Plein Air Painting
May 9, 16, 23 &30, 2017
5:30 – 7:30 pm
(Class size is limited to 15)
Adult – Series $85
Member – Series $68
Class instructor will supply all materials
This class is a way to create a “tool kit” for approaching the centuries old tradition of plein air painting (French for “in the open air”). Students will learn a variety of foundation techniques and tools, which will act as building blocks and skills to improve the painter’s abilities while painting and drawing in open air.
Course outline
Week one (May 9): Foundation techniques – small scale surface
Method- thumbnail tabs, finding compositions, sketching/washing in color
Week two (May 16): Blocking in and value gauging- small scale surface
Method- “squinting to see technique”, blocking in large areas, picking out color climate/tonality
Week three (May 23): Adding information and working with time limits/ sunlight changes-option to work larger
Method- working from large to small areas. Mark making and impact with simplicity in brush choice
Week four (May 30): Collective studies – option to work larger or on size of choice
Method- applying learned course techniques with open interpretation and freedom of abstraction and expression
Instructor: Diane Overmyer