Plein Air Painting for Beginners - 2 Day Workshop in Summit, NJ

Sat, June 27, 12-3 pm and Sun, June 28, 12-3pm. Exact locations TBA

This 2 day outdoor painting workshop will introduce you to working with oils and painting outside. It is perfect for beginners, as well as those who have some experience with painting, and want to expand their skills. We will take the process one step at a time, to make it as manageable as possible, starting out with only a single color, gradually expanding to muted colors, and finally to saturated colors over the course of the two days.

Both classes will meet on location, and will consist of lectures/demonstrations, and individual guidance.

Day 1

• Learn how to safely and appropriately use the basic materials of painting in oils – paint thinner, medium, brushes, rags, etc.

• Learn how to observe your chosen composition as an abstract pattern of lights and darks, and how to block that in on your canvas in monochrome (single color).

• An basic introduction to the dead palette (3 neutral, earth tone primary colors), mixing secondary colors, and using them to paint over your block-in, to create an earth tone dead palette painting.

Day 2

• Introduction to a limited chromatic color palette (3 strong and saturated primary colors), and a demonstration on mixing secondary and tertiary colors, understanding complementary colors, and learning how to neutralize colors.

• The participants will create a monochrome block in of the composition, just like in the previous class, and use it as a map to then layer in the colors. There will be a strong emphasis on taking the time to mix the colors, and achieve good neutrals.

• Learn how to train an objective vision, without making assumptions about the forms and colors of things, and practice careful and sensitive observation.

Materials required:

Paint

Instruction will be in oils, however you are welcome to use acrylics if you prefer. 

Specific colors required:

•  Burnt Umber

•  Burnt Sienna

•  Yellow Ochre

•  Paynes Gray

•  Phthalocyanine (Phthalo) Blue

•  Alizarin Crimson

•  Lemon Yellow OR Cadmium Yellow Light

•  Titanium White

Tools

• Palette knife - a metal, springy palette knife such as this one. 

• Brushes - 3-4 filbert or flat brushes that range in size around 4,6,8 (which is approximately 1/4 to 3/4 inch in width). Avoid brushes designed exclusively for watercolor.

• Palette paper, such as this one. 

• Surface - you are welcome to work on any scale that you want for these paintings, however, I strongly recommend a smaller size, around 8x10in, or 9×12in. 

  Please get a minimum of 2 canvases (one for each day).

  You may work on:

  -  a stretched canvas such as this one

  -  a canvas board such as this one

  -  loose canvas, such as this pad, or this much nicer pad. If you plan to get loose canvas, you will also need a board to mount it on, and tape. 

Portable Easel or Pochade Box (with tripod)

I strongly recommend a Half Box French Easel, however, you are welcome to bring any other kind of portable easel or pochade box. I have this one and like it quite a bit, there are plenty of similar ones.  

Materials Provided:

• Gamsol (paint thinner)

• Rags (I recommend these if you want to get your own)

• Gloves for those who prefer to keep their hands clean.