Artists worldwide are painting en plein air, venturing from their studios to paint along roadsides, atop mountains, by the sea, in gardens and in cities to capture landscapes, figures, and architecture in their natural elements.

Plein Air (French for "open air") painting became popular in the early nineteenth century in both Europe and America when paint manufacturers made a wide range of pre-mixed oil pigments available for the first time, and the easily transportable box easel, or pochade (quick sketch) box, was developed.  Artists could finally take their work into the field with ease—the artist could, as Monet wrote, "paint the air in which are situated the bridge, the home, the boat."

Artists paint natural light, using color to define form.  Plein air artists generally paint "ala prima," laying down a scene with quick broad, colorful brush strokes, foregoing the typical 'building up' of paint.  Depending on the light and weather, plein air paintings are generally done in one session.

Plein air painting is a pursuit unlike any other painting technique. It challenges artists to concentrate completely on the information in front of them. Their senses absorb it all, from sight to sound, from temperature to atmosphere, and then channel these feelings into their vision in paint on paper or canvas.
 

Bath County
Bath County is named for the English resort city of Bath, an ancient city visited for its healing spring waters since Roman times. For over 200 years Bath County has been defined but its natural beauty, the minerals springs that define some of its landscape, and southern hospitality. Located along the western, central border with West Virginia, Bath County encompasses 540 square miles. 89% of Bath County is comprised of forest, with 51% in national forest and 6% under state park. 

From the earliest days when weary travelers stopped to rejuvenate in the healing springs, now known as the Jefferson Pools, tourism has played a major role in the development of Bath County. Since the first Homestead Resort was built in 1766, the community of Hot Springs has been a nationally recognized four season resort attraction. The popularity of “taking the waters” in the mid-18th century secured Bath County’s place as a tourism attraction. 

Bath County is an ideal place for plein air painting. The county and surrounding area are endowed with a rich history of art and have been a destination for artists for centuries.  Most notable is Edward Beyer, who came with his wife from Germany in the late 1840s.  Beyer traveled extensively in Virginia, especially western Virginia, creating panoramic paintings of the Shenandoah Valley.  As a plein air painter Beyer’s paintings provide a vivid, colorful tour of western Virginia locales in the mid-nineteenth century. 

Bath County possesses a stunning collection of beautiful landscapes, panoramic vistas, historic architecture and an abundance of  southern charm.

Boys Home of Virginia
Boys Home provides for young men in a healthy, supportive environment. Their programming is designed to offer a life-changing experience. Caring adult supervision, a welcoming school environment, a stable living situation, and opportunities to explore educational and career options help their students become responsible, well-rounded young men. Boys Home is not an orphanage, or simply a school. They provide food, clothing, shelter and guidance, almost entirely privately financed by individuals and churches. Time spent at Boys Home is a fresh chance for a young man to mold his character in positive, meaningful ways.

Located in the beautiful Alleghany Highlands, their campus offers young men opportunities to grow and learn. The 1400-acre campus consists of eight residential cottages, an education center, a newly renovated gymnasium and student center, a dining hall, an applied trades center, a chapel, and an administration building. Students learn to live in community, advance academically, grow spiritually, and develop work skills for the future. In addition, they encourage all residents to participate in sports, hike, camp, fish, and experience nature for themselves. Each new experience gives a child a better chance to become a successful man.

A percentage of painting sales at the Farm to Table Dinner will go to the Boys Home of Virginia or you can give directly to the Home, just follow the link below and please put BCPAF in the memo line: 
boyshomeofva.org/contributions-help-us/financial-donation-donations/

In 2022, the festival donated $10,000 to the Boys Home of Virginia.