Instructor: Aaron Pickens
Skill Level: Basic knowledge of drawing and painting suggested. No plein air experience necessary.
Age: Adults, 18+
Saturday, June 15 from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
In case of inclement weather, this workshop will be hosted inside the studio at The Art Supply Depo and students will work from photos and indoor plein air prep exercises. Students will meet offsite at an outdoor Sylvania location. Aaron will announce the outdoor location approximately one month in advance of the workshop.

In this class, you will learn how to paint the landscape from direct observation while outdoors. This practice is commonly known as “plein air” painting, which is French for “in the open air.” It will cover how to simplify the complexities of the landscape, how to block in the painting, and how to mix color efficiently. In addition, the workshop will cover the inherent difficulties of painting out in the field, such as how to cope with the changing light and the evolving landscape. By the end of the workshop, students will have, at minimum, one painting established. The paintings produced will be simplistic and should be regarded as visual notetaking of color, composition, and drawing. As a note, the landscape is the most unforgiving subject to paint from life. However, it is also the greatest teacher. Therefore, producing a successful landscape sketch will take commitment and several attempts, so be prepared. 

The class will be 5 hours long starting in the early morning to avoid the summer heat. It is encouraged to bring some food, water, and appropriate clothing. Consider sunscreen! Finally, it is best to wear a large-brimmed hat so you can see color accurately. In addition to the supplies, students will need to make their materials/equipment portable. For plein air painting, artists typically have a pochade box, or French Easel to carry their paints, boards, brushes, and palette. It will make your painting excursion significantly easier but will be a bit of an investment. I suggest conducting a little research before attending the workshop to ensure that you’re ready to go. If you have any questions about the right tools/equipment, send an email to Aaron at aaronjamespickens@gmail.com.

Materials to bring or buy:

Regarding paints, you’ll need a warm and cool primary set of pigments, either in oils or heavy-bodied acrylics. Here is an ideal palette:

• Titanium White

• Hansa Yellow (cool)

• Cadmium Yellow Medium (warm)

• Cadmium Red (warm)

• Quinacridone Red (cool)

• Ultramarine Blue (warm)

• Cobalt Blue (cool) or Cerulean Blue (cool)

**Although a warm and cool primary set of pigments is preferable, a single primary set plus a green would also be sufficient.

Brushes

A mixing tray / Palette

At least one medium-sized canvas or panel (8x10 would be excellent)

Shop Towels

Plastic Bags

Appropriate Clothing for the Weather (We Paint Rain or Shine!) 

Large Brimmed Hat, Sunscreen, Bug Spray

Beverage and Snack

Out-door travel easel, French Easel, or Pochade Box

Small chair or stool if desired

This workshop is hosted in conjunction with the Sylvania Plein Air festival sponsored by Red Bird Sylvania and The Art Supply Depo. For more information on The Sylvania Plein Air Festival, visit : https://redbirdsylvania.org/plein-air/. Registration for Sylvania Plein Air will begin March 15, and remain open until 125 adult artists are registered to participate.

Cancellation Policy:
We will refund 50% for any cancellation made at least eight days before the class. After 8 days, we are unable to provide refunds for any reason, including illness. If you cannot attend after registration, you are welcome to gift your tuition to a friend at no charge. We do not transfer tuition from one class to another.