Plein Air Painting for Beginners - Workshop in Summit Area, NJ

Sat, June 27, 11-2 pm. (Sun, June 28th - rain date). Exact location TBA. 12 spots

$50

Email anyakotler@gmail.com to register 

This 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 to block in the major forms, and learning how to mix colors from three primaries. 
The class will meet on location, and will consist of lectures/demonstrations, and individual guidance.

Overview of the workshop:

  • 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 create a block-in on your canvas in monochrome (single color).
  • An introduction to mixing secondary colors and neutrals out of the three primaries.
  • Learn how to use your monochrome block-in as a map to guide the application of colors.  
  • 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
  •  Phthalocyanine (Phthalo) Blue
  •  Alizarin Crimson
  •  Lemon Yellow OR Cadmium Yellow Light OR Hansa Yellow 
  •  Titanium White
Additional optional colors:
  • Burnt Sienna
  • Cadmium Red (I recommend Cadmium Free Red)
  • Sap Green
  • Quinacridone Magenta / Rose 
  • Yellow Ochre
  • Ultramarine Blue 
  • Feel free to bring additional colors that you like!
    *Do not get colors that say “hue”
  • Paint medium: I recommend a gel medium such as this Solvent Free Gel, or Liquin

Tools

  • Palette knife - a metal, springy palette knife such as this one. 
  • Brushes - 3-4 filbert or flat brushes, and a round brush that comes to a point, 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. 
  • A small glass jar with a lid (for paint thinner).

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.

Email anyakotler@gmail.com to register