Learn to do Plein Air Painting!

Learn to Paint Plein Air

Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache

Join Don Kolstad, a full-time Alaskan artist since 1982, to learn the essentials of plein air painting (painting outdoors on location). If you've wanted to start but felt overwhelmed by equipment choices or where to begin, this class will help you get set up without wasting time or money.

What You'll Learn:

• How to choose and set up your plein air painting equipment
• Best practices for outdoor painting, including composition, color selection, and value studies
• Hands-on painting experience, with alternative indoor options in case of bad weather

Supplies:
If you have supplies, bring your painting box, brushes, and paints to the first class. A recommended supply list will be provided.

Recommended Plein Air Materials

Essentials

• Bug Spray (the most important item!)
• Tripod or Easel (for mounting your painting box)
• Palette (disposable palettes are convenient)
• Palette Knife (for mixing and applying paint)
• Pliers (for opening stubborn paint tubes)
• Odorless Mineral Spirits or Water (for cleaning brushes)
• Leak-Proof Container (for holding spirits or water)
• Trash Bag
• Small Tarp (for wet ground)
• Paper Towels/Rags & Hand Wipes
• Folding Stool or Chair
• Wet Paint Carrier (for transporting finished paintings)
• Hat & Clip-on Umbrella (for sun and weather)
• Sketch Pad & Drawing Materials
• Clips (for securing items in the wind)
• Small Bubble Level (for uneven ground)
• Viewfinder & Color Value Isolator
• Canvas Boards/Watercolor Blocks (8x10" or 9x12")
• Brush Holder or Wrap
• Utility Knife (Swiss Army-style)
• Magnets (for holding paper towels, etc.)
• Drinking Water
• Extra Container for Mineral Spirits or Water
• Backpack or Rolling Suitcase (for easy transport)

Suggested Paints & Brushes

Paints

Using a limited palette keeps your gear light and simplifies color harmony. Here are some good starter colors:

• Titanium White
• Cadmium Red Medium or Napthol Red
• Cadmium Yellow Light/Pale or Azo Yellow
• Yellow Ochre
• Ultramarine Blue
• Viridian

Don's Personal Favorites for Field Work:

• Titanium White, Transparent Iron Red Oxide, Yellow Ochre, Azo Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Chromatic Black, Ivory Black, Nickel Quinacridone Gold, Napthol Red, Alizarin, Viridian, and Cadmium Orange.

For oil painters, Gamblin's solvent-free gel medium is a great option for faster drying.

Brushes

Investing in quality brushes makes a big difference. Start with:

• Flats (#2, #4, #6, #8) (medium stiffness)
• Liner Brush (for fine details)
• Filberts & Brights (for versatility)