This event is a major fundraiser for the Pacific Northwest Art School which promotes the arts in Coopeville with classes, events and scholarships for students. 

This year a group of us artists shared a big house and had a lot of fun painting and hanging out on beautiful Whidbey Island together!  Along with me and my son Maury, were David Marty, Brooke Borcherding, Janice Kirsten, Emiliya Lane and Bronwyn Groman.

"The Helo Pad" plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"The Helo Pad" 9x12 oil on panel    $600

 

We had lunch together under the apple tree at the trail head to the salt marsh/clam beds during the Plein Air Washington Artists paintout at Dosewallips State Park.   There was a nice shady spot to paint this view of the rescue helicopter pad.  I wonder how many times it has been used to rescue hikers stranded or hurt climbing in the cascades.  

artists sharing their work under the apple tree

"Elk Beds on the Dosewallips" plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Elk Beds on the Dosewallips"  6x8 oil on panel $350

 

We often see the elk herd moving through camp along the river or down at the marsh where they like to graze.  Not only can you see where they bed down but you can smell a distinct elk odor when you walk through. They can be dangerous so you need to keep your distance but I have stumbled upon them unaware on my way to the river and realized it when their heads started popping up around me.   

I love this view a bit back from the river and had to paint a quick 6x8 to get it out of my system. =]

"Dabob Bay #2" plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Dabob Bay #2 "  6x12 oil on panel   $500

 

This was my second take on the view from the observation deck at the salt marsh in the Dosewallips State Park. 

In the morning I met the artists here before we dispersed to paint. It was fun to see the painting shade umbrellas popping up along the trail.

"Dabob Bay" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Dabob Bay"  9x12 oil on panel   $600

 

Just spent a few days at the Dosewallips State Park facilitating a paintout with the Plein Air Washington Artists organization.  What a fun event and what a great turnout! Artists arrived from around the state to paint at this location which has so many inspiring views from salt water marshes to river vistas!

Painting on the tide flats

"The Log Fort" Point no Point painting by Robin Weiss

"The Log Fort"  12x16 oil on panel   SOLD

 

If you have spent any time walking along the coastal beaches of the Puget Sound you will notice the profusion of driftwood. Beach combing is a favorite pastime of mine and many others. Another thing you can't miss is the log forts scattered among the driftwood. I remember my childhood in the midwest. We didn't have driftwood but we had other resources and were always making forts and tree houses!  My son Maury made many of these forts over the years at Point no Point and this painting is a memorial to those days enjoying the sultry pacific coast summers on the beach.

This painting was sold through Artful Connexions Gallery in Port Gamble where you will find more of my recent paintings of the PNW.  Thanks for stopping by!

"The Whale Watcher" Lighthouse painting by Robin Weiss

"The Whale Watcher"  16x20 oil on canvas  SOLD

 

I am thrilled to announce that my recent oil painting, The Whale Watcher, has officially found its forever home. This piece holds a special place in my heart, capturing the breathtaking essence of Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island, Washington.

Known globally as "Whale Watch Park," this iconic location is one of the best places on Earth to spot wild orcas from the shore. In the painting, the historic Lime Kiln Lighthouse stands tall against a transforming sky, casting its warm glow over the deep blue waters of the Haro Strait. Nearby, a lone spectator stands quietly on the rugged limestone cliffs, scanning the horizon in patient anticipation of a passing pod.

Big thanks to Mara at @marasgallery.pt in Port Townsend, WA for facilitating the sale of this painting and to the collector who chose to bring this serene coastal moment into their home. May it always remind you of the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

"Fresh Produce" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Fresh Produce"  8x8 oil on panel  SOLD

 

The opening for "City Views" is coming up August 1st in West Seattle at Alki Arts!   Come out and meet the artists!

Also happening in August is the Whidbey island Plein Air Festival.  I will be teaching an Indroduction to Plein Air Workshop prior to the event on the 15th.  If you have ever wanted to try plein air painting this would be a great class to attend!  Register on the Northwest Art School website HERE

Hope to see you at one of these fun events!

"Look to the West" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Look to the West"   16x20 oil on canvas $1200
Available through Alki Arts  206-295-5115

  

The vibrant spirit of community and creativity comes alive every second Thursday at the West Seattle Art Walk. Local businesses open their doors to showcase regional talent, transforming the neighborhood into a dynamic canvas. This month, a special buzz surrounds Alki Arts with the debut of their captivating new exhibition, "City Views".

Located on California Avenue, the gallery invites attendees to immerse themselves in stunning interpretations of metropolitan landscapes. "City Views" features a diverse lineup of local artists who use various mediums to capture the vibrant, unique energy, architectural rhythms, and shifting light of urban environments. From moody, rain-soaked streets to striking Pacific Northwest skylines, the collection offers an evocative look at the places we call home.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, make sure to add Alki Arts to your itinerary. Grab a map, support local makers, and experience Seattle through a fresh artistic lens.

"Two for Ten" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Two for Ten"  20x24 oil 0n canvas  SOLD

 

I dropped off the new work for "City Views" the upcomming exhibiton at Alki Arts in West Seattle and a few sold before the show opened! If you planned on coming, no worries, all the paintings will be hung on August 1st, opening night. Hope to see you there!

More information about the show can be found at the Alki Arts website HERE

Also check out earlier posts on this exhibition!  Thanks!

"Undercover" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Undercover"  20x20 oil on canvas  SOLD
available through Alki Arts  206-295-5115

 

Capturing the Essence of Emerald City: "City Views" Comes to Alki Arts this August

West Seattle art lovers are in for a visual treat this August as Alki Arts presents its newest exhibition, “City Views.” Located in the vibrant heart of the Morgan Junction, the gallery is set to showcase a stunning collection of Seattle city paintings that explore our urban landscape through vastly different creative lenses.

This highly anticipated August 2026 exhibit features the brilliant work of three celebrated local painters: Robin Weiss, Brooke Borcherding, and Christine Sharp. In a fascinating stylistic juxtaposition, these artists will tackle some of the exact same classic Seattle subject matter, but with strikingly unique executions. Robin Weiss, an award-winning plein air artist, uses realistic techniques to capture the familiar, soulful sights of the city we all love. Meanwhile, Brooke Borcherding brings her signature contemporary style to the collection, deconstructing and abstracting those identical city scenes into geometric forms and vibrant patterns.

Whether you are a longtime resident or just visiting the neighborhood, "City Views" offers an engaging look at how personal perspective transforms familiar architecture. Be sure to check out the upcoming show times on the Alki Arts Exhibitions Page and stop by the gallery to see these masterpieces in person.

Okay, I used AI to write the above description of this upcoming exhibition... but it was pretty good!  Hope you can come to the opening on August 1st at Alki Arts in West Seattle from 5-7pm!  =]

"Walk to the Wheel" Seattle City painting by Robin Weiss

"Walk to the Wheel"  18x24 oil on canvas 
Available through Alki Arts  206-295-5115

 

Another in my Seattle City series that will be on exhibit at Alki Arts in August with an opening on Saturday, Aug, 1st.  For more info check out Alki Arts website HERE

I have been experimenting with a more tonal, expressive painting technique in this series, wanting to portray mood and feeling of place.  Hope you have the chance to see them in person!

Upcoming events;

Coming up in July and August;    My show at Artful Connextions in Port Gamble continues through July.

Really looking forward to collaborating with my friend Brooke Borcherding for a "City Views" exhibition  at Alki Arts in August!  For more info check out the website or contact 
Diane at 206-295-5115 

The 2026 Whidbey Island Plein Air Paintout is coming up again ! Join us for a week of painting on beautiful Whidbey Island in August culminating in the gala opening the third weekend in August.  I will also be teaching an Introduction to Plein Air Painting workshop on the 15th prior to the paintout. 

"Awakening" Seattle City painting by Robin Weiss

"Awakening" 20x24 oil on canvas   SOLD

 

June has been a busy month!   Lots of events, shows and work to be done on the house along with other stuff!

Coming up in July and August;    My show at Artful Connextions in Port Gamble continues through July.

Really looking forward to collaborating with my friend Brooke Borcherding for a "City Views" exhibition  at Alki Arts in August!  For more info check out the website or contact 
Diane at 206-295-5115 

The 2026 Whidbey Island Plein Air Paintout is coming up again ! Join us for a week of painting on beautiful Whidbey Island in August culminating in the gala opening the third weekend in August.  I will also be teaching an Introduction to Plein Air Painting workshop on the 15th prior to the paintout. 

More info HERE

Thanks for stopping by!!  =]   

"Port Gamble House" plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Port Gamble House"  6x8 oil on panel  $350
Available at Artful Connextions Gallery, Port Gamble
360-930-8460

 

I have been making the short drive to Port Gamble from our house for many years to paint when I had a small window to get some work done.  The town has been growing with new restaurants and businesses.

I finally have the chance to show some of my work there at a new gallery called Artful Connextions. I  will be doing a painting demonstration in conjunction with an exhibition of recent paintings for the month of June and July. 

The demo will be June 6th from 1pm-3pm in the courtyard outside. hope you can join us!!!