Learning to Paint en Plein Air

Description

Discover the beauty and joy of painting in the open air as you learn to translate nature's light, colors, and atmosphere onto your canvas using oil paints. This 4-class course will equip you with the skills to select the right materials, compose engaging scenes, and tackle the unique challenges of plein air painting and the transient nature of the atmosphere, all while receiving personalized guidance and feedback. We’ll explore techniques for managing complex landscapes and the challenges of shifting light, all while receiving personalized feedback to help you develop your own unique artistic voice in the tradition of the Impressionists.

Class 1 (Indoor) - Introduction to Plein Air Fundamentals
This opening indoor session introduces the essentials of plein air painting, focusing on capturing light, color, and atmosphere in outdoor settings while simplifying the scene. Students will learn to select portable materials, compose dynamic landscapes, and apply color theory for natural light. Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants will create four small sketches in oils using large brushes to capture the minimal essence of a landscape from reference photos, building confidence for outdoor painting.

Class 2 (Outdoor) - Capturing Light and Shadow En Plein Air
This outdoor session takes place at Fort Collins’ scenic Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, where students will capture a composition in real-time through value sketching and black-and-white painting. Starting with a value sketch to develop composition, participants will transfer it to a small canvas, completing a monochromatic study emphasizing light, shadow, and contrast. Guided by the instructor, students will set up easels and practice quick decision-making to capture fleeting moments, embracing the spontaneity of painting in nature.

Class 3 (Indoor) - Refining Plein Air Techniques
Back at 3 Square Art, this indoor class refines outdoor painting skills by creating two small landscape paintings with distinct approaches. Students will review their plein air sketches and learn brush techniques as well as palette development to create harmony in the painting. One painting will feature an impressionistic style with loose, expressive brushstrokes, while the other will focus on smooth blending for a refined look. Through critiques and guided exercises, students will balance spontaneity with control, preparing for the final outdoor session.

Class 4 (Outdoor) - Creating a Complete Plein Air Painting
In this final outdoor session at Kingfisher Point Natural Area, a picturesque lake location with historic barn house in Fort Collins, students will apply all techniques to create a medium-sized, finished plein air landscape painting in a single setting. With instructor guidance, they’ll focus on composition, color harmony, and capturing the scene’s essence in a single session. This class emphasizes confidence in outdoor painting, effective time management, and bold artistic choices to produce a cohesive, vibrant work reflecting their personal style.

Details

Cost: $195 for the Full Course (4 class set), Individual classes from course $55ea (inquire for registration)
Age: 15+ All skill and creative levels welcome (younger artists are welcome with accompanying adult)
Materials: All materials are provided
* Beverages and snacks included!

Schedule

Fall Session I, September - October 2025 Dates
Class 1 | Drawing What You See - September 12
Class 2 | Negative Spaces - September 26
Class 3 | Creating Volume and Depth - October 10
Class 4 | The Final Drawing - October 24
Time: Friday mornings 8:00-11:00am

Location

Location: 2 class in classroom, 2 field sites (to be selected for each class)
Fort Collins, Colorado

Instructor

Craig A. McKee
BA Studio Arts, magna cum laude, Kenyon College, OH