Plein Air Painting - Finding A Spot!

Hi all,

Are you ever frustrated because you are having a hard time finding a place to paint? Painting en plein air can be a lot of fun, but if you are like me, you can't find a spot to paint. I have driven all of southern Ohio looking for a public place suitable for painting landscapes. I don't know anyone with a farm, I really don't want to set up on a public street in town, and to be honest I am a bit shy when it comes to sitting out there all alone as people drive by and stare. I am planning on joining a plein air group here in Ohio so that I will at least have painting friends and meetups with locations to paint.

I am jealous of the artists who live places with awsome mountain views, and I won't even tell you how bad I want to live near the ocean! Living in southern Ohio is great but I long for the majestic scenery that so many artists use for inspiration.

I would love to hear what you do. Do you just set up and paint without regard to those around you? Are you able to paint anywhere without the anxiety associated with painting alone? Please share your experiences, I know I am not alone.