2026 Edisto Plein Air Paint Out
Overview
Plein Air painting is the practice of painting outdoors, directly from nature to capture changing light and atmosphere in real-time. The Edisto Plein Air Paint Out is an open enrollment, plein air painting event. It takes place in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina in and around the Town of Edisto Beach and the surrounding area of Edisto Island and the ACE Basin, from Tuesday, October 13 through Saturday, October 17, 2026. The paint out aims to bring painters together from around the world to paint outside in the fresh air while getting to know each other and sharing their work. The event prompts participants to explore the unique flora and fauna of the creeks and marshes, spectacular sunset views, and overall peace and calm that the gently developed area provides.
After several days of painting "en plein air," painters are invited to display their completed works at the Wet Paint Show & Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 16th and 17th. Collectors, art guild members and the public are invited to attend this impressive display of Plein Air paintings to both view and purchase the unique works that highlight the incredible beauty of the Lowcountry.
All submitted art to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition.
Registration & Payment
Registration for the 2026 Edisto Plein Air Paint Out will open on March 1, 2026!
Details
Registration is limited to the first 100 artists. After that, interested artists may add their names to a waitlist registration form which will appear on the website after registration is closed.
Check-in is at the Edisto Beach Civic Center in the Hammocks Room from 9:00-11:00 on Tuesday, October 13 (one day only - contact us with emergency situations and we can be flexible)
11:00 voluntary orientation after check-in
Paintings must be two-dimensional. Oils, acrylics, watercolor, gouache, ink, mixed media, and pastels are all acceptable.
All paintings must be done “en plein air” outside, in natural lighting during the time frame of the event. Interiors are acceptable in the event of difficult weather. To be clear, plein air is plein air. To work on a painting away from the motif is something else.
Artists may stamp an unlimited number of canvases/boards/papers and may submit up to two pieces for the Wet Paint Show and Sale and awards.
Canvases must be free of images prior to stamping, though a solid base coat of paint is allowed.
All work is to be wired for hanging and framed with an open back to facilitate viewing of the festival stamp on the back. Unframed gallery wraps will be accepted.
All work must be turned in on Friday afternoon with completed tags (found in ID badge) between 1:00-3:00 at the Civic Center.
Artists may paint at a variety of locations of their choosing as long as they are “Over the Bridge” on Edisto Island or the Town of Edisto Beach
All artwork must be for sale through the Edisto Art Guild which will collect a 10% commission. When art is sold, it may be replaced with another piece painted on a stamped substrate during the 2026 paint out. Artists may have 2 paintings for sale during the show at any given time.
Artists are expected to donate 10% of any off the easel sales to the Edisto Art Guild.
NOTE: Checks will be mailed out within 30 days using the mailing address associated with artists’ registration payment method. Please update your mailing address as appropriate.
NOTE: Since you never know when you’ll do your best work, make sure that during the paint out you always use a substrate showing the EAG 2026 stamp on the back.
Event Schedule
Tuesday, October 13, 2026:
Artist check-in 9-11 AM, Hammocks Room, Civic Center, 42 Station Court, Edisto Island, SC 29438
Voluntary attendance at orientation is 11:00 in the Civic Center
Wednesday, October 14, 2026:
Artist social 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, October 14, home of Linda and Kevin Steele, address to be provided at check-in. Free to registered artists. Guest fee is $20.
Friday, October 16, 2026:
1:00-3:00 PM: Artists turn-in paintings at the Civic Center
5:00-5:45: Early viewing for sponsors, property owners and ticketed guests
6:00-8:00 PM: Show and Sale
6:30 PM: Judge’s comments
The Wet Paint Show and Sale on Friday is a catered event and free for registered artists)
Saturday, October 17, 2026:
Public viewing and sale, 10-2
Artists remove paintings at 2
Fees: $75; includes artist social on Wednesday and catered First Glimpse
Cancellation policy: a refund will be issued to artists who cancel on or before August 31, 2026. Refunds will be subject to a $5.00 processing fee
What to Bring
If you are new to plein air events this list can help you know what you might need to bring:
Canvas/panels/paper – Stamps should be visible on the back of the artwork. If framing, please use open back frames.
Before you travel, decide on what formats you are most likely to use and bring appropriate sized frames and framing supplies.
Paint and palettes – Are you a "less is more," or "everything but the kitchen sink" sort of painter?
Brushes, paints, pastels, pencils, knives etc. The closest supply store is in Charleston.
Rain gear – Those passing showers create some dramatic sky lighting conditions perfect for capturing on canvas. Toilet Paper, because you never know. Bug Spray. SC state bird is the mosquito. Thermacell works well.
Sun protection – most days are likely to be sunny and pleasant, with highs in the high sixties and lows around 50. Dress accordingly in layers, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Sturdy shoes – Some of our vistas are easily reached from roadsides and sidewalks, but many more await a short hike away. Please be prepared for a variety of conditions.
Easel, tripod, umbrella, chair, etc – bring your preferred arrangement, being aware that sudden gusts can be surprisingly strong.
Umbrellas can be useful for both rainy and sunny conditions.
Paper towels and reusable trash bags
Camera to record scenes to paint after you’ve returned home
Bulldog clips, tape, bungees, whatever your method to secure your painting & accessories
Brush washing solvents or water and containers - Bring a spare in case of spills. To protect our well water and our marshes do not empty solvents onto the ground or down any sink whatsoever.
Small sketch pad and tools, viewfinder
Backpack and/or box to carry it all. A rolling trolley is helpful over rough terrain
Water and snacks. Edisto has a few market and restaurant options.
An open mind to paint in new locations and conditions
https://www.outdoorpainter.com/how-to-frame-paintings-at-a-plein-air-event/
Travel on Edisto
Note and adhere to posted speed limits. Edisto is known for its wildlife so be mindful especially on Edisto’s many dirt roads.
Parking is limited to designated parking areas or off road shoulders.
If using state parks, you must have a pass and stay on maintained trails (park passes may be purchased in advance)
If using Botany Bay WMA, be sure to sign in and follow all instructions
Hiking shoes or boots are recommended, but so are flip flops.
It is hunting season. Make wise choices.
Many areas are outside mobile and WiFi reception.
Plan routes ahead of travel.
Please do not block driveways, fire hydrants, bike paths, vehicular or pedestrian traffic, so we ask that you not set up in the roadways or other high-traffic areas.
Bring anything that you need because you may or may not be able to find it on the island. The Food Lion on the beach is small and the closest drug store is 25 miles away in Hollywood, SC.
Information for Buyers
The Paint Out will conclude on October 17th with an exhibition and sale of the art created on Edisto. Past Wet Paint shows have included both emerging as well as established professional artists. This is a unique opportunity to purchase art depicting Lowcountry landmarks and landscapes and meet the local and regional painters.
Sponsors and ticketed guests may view the fresh paintings on Friday evening, October 16, 2026 at a reception to be held at the Civic Center. The general public, at no cost, may view and purchase paintings at the Wet Paint Show & Sale on Saturday, October 17th between 10:00-2:00 pm.
Lodging
Edisto has no hotels but don’t panic! Numerous lodging options are available to meet a variety of tastes and budgets. We recommend making arrangements early, as demand can be high in the fall.
Visit Edisto Chamber of Commerce for lodging information.
You may also visit:
VACASA, P.O. Box 10, Edisto Island, SC, 29438 Phone: 843-869-2151 or 866-713-2154 website: vacasa.com
EDISTO REALTY: 1405 Palmetto Blvd., Edisto Island, SC 29438 Phone: 843-869-2527/ 866-856-6538 website: edistorealty.com
CAROLINA ONE REALTY: 400 Highway 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438 843-869-2516 / 800-945-9667 website: carolinaonevacationrentals.com
EXTRA HOLIDAYS BY WYNDHAM: 1 King Cotton, Edisto Beach, SC 29438 843-869-4500 website: extraholidays.com
VACATION RENTALS BY OWNER: website: vrbo.com
CAMPING: https://southcarolinaparks.com/edisto-beach/lodging#jump
2025 Edisto Annual Plein Air Paint Out
Results
View photo gallery and download images here