HomePaint Outs

Paint Outs

SWS Paint-Outs were important to the beginning of the Southwestern Watercolor Society and continue to be an important part of SWS today.
The first SWS Paint-Out was held in 1964. We now have paint-outs in the spring and fall of each year.

Some SWS paint-out locations around Texas have included Winnsboro, Marble Falls, Port Isabel, Archer City, Granbury, Jefferson, Comfort, Whitesboro, Mt. Vernon, Denison, Denton, White Rock Lake, Hico, Denison, Tyler, Weatherford and Nacogdoches. To attend the Paint-Out, members sign up so that we know they will be attending, reserve a hotel room as needed, and can get together with other participants at mealtimes and during the Show &Share event. Paint-Outs are a great opportunity to challenge yourself painting on location and enjoy some camaraderie with your fellow artists. Join in on the fellowship and fun!

Fall 2025 Paint-Out
Waco, Texas

November 7, 8, 9, 2025

You may come for a day or stay the weekend!
If you plan to stay the weekend, you will book your own accommodations.

All SWS members and families are invited to the SWS Fall Paint-Out taking place in Waco, Texas the weekend of November 7^th through 9^th. Register now so we can keep you posted on plans as they develop. Here are some details about the event:

Lodging:

We have secured a group rate at the Even Hotel, 110 MLK Jr. Blvd, Building B, Waco, Texas 76704, (254) 633-3836, extension 154. The group Rate is $129 for a standard king and $149 for a double queen, plus taxes, etc. Continental breakfast is included or $15 for two full breakfasts if you like that option. Reserve a room online on the SWS website if you plan to stay at the Even Hotel. The group rate is good through October 24th.

If you choose to stay at Even Hotel, book your reservation here: Hotel Registration PDF, or call (254) 633-3836 or (833) 320-9720 and tell them you are part of the Southwest Watercolor Society. This block rate is good through October 17^th. The block is limited to 10 standard king ($129 + taxes) and 5 double queen rooms ($149 + taxes), so make reservations now. Parking is free, internet is free, and cancellation is free 2 days prior to your reservation.

Of course, you are welcome to stay wherever you like, as there are many other hotels in the area, including The Cambria and a Holiday Inn Express, all on the north bank of the Brazos, easily accessible from the MLK Jr. Blvd. exit on Interstate 35.

Schedule of Events:

To kick off this Paint-Out on Friday, we plan to gather at the south end of the historic Waco Suspension Bridge adjacent N University Blvd about noon on Friday. It is a short walk across the pedestrian only bridge spanning Brazos River from the Even Hotel. Note that Even Hotel check in is 3:00 PM so considering parking there.

For the Friday night gathering, plan to meet at 6:00 PM at Union Hall, a food hall at 720 Franklin Avenue in downtown Waco containing over a dozen restaurants and bars.

Let’s plan to meet at the same location on Saturday morning around 10:00 AM.

This mid-morning time will give all time to have breakfast. Please be aware that the Waco Farmer’s Market (E Bridge Street and S Mann St) will be under way on the other side of the river and should have coffee and food available from various market vendors.

The Central Texas Watercolor Society, based in Waco, is aware of our Paint-Out event and we have invited CTWS to join us on Saturday. Consider CTWS a local resource, especially the recent CTWS publication WACO LANDMARKS Ink & Wash as a guide to painting locations.

For Saturday Night Pin-Up, plan to gather at Ninfa’s, 220 South 3^rd Street, which is a short 3 block walk from the Waco Suspension Bridge. It also has a large parking lot adjacent. Don’t be shy, bring what you have accomplished so far, finished or not, to share with group. Ninfa’s is a large restaurant and have a dining room for our group.

Likely painting locations might be the Waco Suspension Bridge, the Cameron Park Riverwalk, historic Downtown Waco, the Magnolia Market area, local churches, the Baylor University campus, the Homestead Heritage Village and many other promising locations. Whether you are new to painting on location or an old hand, this should be a great time for everyone as we come together and share our enthusiasm for painting. Space in the hotel is limited if you’d like to stay there, and we need to plan for the group size so please register on the Events Calendar on this website. Lodging reservations are separate and you make those independently.

Please Register to stay informed of details regarding the Fall Paint-out.
Members, please remember to log-in before you Register!

(Members may invite non-member guests to attend this event. Painting experience not required!)

SWS Fall Paint-Out in Waco

Check out Photos from our most recent Paint-outs:

2025 Hico Paint out

2024_Sept White Rock Lake Boat Club

2024-October Tyler, Texas Paint-Out

2023-November Paint-Out, Denison

2023-April Paint-out, Will's Point and Edgewood

2022-October Paint-Out in Pilot Point

2022-April Paint-Out, Weatherford

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Who are the current SWS Paint-out chair people?
Dan Killebrew – dkbrew55@gmail.com
and
Raymond Mosier - r_mosier@att.net

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Who can attend a paint-out?

SWS artists and their guests.

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Is there a charge for attending paintouts?

There is no charge for the paint-out. Artists and their guests are responsible for their travel and food costs.

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What experience level is required?

The SWS Paint-Outs are not contests. All artists, from beginners to advanced, are invited to attend.

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I’m not sure I want to paint alone. Do the artists paint together?

Contact the Paint-Out chair or co-chair if you would like a painting buddy or to meet up with a group.

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Where are Paint-Outs held and who selects the locations?

Paint-Outs are held in cities, parks, ranches, lakes and other areas of interest. The Paint-Out chair selects the location, but suggestions are welcome.

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How can I find out the paintout schedule?

Watch the Scene Newsletter, the SWS website, SWS Facebook, SWS membership meetings or contact the Paint-Out chair people.

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What materials and equipment are required?

Materials and equipment are the artist’s choice. Part of the fun of a paintout is seeing other artists’ equipment and how they like to work. Depending on the location, sturdy shoes, a hat, bug repellent, and a folding stool may add to your comfort. Contact the Paint-Out chair people if you are not sure what you need.

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Do some artists sketch instead of painting?

Yes

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Do some artists take photos instead of painting?

Yes

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Is there a reception or party during the Paint-Out?

There is always a Show & Share opportunity to meet the other artists, see each other’s paintings, and chat about our experiences. The details vary, depending on the Paint-Out destination and how many are attending.

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How long are Paint-Outs?

Normally Paint-Outs are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is no requirement to stay the entire time. Come and go at your pleasure.

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Is the Paint-Out art exhibited?

The art produced at the Paint-Out is normally shared with the rest of SWS at the following membership meeting.

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How many Paint-Outs are held each year?

Normally 2, a spring and fall Paint-Out. There can be other paint-outs organized.

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Is there a judging and awards?

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Are there out of state Paint-Outs?

Yes, sometimes Paint-Outs are held in other states.