Discovering Plein Air Painting in Sarasota

It's easy to see why Sarasota is home to so many aspiring and acclaimed artists — with inspiration everywhere you turn and landscapes so picture-perfect, they're begging to be painted or sketched. One of the reasons so many people choose to visit Sarasota is because of its natural beauty. Of course, the mild, warm winters also have a little something to do with it. From the beaches to the historic parts of town and all the wildlife in between, there's no escaping the beautiful scenery that Florida's Cultural Coast has to offer. 

If you've ever been interested in painting or drawing in the great outdoors but weren't quite where to start, Sarasota offers plenty of opportunities to grab a blank canvas or sketchbook and get outside!

Plein Air Artist Groups

Here's a cool idea–gather a group of artists interested in plein air painting and bring them together for outdoor events. That's the concept behind Light Chasers, a group based in Venice that has regular plein air painting events and other happenings. Its members love to capture Sarasota County's pristine beaches, tropical palm trees, wildlife, sunsets and boat-filled waterways. You can become a member of the group to receive regular updates and get all the plein air scoop!

If painting feels intimidating or too messy, how about taking up "urban sketching"? While plein air painting often captures natural, sunlit landscapes, the focus of urban sketching is observing urban scenes from life, with drawings telling stories of your surroundings, also done on location. Urban Sketches Sarasota takes place monthly at various city locations by such as Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota, Centennial Park in Downtown Venice and The Bay Park. Everyone from experienced sketch artists or enthusiastic amateurs are welcome. 

Art Center Sarasota

As the name implies, Art Center Sarasota covers all things art in Sarasota County, as it's done for 100 years. That includes an occasional series of plein air painting introduction classes led by artist Maggie Bosco. The class promises to cover how to capture light, atmosphere and landscape with confidence over three sessions. Check the Art Center's website for exact times, fees and what supplies to bring.

The Bay Park

On the first Friday of each month, The Bay Park holds its free Art in the Park event in partnership with Art Center Sarasota teaching artists. These hands-on sessions feature outdoors art creation designed to get your creative spirit going! Recent and upcoming arts themes include Paint a Poem, Mask Making, and Bottlecap Mandalas (weather permitting). Basic student-grade supplies are provided free of charge for those getting started. If you’re more experienced, feel free to bring your favorite materials and tools. Just be sure to sign up early, as this is a popular recurring event with registrations accepted only four weeks in advance.

Selby Gardens

At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, you can enjoy 15 acres of beautiful plants and lush foliage right on Sarasota Bay. If it matches your schedule, take a Painting the Gardens en Plein Air class. Discover how to become more in tune with your surroundings by learning how to paint from live observation during the one-day class. You also will discover color mixing, complementary colors, perspective, value and proportions. The class uses easy-to-clean acrylic paints and provides a step-by-step demonstration. Bonus: You can enjoy exploring the gardens and exhibitions after the course.

Sarasota Plein Air Workshops

Painting courtesy of Vladislav Yeliseyev

Join artist Vlad Yeliseyev for a three-day workshop in late March 2026 that offers both painting outdoors and an immersive introduction to watercolor painting with freedom, spontaneity and clarity. You'll have the chance to paint at some of Sarasota's most picturesque locales while learning about light, color and atmosphere. Check out the workshop to get more practice and gain confidence in your plein air painting skills.

"Personally my favorite locations are old historical places which are rapidly changing, especially in the recent development boom. By preserving the old landscapes in our art, we can play an important role in the indirect preservation of them," says Yeliseyev. "Locations such as these usually have a rich history behind them. The task of the painter is the ability to see it and describe it through a subjective point of view, preserving the depth of historical significance along the way."

Painting courtesy of Linda Richichi

A local artist, originally from NY, Linda Richichi is represented by Burns Gallery in Downtown Sarasota. She chose to live in Sarasota for the variety of intense colors in the buildings and scenery. You may find her and her students painting/sketching with pastels on South Lido Beach under the trees, capturing the sailboats at the Sailing Squadron or immersed in the flow of sunset at Sarasota Bayfront Park. Check out her in-person workshops to unlock your inner artist.

DIY Painting & Sketching Spots

If you'd rather do some plein air painting or urban sketching on your own, then you've got a primo choice of spots to explore around Sarasota County. A few suggestions not already mentioned include: Venice Fishing Pier, The Ringling, Siesta Key Beach, Ken Thompson Park, Lemon Bay Park, Myakka River State Park, Historic Spanish Point, Dearborn Street in Old Englewood Village, St. Armands Circle on Lido Key and Historic Burns Court.

Painting courtesy of Katie Dobson Cundiff

Local artist, Katie Dobson Cundiff, paints and teaches full time as an adjunct professor at Ringling College of Art + Design. A love of the outdoors and a passion for painting has resulted in numerous awards and recognition in plein air events and festivals across the country. When asked about the best places around town to set up an easel or open a sketchbook, she was also happy to share some of her favorites:

"The south side of Lido Beach is perfect for plein air painting because of its interesting mix of beach and vegetation," she says. "City Island, Ken Thompson Park and the Sailing Squadron feature water views with boats, vegetation and beautiful views of Sarasota. I also like Pioneer Park for the mix of older buildings in and around the property and Bayfront Park because it has such interesting views of Sarasota Bay and moored boats."

What are you waiting for? Load up on supplies for your outdoor or urban adventures at local art store Art and Frame of Sarasota and see what you're capable of creating! After all, Nature's Canvas Awaits.