Plein Air Paint-Out at Brookside Gardens

1800 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Friday, September 25, 2026, 9am to noon.

The park opens at sunrise.  If you want an early start, you may arrive anytime after the park opens.  We must, however, be done by noon.

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese inspired Gude Garden, Idea Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. 

Registration is limited to 20 people. Please RSVP.

Important guidelines:

• Please bring a drop cloth in the event you set up on or near a bench or stone/brick walkway. The benches are memorials to loved ones so please be respectful and especially careful when near them.
• You may bring water, but no food.
• Equipment:  as noted below, limit your kit. Tables are NOT allowed. You may bring a small stool along with your easel. Do NOT sit on the rock walls. 
• If near a path, limit your space allowing a 4 ft clearance around you
• Expect to walk into the gardens to paint. You will not be able to work out of the trunk of your vehicle. 
• Keep your gear compact. No large carts. Small wheeled carriers are ok.
• Budget your time. There is an afternoon event scheduled, and we must be finished and headed out no later than noon. 
• Please come to the visitor center’s front entrance. A member volunteer will be there  around 8:30 to meet you.  Note: There are 3 entrances but the main entrance goes to the large visitor center parking lot.

If you are new to plein air painting, limit your kit.  You need to comfortably carry all the supplies you need.  Be sure to clean up after yourself (leave no trace). Also, visitors to the park are likely to stop, observe, and ask questions.  That's part of the plein air experience.  Be gracious with your answers and enjoy the opportunity to share your love of pastels.

Here are some resources you may find useful:

MPS Checklist for Plein Air Painters 

Karen Margulis’ Blog article: Packing for Plein Air with Pastels

Pastel Today article: 11 Tips for Pastel Painting En Plein Air  by Lorenzo Chavez 

Richard McKinley’s tips for pastel painting en plein air