August 2nd at The Art Store!

Hello Studio Society Members!

We’re buzzing with excitement over here at The Art Store, and we just had to share the news with our favorite people — you! Mark your calendars, set an alarm, send a carrier pigeon — Saturday, August 2nd from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM is going to be one of our most exciting days of the year.

Why? Because we’re hosting a Plein Air Festival, a full day dedicated to the art (and joy!) of working en plein air — that’s outdoors, for all of you studio dwellers. Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or new to the idea of taking your easel out into the sun and breeze, this event will be packed with inspiration, expert advice, samples, and incredible giveaways.

Michelle Montes from Hahnemühle will be with us for the day. Michelle is not only a working professional artist, but also a true paper expert. She’ll be showing off Hahnemühle’s newest eco-forward surfaces, including Agave and Sugar Cane Watercolor Papers and their new Hemp Drawing Papers. Come learn what makes these papers unique (and why artists are falling in love with them), plus get hands-on time to test them out.

Drew Hartman from Golden Artist Colors is also joining us, bringing the pigment party from Golden HQ. You’ll get to dive into QoR Watercolors, Williamsburg Handmade Oils, and Golden mediums, grounds, and additives. Ask questions, try the materials, and maybe discover your new favorite supply.

And yes, Pat Reteguiz — the one and only da Vinci "Brush Diva" — will be here as well. Pat is a walking encyclopedia of bristle knowledge and she’ll be demoing da Vinci brushes using Shiva Oils by Jack Richeson (did you know they're aged like cheese or wine before being tubed?) on Jack Richeson Linen Panels — a premium surface for serious oil painters.

Throughout the day, we’ll have samples, live demos, and chances to win incredible prizes from Hahnemühle, Golden, Speedball, and more! This is your chance to try new materials, meet the experts behind the brands you love, and connect with fellow artists who share your passion.

And because we know plein air painting means being outside in the sun, our event sponsor Vacation, Inc. will be setting up an in-store SPF Station. Vacation’s sunscreen products are vegan, reef-safe, dermatologist-reviewed, leaping bunny certified, and just plain fun. You’ll be able to try favorites like Classic Whip SPF, Mineral Lotion SPF, Classic Spritz SPF, and even Baby Oil SPF — plus you can register to win Vacation products on-site!

So whether you come for the painting, the paper, the pigments, or the prizes — just make sure you come! This is one of those events that reminds us why we love what we do, and why we adore our Studio Society community. You bring the creativity, and we’ll bring the inspiration!

See you Saturday, August 2nd from 11:00 to 4:30 at The Art Store!

XOXOX,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Art Store