Horn Island Plein Air Day Trip

Plein Air Painting on Horn Island

Spend a day painting en plein air on Horn Island, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and one of the most inspiring landscapes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This Sunday outing is a self-directed painting experience for artists who want uninterrupted time to observe, explore, and create in a truly wild setting.

We'll travel to the island by charter boat and spend the day working independently or alongside fellow artists, responding to the island's shifting light, wind, water, and terrain. From sweeping horizons and dunes to maritime forest and shoreline, Horn Island offers endless inspiration for artists working from direct observation.

This experience does not include formal instruction. Heather Martin will be present throughout the day, but participants should be comfortable working independently. Think of this as a shared artist excursion—a chance to get away from the studio, immerse yourself in the landscape, and spend an uninterrupted day making art.

Includes:

• Round-trip charter boat transportation to Horn Island

• A full day on the island for independent painting and exploration

• The camaraderie of painting alongside other artists in an extraordinary setting

• Drinking water and a cooler to store your lunch

Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Trip Itinerary

7:30–8:00 AM | Meet at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor

Meet us at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor to board The Skipper. Please be at the boat and ready to load no later than 7:30 AM. We have a full day ahead of us and must depart on schedule—the boat will leave at 8:00 AM with or without you.

8:00–10:00 AM | Set Sail for Horn Island

Captain Frank Becker of Skipper Charters will take us out to Horn Island. Travel time depends on wind and water conditions but can take up to two hours.

Approximately 10:00–11:00 AM | Arrive at Horn Island

Upon arrival, The Skipper will anchor in deeper water, and we'll be transported to shore a few people at a time in a smaller boat. There is no pier or boardwalk—you will be stepping directly onto the sandy shoreline. Dress accordingly and pack so that you can comfortably carry your own gear.

11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Paint & Explore

The day is yours! Artists may spread out and paint independently or work near others in small groups. Take time to explore, observe, sketch, paint, and experience the island at your own pace.

4:00–5:00 PM | Pack Up & Board the Boat

By 4:00 PM, all artists should be packed and back at our designated base camp. We'll begin transporting everyone and their gear back to The Skipper for our return trip to Biloxi.

Approximately 5:00–7:00 PM | Return to Biloxi

We'll head back to the mainland after everyone is aboard. Return time will vary depending on wind and water conditions, so please plan for this to be a full-day excursion and avoid making time-sensitive evening plans.

What to Bring

Artists are responsible for bringing their own art supplies and personal gear. Pack light—you will need to carry your equipment from the boat to your painting location/s.

Recommended Art Supplies

• Portable easel, pochade box, or lightweight painting setup

• Paints and a limited palette appropriate for your medium

• Brushes and/or palette knives

• Small panels, canvas, watercolor block, or other painting surface

• Palette

• Brush cleaner/solvent in a secure, leak-proof container, if needed

• Paper towels or rags

• Sketchbook and drawing materials

• Clips or tape for securing lightweight materials in the wind

• Wet-panel carrier or other way to safely transport finished paintings

• Bag/container for packing out used rags and art waste

Recommended Island Gear

• A water bottle or canteen

• Lunch and snacks

• Sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Lightweight, sun-protective clothing

• Comfortable shoes or sandals appropriate for sand and shallow water (NO FLIP FLOPS)

• Insect repellent

• Small backpack or hands-free bag

• Bathing suit and towel

• Camping chair

• Rain protection

• Small first aide kit

• Any personal medications you may need

Please Note:

• No demonstrations or formal instruction are included with this ticket.

• Horn Island is a remote wilderness environment with no stores, restrooms, potable water, or other visitor facilities.

• Weather, sun, wind, insects, sand, and changing conditions are all part of the experience.

• Participants must be physically able to board and exit the charter boat and carry their own supplies.

• Space is limited by boat capacity.

• Everything brought to the island must leave with us. All participants are expected to follow

• principles.

This experience is ideal for artists seeking quiet immersion, creative focus, and a deeper connection to the landscape—guided not by instruction, but by place.

Manditory Medical and Acknowledgement of Risk Form

The following form must be filled out and returned prior to your trip. You may print the form and bring it to the boat with you the morning of departure or download the form, fill it out with Adobe Acrobat, and email to heather@ethotera.com.