Living in Old Lyme

The scenic shores of Westbrook, Connecticut, will soon be dotted with artists capturing the coastal beauty during the inaugural Plein Air by the Sea Competition and Sale. Organized by the Clinton Art Society (CAS), this exciting new event will unfold on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the picturesque Water’s Edge Resort and Spa, a short drive from Old Lyme, CT. The competition celebrates the cherished tradition of plein air painting—the practice of creating art outdoors, directly from observation of the landscape—which has long been associated with Connecticut’s shoreline communities.

Skilled artists from throughout Connecticut will gather at this stunning seaside location to interpret its natural beauty through their distinctive artistic perspectives. The Water’s Edge Resort, situated just a short drive from the historic arts community of Old Lyme, provides an ideal setting with its panoramic coastal views, lush gardens, and maritime atmosphere. Old Lyme itself has a storied connection to plein air painting as the home of the American Impressionist movement, making this inaugural event a meaningful continuation of the region’s artistic heritage.

Plein air painting—French for “in the open air”—invites artists to work directly in the landscape, capturing fleeting moments of light, atmosphere, and natural beauty. The Water’s Edge Resort provides an exceptional canvas for participating artists, with its combination of rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, lush gardens, and historic architecture. This unique setting, just minutes from Old Lyme, connects the event to Connecticut’s tradition of outdoor painting that dates back to the early American Impressionists who were drawn to this coastline over a century ago.

CAS President Robin Hammeal-Urban highlighted the significance of this artistic gathering, noting, “This wonderful collaboration celebrates the rich tradition of open-air painting along the New England coast.” Indeed, the inaugural competition honors the enduring relationship between artists and the Connecticut shoreline, where generations of painters have found inspiration in the unique quality of light, the changing tides, and the timeless beauty of where land meets sea. The event promises to showcase how contemporary artists continue to find fresh inspiration in these coastal vistas.

The Plein Air by the Sea Competition offers a full day of artistic immersion, beginning early as participating artists set up their easels across the Water’s Edge Resort property. From 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and observe the creative process unfold. This unique opportunity allows the public to witness the transformation of blank canvases into vibrant interpretations of the coastal scenery, offering insight into various artistic techniques and approaches to plein air painting.

Following the painting session, renowned artist Howard Park will serve as judge, evaluating the completed works based on artistic merit, technical skill, and successful capture of the location’s essence. The competition culminates in an elegant reception and art sale from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, where the public is invited to view the day’s artistic harvest, meet the creators, and potentially purchase these works while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments from the cash bar. This gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire original pieces that capture the beauty of the Connecticut shoreline while supporting local artists.