Plein Air Painting Workshop

A woman with long dark hair wearing a black beanie stands on a grass field beside a painting, smiling, with trees and a mountain in the background.

Class Overview 

Immerse yourself in the exhilarating practice of painting outdoors in this workshop. Create your own unique painting and gain skills so you can continue to paint “plein air” (the French phrase for "outdoors") on your own in the future.

Learn about tools, materials and techniques for plein air painting. Explore the landscape color wheel and practices for mixing colors for the outdoors. We will explore the history and traditions around plein air painting, as well as the techniques. Classes will meet outdoors at various locations around the Seattle area that are inspiring for painting.

No experience needed, just a willingness to learn. Be sure to dress so you will be comfortable outdoors.  

Learning Objectives

  • Techniques for plein air painting
  • Materials for painting plein air and how to use them
  • Light, shadow, composition, observation, color, style, format and presentation 
  • Appreciation of plein air painting by looking at examples in art history 
  • Connection to art in an outdoor environment

 

Who Might Enjoy This Class? 

  • Anyone interested in learning the techniques for plein air painting
  • Painters interested in focusing on the specific techniques of plein air
  • Anyone seeking a new experience to make winter more interesting

 

Supplies Needed

You can choose which type of paint to use: either acrylics, oils, or watercolors -- please choose one!

Acrylic or Oil Paint:

  • Please bring one new canvas for each session (recommended size is 9 inches by 12 inches)
  • Oil painters will also need Gamsol and Linseed Oil, or Zest it and Linseed Oil.

Watercolor Paint:

  • Please bring watercolor paper, or a small watercolor pad; one sheet of watercolor paper for each class.

Everyone, please bring:

  • Paints, palette, two cups, a small bottle of water, paint brushes, and a rag. 
  • A lightweight, aluminum, tripod, foldable, Plein Air easel is recommended. 
  • Paint colors:
  1. Titanium White
  2. Hansa Yellow, Cadmium, or Lemon Yellow
  3. Napthol Red
  4. Phthalo Green, or a Dark Green
  5. Ultramarine Blue or Prussian Blue
  6. Raw Sienna
  7. Mars or Ivory Black
  8. Optional but recommended: a bright Cerulean Blue

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Class Details

Summer 2026

  • When : Monday, Jul 13 to Aug 24 ; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  • Location : SCOFF , SC - Off Campus - 3400000
  • Fee : $269
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Instructor