The Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association's 2007 Annual Meeting was a huge success, with 85 members in attendance-about half of our membership.

Our demonstrators this year were Robert Barber and Gavin Brooks. Rob showed us how he handles painting in the city with his signature style, focusing on fundamental aspects of painting and how he builds his compositions with color, mood and atmosphere. Gavin amazed her audience by translating a small oil sketch she had made in the field to an enormous canvas, covering the entire surface with at least one layer of paint, and resolving many of the issues of color, composition and drawing in the short time we had available. For the first time, both demonstrations were videotaped, and will be available soon for purchase.

Palette Pleasers pleased again with delicious lunches for us, which we enjoyed while catching up with friends new and old.

The business part of the meeting began with Ross Merrill, Acting President, recognizing the contributions and achievements of outgoing President Sharon Littig. In gratitude for her years of service, she was presented with a Lee Boynton palette. Ross then introduced our new President, Lee Boynton, who in turn introduced our new Chairman of the Board (Rob Barber), and our new Vice President (Eva Carson). Lee recognized the contributions of Ross over the years, and outlined some of the details of the vision that he has for the organization in the future. Questionnaires were filled out by the membership so the leadership could get an idea of what is working and what needs improvement in the organization. Copies of the questionnaire can be downloaded here, along with instructions on how to get them to Lee.

Michael Skalka started the afternoon program with a discussion of the lightfastness of watercolor and oil paints, using his gentle sense of humor to lighten an otherwise very technical and complex subject. Ross and Lee followed up with a discussion and powerpoint presentation of plein air gear that works-and some that doesn't. It was a very informative presentation.

Many thanks to all who helped make it happen. Mark your calendars now for the third Saturday of 08 for next year's meeting!