Intro to Plein Air (Day 1 of 2)

Intro to Plein Air

Instructor Cate Kauffman

This two day workshop will introduce the absolute plein air beginner (or those who need a refresher) on equipment, supplies, how to pack light, how to prep your vehicle for those spur of the moment days, and some tricks for painting out of the back of your car or trunk. 

The instructor will demonstrate how to evaluate your view and various tricks for “editing” your view. You will learn to do little notans, and composition sketches. We will discuss the difference between sitting vs standing to paint and how it will change your horizon line. We will discuss ecological concerns (leave no trace).

We will talk a little bit about different mediums to use in plein air: oils, watercolors, acrylic, gouache and how they all work but all have their own challenges. We will discuss easy ways to get a wet painting home safely, and how to deal with weather issues. The instructor will help folks get set up and actually paint something even if it’s just getting the preparatory sketches done. 

We will also talk about bathroom, water, food, wildlife and domestic critter challenges we might face as outdoor painters. We can also talk about

competition rules (how some organizations define plein air and others don’t). 

The instructor will also address how what you see inlife is different from what you see in a photo and why working from life can provide such a strong enhancement to studio work. Students will work on their own paintings the second morning with guidance and encouragement from theinstructor and will pose questions as they arise.

In the afternoon, the instructor will use those questions to develop a demonstration painting to address those questions. 

The third day is optional and will be geared primarily towards completion of the original paintings or starting (and completing) a new one.

A supply list will be provided.

This class will run from 9 am until 4 pm with a 1-hour lunch break from noon to 1pm on March 28 and 29, with the optional third day on March 30.

Note that the instructor is most familiar with working in oils, pastels and gouache; has some experience in watercolor, but none in acrylic.

Students should plan to work in the medium with which they are already most comfortable and familiar.

Cost is $200 for March 28 and 29, with March 30 a free optional day. 

Location: Cat Point Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Register online at tapparts.org