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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!
 


Spring 2026 Paint-Out
Weatherford, Texas

April 10-12, 2026

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


Weatherford, just an easy 30 minute drive west of Fort Worth, offers plenty of painting possibilities including the Parker County Courthouse surrounded by a historic downtown, Chandor Gardens, a picturesque garden created by portrait painter Douglas Chandor in 1934 consisting of seven interlocking gardens with fountains and ponds, Teskey's Western Shop, a store like no other where the west begins featuring a saddle shop, tack, boots and apparel, and a nearby private Quarter Horse Ranch with horses, longhorn cattle, goats, a house available for our day use, surrounded by mature oak trees, fronting on the beautiful Brazos River. 


More details to follow in weeks to follow including schedule, hotel and restaurant suggestions.

Paint Out Co-Chairs Nick Kuntz and Lynn Hake 



Check out Photos from our most recent Paint-outs:

2025 Paint Out November- Waco

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

Parker_County_Courthouse_12.29.2025.jpg
Ranch_Horses_12.29.2025.jpg
Chandor_Gardens_12.29.2025.jpg
Teskeys_Saddle_Shop_1_12.29.2025.jpg
Chandor_Gardens_Fountain_12.29.2025.jpg
IMG 20231104 170450245
IMG 20231104 163039379
IMG 20231104 123722177
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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?
Who can attend a paint-out?
SWS artists and their guests.

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Is there a charge for attending paintouts?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Do some artists sketch instead of painting?
Yes

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Do some artists take photos instead of painting?
Do some artists take photos instead of painting?
Yes

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Is there a reception or party during the Paint-Out?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Is there a judging and awards?
No

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Are there out of state Paint-Outs?
Are there out of state Paint-Outs?
Yes, sometimes Paint-Outs are held in other states.