Gallery North Wet Paint Festival 2026 – Immersed in Nature

Gallery North Wet Paint Festival 2026 – Immersed in Nature

Gallery North Wet Paint Festival 2026 – Immersed in NatureThis year, I had the pleasure of participating in Gallery North’s Wet Paint Festival for the third time. Every year, this event becomes one of the highlights of my artistic calendar—not only because of the opportunity to paint outdoors, but because it brings together nature, art, and community in such a meaningful way.
The 2026 festival was held at the beautiful Old Field Farm in Setauket, New York. Surrounded by horse arenas, rolling green landscapes, and stunning water views, it was an inspiring setting for artists. Although the weather was slightly warm, a gentle breeze drifted through the day, making it comfortable and enjoyable to work outside.

One of the greatest advantages of this location was the covered spectator area overlooking the riding field. It provided welcome shade from the strong summer sun while offering a panoramic view of the landscape. Hanging flower baskets added charm and color to the scene, drawing the eye toward the open fields and distant shoreline. Standing there, I felt as if I were being gently pulled into the landscape itself.

During the festival, I worked intensively and completed three paintings. While watercolor artists are relatively few at this event, I continue to return each year with watercolor as my chosen medium.
To me, watercolor closely resembles nature itself.

It requires restraint. It asks us to leave things undone. It teaches us to recognize the moment when we should stop and allow the paint to flow on its own. The more we try to control it, the muddier it becomes. Unlike many other mediums, mistakes are often difficult to correct. Every brushstroke demands concentration and commitment.

At times, this process can be stressful, but it is also what makes watercolor so rewarding. There is something deeply satisfying about collaborating with the unpredictable movement of water and pigment rather than forcing them into submission.

This year's festival was especially challenging because I had only recently returned from a trip to Korea and was still feeling exhausted from travel and jet lag. Nevertheless, the encouragement and kind words I received throughout the day gave me renewed energy and motivation. I am truly grateful to everyone who stopped by, shared a conversation, or simply offered support.

One of the things I love most about the Wet Paint Festival is the opportunity to paint in fresh air and beautiful natural surroundings while observing other artists at work. It is inspiring to see how different artists respond to the same environment in their own unique ways. Another joy is meeting art lovers who visit throughout the day. Today, one particularly thoughtful visitor with remarkably clear and bright eyes even took photographs of me while I was working—a small but memorable gesture that added warmth to the experience.

The organizers also deserve special recognition. The music, the thoughtfully prepared painting areas, and the overall atmosphere created an environment where artists could focus completely on their work. My sincere thanks go to Gallery North and everyone involved in making the festival such a welcoming and inspiring event year after year.

For this exhibition, I decided to submit my first painting, Immersed in Nature, a 12 x 16 inch watercolor.

The painting captures the view from beneath the covered spectator area, framed by hanging flower baskets, open fields, and the distant water beyond. I chose this piece because it best reflects the feeling I experienced while painting there—the sensation of being slowly drawn into nature and becoming part of the landscape.
Outdoor painting is never easy. Under bright sunlight, colors often appear lighter than they truly are, making color decisions challenging. Yet these difficulties are also valuable lessons. Each plein air experience teaches me something new about the subtle colors of nature and helps me develop a deeper understanding of light, atmosphere, and observation.

Immersed in Nature will be on display at Gallery North from August 27 through October 4, 2026.

As I reflect on this year's festival, I feel more gratitude than exhaustion. Despite the long day and lingering travel fatigue, I completed three paintings, met wonderful people, and spent precious hours immersed in nature. Experiences like these remind me why I continue to pursue watercolor and why I look forward to returning to the Wet Paint Festival year after year.

Thank you, Gallery North, for another memorable and inspiring event.

A look back at my third Gallery North Wet Paint Festival at Old Field Farm. Surrounded by horses, ocean views, and fresh summer air, I completed three watercolor paintings and submitted Immersed in Nature for exhibition from August 27 to October 4, 2026.