What is Plein Air Painting?
Plein air is a French term that refers to the activity of painting outdoors on location. As far back as the 1600s, many European artists were creating small, incomplete “sketches” painted outdoors intended more for practice than exhibition. Completed in a shorter period of time, they had a quality of freshness and spontaneity. The activity was later “adopted by the Impressionists who, on the otherhand, exhibited their sketch-like paintings as finished pictures.” By the 18th century, many American artists were painting outdoors. Some used their field sketches as the basis for larger studio works.
Today, plein air painting is a popular activity all across the country including New England and southern Vermont. The Green Mountains offer spectacular scenery in every season. It is truly a painter's paradise. Students can now learn more about this engaging creative pastime through organized workshops taught by instructor Karen Baker.
"The workshop was the best thing I did all summer. I'll be back!"...Carol B.
I Am a Beginner--Will I Fit In?
Workshops are designed for any level of ability and taught by instructors who are sensitive to the needs of the students. A lot of beginners attend these workshops. There is no pressure to perform or paint in any certain style or manner. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace. Class size is limited to provide students greater individual attention.
"I can't believe how well I did as a beginner. You've given me confidence and a new direction in life." Elizabeth K.
What Are Soft Pastels?
Soft pastels are pure pigments—the same pigments used to make oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints. The dry pigment is compressed and rolled into a stick, much like the look of a small crayon. It is a very old art form and was used in the 15th and 16th centuries to create intricately detailed portraits on paper. Oil painters Degas, Monet, and Renior all used pastels, Degas being the most famous for his paintings of luminous ballet dancers and stage performers.
Today's pastel painters use a wide range of color choices and special sanded pastel surfaces to work on. Pastel societies have organized all across the country and throughout the world. Special exhibits are held many times during the year and present to the public a quality and diversity of artwork that rivals any in the contemporary art world.
"Painting outdoors is so different from studio work. It really helped improve my art."...Shirley W.
What Does a Typical Workshop Entail?
Classes are informative and fun. Instruction begins by 9 am and usually ends in the afternoon before 5 pm. We eat lunch by noon and encourage short mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks of at least 10 minutes each. For outdoor landscape painting workshops, the day's painting subjects may include floral gardens, orchards, ponds, mountain vistas, meadows, old farm buildings or woodlands. In the event of rain, we will work indoors whenver the workshop is being offered, until the weather clears.
"Vermont is beautiful in the summer. We really enjoyed the whole experience."...Sue and Ben C.
What Equipment Will I Need To Bring?
You will receive a recommended materials list at the time of registration. Some classes offer materials as part of the tuition. Certainly bring any equipment or materials you are accustomed to working with, especially for the oil painting students who usually paint outdoors using a field easel to hold their canvas. One necessary item to bring is your sense of humor. These workshops are a learning experience but more importantly they are intended to be fun! Remember, creativity flows more freely when we leave our “inner critic” at home so we can open ourselves up to the adventure of making art and welcome the unexpected.
“I did well as a beginner. Thank you for the encouragement.” ...Beth K.
What Activities Are There For Spouses and Non-painting Companions?
Whenver workshops are held, there are lots of activities in and around the region. For example, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, antiquing, golfing, leasure shopping, art and music festivals, or simply relaxing while enjoying the rural scenery.
“I had a great vacation painting and exploring the area's art galleries.” ...Amy R.
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