The 2024 Plein Air Convention and Expo was held at Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Cherokee, NC. The experience of painting with 1,300 other painters shouldn't be missed. The first day's paintout was held at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center just inside the park. Along with the visitor center is an old homestead with outbuildings. I chose this scene for my first painting, attracted by the contrast of the buildings against the beginning of the forest area.