Join us for a unique watercolor experience focusing entirely on a garden estate. Class begins March 20th, 2025!

Spring is approaching, and it is a wonderful time to paint outdoors in a beautiful setting! Plein Air painting is the perfect and relaxing antidote for an otherwise hectic daily life and the frustrations of current events in our world.

Once again, my Plein Air class is invited to paint in a beautiful setting: Lanakila Gardens are located on a lovely estate on the St. Johns River. Here, you will find a historic home with majestic oaks, river views, and professionally maintained formal, floral, and edible gardens. We will meet here every Thursday for six weeks to paint on the property. I invite you to take in and observe as much of the beautiful surroundings as possible and apply it to your painting. I also encourage you to develop a focused series with the paintings you will create.

For those new to plein air painting, it is all about becoming familiar with your gear and making yourself comfortable. The transition from studio to outdoors is not always easy, and I am here to help you acclimate and discover the joy of painting outdoors. If you are already painting in watercolor, you have most of what you will need, with the addition of a few new items like an easel, a stool, and possibly an umbrella. All of that is covered in the materials list you will receive upon registration.

Painting the scene before you can be confusing, and I will show you how to edit and simplify your subject using watercolor as a medium. I will also teach you to work within a value range and capture fleeting light and shadows. You will hone your observation skills and easily recognize warm vs. cool areas of color. We will also strive to paint faster (a plus for constantly changing outdoor lighting conditions in an active world) as well as painting in a looser style. I will continually talk about technique and color.

We critique the previous week’s paintings each week before exploring the new scenes. You will quickly realize how relaxing this experience is and yearn for more time outdoors!

A portion of your tuition will be donated to the non-profit organization that maintains and preserves this beautiful garden.

Plein Air in a Garden (March/April 2025)

WHEN: THURSDAYS:, 9:00 am - 1:2:30 pm
DATES: March 20th, 27th, April 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th.
WHERE: Upon registration, you will receive driving instructions to the location.
DURATION: 6 weeks
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNING, INTERMEDIATE, & ADVANCED.
PREREQUISITES & THINGS TO CONSIDER: No plein air painting experience is needed - that’s why you’re here! Prior experience with watercolor is also not needed, though painting experience in at least another medium is. This is NOT a good introductory course for a first-time painter, though I have had several students who were new to painting and who did very well! Good drawing skills are essential. Yes, for most of us, a bit of traveling is involved. I believe a little driving time is insignificant for a good day of fun and learning - with a memorable work of art to bring home. What could be better? There will be a makeup class in case of any class cancellation due to rain.
SUPPLIES: Not Included. When you register, a materials list is provided.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU BRING?: There may be days when we go beyond the allotted 3-hour timeline (discretionary), and so, as long as I am still there, I will offer help and instruction. Consider this a bonus! I suggest you bring a bagged lunch and water each week. We sometimes go as a group to a local restaurant (Dutch), and this is usually discussed the previous week. Though it is mentioned in the Materials List, I always recommend bringing water, sunblock, a hat, and bug spray. Bug spray? Yes, every plein air painter carries it in their bag. You never know when you will need it - even sometimes in winter.
PRICE: $250

CONTACT ME IF THE CLASS IS MARKED AS “SOLD,” AND I CAN PUT YOU ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE THERE ARE ANY CANCELLATIONS.