I’ve signed up for a workshop this weekend – Painting en Plein Air with Acrylics. I normally paint in oils, but there were no oil workshops scheduled at a time I could attend, so acrylic it is! Most of the topics to be covered should apply to both media, though, and it’s always interesting to try different things. Here’s the description of the workshop:
“Explore the advantages of working with acrylics and, particularly, the new slower drying series of acrylics, while painting en plein air and in the studio. Various block-in methods will be discussed and demonstrated. The simplified elements that contribute to a good composition, as well as the awareness of values, edges and colour temperature, will be a part of the learning experience. Demonstrations, individual instruction and critique will be part of each day.”
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
I’ve tried plein air painting a few times, with great enjoyment but limited success. For those outings, I used the pochade box at left, which I made from a converted silverware chest. For the workshop, though, I treated myself to that beauty at the top of the post: a brand new Jullian French easel (shown in the wilds of my backyard). I can’t wait to try it out!
If you have any plein air tips for newbies, please leave a comment!
