Plein Air Painters of Utah cartoon by AD Shaw

The mission of the Plein Air Painters of Utah is to create, promote and educate the public regarding plein air painting. Also, we desire to strengthen the camaraderie and carry on the tradition of painting outdoors. We encourage creativity and the pursuit of excellence and will uphold the highest degree of professionalism and quality of paintings created by the members of this organization. Through our paintings we wish to cultivate the spontaneity and freshness demonstrated by those exceptional plein air painters of the past.

Membership Criteria

The Plein-Air Painters of Utah recognizes the superiority of method, in working directly from life on location, and honors working artist's professional standing in the arts community. We also recognize the importance of studio work, which is a byproduct of years of plein air training and experience.

New member applications to the Plein Air Painters of Utah are made by invitation only, and candidates must be nominated by an existing member of the group.

(Artists who are not members of the Plein Air Painters of Utah, are welcome to participate in monthly paint-outs, as a guest of a P.A.P.U. member, as long as the inviting member is in attendance at that same paint-out.)

Criteria for membership in P.A.P.U.

After being nominated by an existing member, (active or emeritus status), the prospective new member will be considered on the following points:

1. Candidates must be active plein air painters - (Members on emeritus status are the exception.)
2. Candidates for membership must be professional artists, as demonstrated by their standing in the art community.(To be considered professional, the artist will be evaluated on the basis of):
   a - Quality of work, as voted upon by the general membership.
   b - Additional qualifying markers would be such things as; regular art sales in galleries, shows, and on line. Other considerations might be such things as - awards, level of dedication to plein air painting, and the artist's ability and willingness to demonstrate and teach in various settings. (Prospective new members would also be encouraged to participate in group activities as often as time permits.)
3. In order to vote, members meet as needed, and voting can be done in person, or by other means, such as by phone, e mail or text to the President of the organization.
4. It takes a 3/4 majority of the general voting membership to sustain someone for inclusion in the group. To ensure a timely voting process, not all members need to vote, but all members must be given the opportunity to respond within a reasonable time, by e mail, or other methods of communication, as stated above.

Plein Air Painters of Utah cartoon by AD Shaw

Copyright P.A.P.U. All images are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the artist.