Birds chirping, sun shining, a cool breeze in the air — the
perfect recipe for a work of art. 

David Lennon, president of Clayton Visual Arts in Clayton,
N.C., brought two students to enjoy the  inspiration Thursday of the WRAL Azalea Garden.

Lennon and his adult students regularly work “en plein air” together. 

“We’re painting the WRAL gardens today because they’re in
beautiful bloom right now, and you could not ask for a better painting
subject.”  David Lennon, president of Clayton Visual Arts

 “We paint en plain air, which means on location in the
outdoors at various locations. Sometimes on the coast, sometimes in the
mountains, but a lot of the times right here in the Triangle area,” he said. “We’re painting the WRAL gardens today because they’re in beautiful bloom right now, and you could not ask for a better painting subject.”

Clayton Visual Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization
committed to bringing art to Clayton.  

Coming up Clayton Visual Arts is holding it’s en plein air
painting competition. Deadline for entering is April 25. The competition is
titled “Capturing Clayton.” 

Lennon said, “People can enter and we have $1,000 worth of
prizes. First prize is $700. If you are interested check out
claytonvisualarts.org to get more information.”

CVA offers various free art classes throughout the year for
adults 18 and older. Students can work with acrylic, watercolor and oil
paintings as well as learn drawing and coloring techniques.