This class is devoted to the experience of painting on location. Any medium is welcome.

Betsys medium of choice is pastels but information shared will apply to other drawing & painting mediums as well.

Painting outdoors is an exhilarating experience, and this workshop is ideal for artists who want to take the challenge of stepping outdoors to paint! Whether you are a novice or an experienced painter, the opportunity to paint outdoors is rewarding. I notice that my time plein air painting makes a difference to how I approach pastel painting when I am in my studio, thoughtful choices paired with spontaneity.

This workshop will include time in the studio at CCAA and on location at a destination a short drive from CCAA. We will begin at CCAA where I will introduce you to some basics for plein air painting. I will also provide a demonstration that will include pointers for setting up on location, narrowing the field of vision, importance of thumbnail sketches and using compositional structures. When on location, you will have time to sketch and paint with individual feedback at your easel. If the weather is not cooperative, we will paint at CCAA and I will share strategies for using photo references and sketches to achieve a spontaneous approach when painting.