In this episode of the Plein Air Easton Podcast, we're joined by Carol Bean of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy for a conversation about land, legacy, and the power of creative expression. Carol shares how ESLC works to protect the Eastern Shore's farms, forests, and waterways—and why preserving these landscapes matters now more than ever.

We also dig into the unique role artists can play in environmental advocacy, exploring how painting, storytelling, and visual documentation can inspire stewardship and spark meaningful conversations about conservation. It's a thoughtful look at how art doesn't just capture beauty—it can help protect it.

https://www.eslc.org

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This week on The Plein Air Podcast, we sit down with artist Murray Taylor, a man who has spent an impressive amount of time chasing light, landscapes, and the elusive "just one more brushstroke."

We talk about painting outdoors (yes, including wind sabotage), the strange joy of hauling art supplies into nature like a very optimistic pack mule, and what actually happens when reality refuses to match your reference photo. Murray shares stories from the field, hard-earned wisdom, and the kind of insight that only comes from staring at a horizon until it blinks first.

Expect laughs, honest talk about the creative process, and a reminder that plein air painting is part art form, part endurance sport. If you've ever painted outside—or thought, "That looks peaceful"—this episode will gently correct you.

🎧 Press play, grab a sketchbook, and prepare to feel seen.

Marie and Tim talk with first time Plein Air Easton juried artist Joshua Hoffman who won 3rd place in this year's festival with his painting "Youth". Joshua talks about the importance of mentorship, pursuing his passion, and the story behind his award winning painting.

"I have been studying art for over 20 years. I began oil painting in college where I quickly fell in love with landscape and plein air painting. There is something special about the connection a painter develops with their surroundings when they are routinely observing and practicing plein air painting, Through utilizing this process, I have learned to reflect not only my physical surroundings, but also my personal experiences, which often are expressed through my use of vibrant colors and bold brush strokes

Though I intensely studied art in college, after college I had a gap in my art pursuits from my mid 20's to my mid 30's through I did draw daily in this time. In 2015 I met my now wife and in 2017 we had our first daughter. it was at this time that I expected that my dreams of being a professional artists were not to be, I found a regular job and life was moving along. We had our second daughter in 2020, I had a cancer scare which has since been cured, and I was laid off from my office job. All during the pandemic days. It was through this rocky time that made the decision that I was gong to become a serious painter, and follow this dream. Because I have two children and needed to make money, I started a handyman service to give myself the ability to make my own schedule, doing this work 3 days per week and art as much as I could outside of this. It was such busy time, waking up at 3:30 or 4 am almost every day to paint, then off to do contracting work., it nearly broke me. But after about two years of this, my art work gained more traction, and I was able to fade out the handman business. These days, I am a full time painter and part time art teacher. Its a dream come true, and I couldn't be more grateful for those who have and who continue to support my work."

Follow Joshua Hoffman:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.hoffman.165/

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To inquire about being a guest or sponsoring the Plein Air Easton Podcast, send us an email at info@pleinaireaston.com.

Music in this episode was generously provided by Blue Dot Sessions and Scott Gratton.