Join us for this beginner session, a hands-on class feauring Carrie Curran that sets you up for everything else you will learn during the Plein Air Convention & Expo. Miss this class and you’ll miss the fundamental skills you’ll need to succeed at this unique art form. This session is not a lecture; it is highly interactive and filled with unique exercises. You’ll come away with tons of inspiration and a wealth of new skills and techniques.
The Basics Course staff and mentors are committed to the plein air experience and will introduce beginners to this wonderful form of expression, taking each participant to new heights. Basic instruction in different mediums will enable participants to take full advantage of the magnificent outdoor painting possibilities in the area. Here is what to plan for and what to expect from this course:
A pre-convention course offering “the basics” to those who want to learn to paint outdoors!
- Cost: $237
- Date: May 19th
- Time: 7 am to 2:30 pm (with a lunch break 12 pm to 12:45 pm) * TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
- What to bring: sketchbook, graphite, pen
FEATURING: Carrie Curran, acrylic & oil • Ellen Howard, oil & gouache • Suma CM, urban sketching • Terrilyn Dubreuil, pastel • Albert Kline, watercolor
Course Highlights
Choosing the Right Scene, Learning to Edit, and Keeping It Simple
Painting outdoors gives you so many options. It is sometimes difficult to decide what to paint or how to feature the subject you are passionate about.
Learn the art of finding simple scenes, how to edit complex scenes, and how to train your eye to look for certain visual cues to help you create three-dimensional paintings.
We will practice these techniques by drawing sketches of the breathtaking Tahoe area that we will explore during the week.
Create Useful Thumbnail Sketches
Thumbnail sketching speeds up the painting process and helps explore design alternatives, teach simplification, and build confidence. Participants will create several thumbnail sketches step-by-step along with the instructor, learning to compose and design landscapes in terms of value masses using a limited value scale. The goal is to learn to design simple, strong compositions.
Learn to See the Quality of Light and Shadow; Paint the Feel of the Landscape
Landscape painters are fascinated by light and how it moves through a scene, creating shadows, values, color, and atmosphere. Learning to see is a process of observation and the practice of tried-and-true plein air painting techniques. One of the many things we will share with you is the importance of capturing light and shadow with value and color using a limited palette, making color mixing easier and naturally creating harmony in your paintings. Bonus: You won’t have to worry about hauling so many supplies in your pack!
Choosing Your Medium; Outdoor Painting Gear That’s Right for You
Each medium requires different equipment. Each instructor will talk about their medium and their favorite equipment that works best for them, and discuss helpful tips on how they work in the field. Participants will receive a “Gear Up Checklist” to use as a reminder of what to pack for a day of painting in the field.
What to Really Expect on Your Outdoor Painting Adventures
Painting outdoors can be a rugged experience if you choose to backpack to a secluded spot. To keep it a little easier, you can paint out of the back of your car — or simply sit on your back porch and paint what you see. Instructors will share the ins and outs of painting outdoors and their personal stories. Rest assured, the challenges typically are outweighed by the feeling of being fully immersed in the beauty of nature!
Mentoring
At the daily paint-outs during the main convention, Basics mentors will be in a clearly marked area and will walk around and be available to assist Basics attendees, allowing you to put your newly learned skills to the test under their watchful eyes. You will receive daily text messages regarding the meeting area where the “Basics” banner will be displayed. We look forward to offering our guidance in the field!
Register Now and Embark on Your Plein Air Adventure!
This is your opportunity to learn the fundamental skills needed to succeed in plein air painting, guided by experienced mentors dedicated to helping you grow. Don’t miss out on this unique and interactive session that will inspire and equip you for a week of creative exploration at PACE 2025.
**All pre-convention workshops run at the same time, so only ONE workshop can be attended.
