PLEIN-AIR PAINTING

What is “plein-air” painting?  Plein-air painting or drawing (French for out in the open) means leaving the art studio in order to experience painting or drawing in front of natural landscapes. French impressionists made this practice a recognised art form at the turn of the 20th century. Artists took paint which was now available in tubes they could transport anywhere, along with newly conceived portable easels, and off they were to create and transfer fresh lively moods onto their paintings. A form of 'freedom painting' was born.

Plein-air painting (also spelled plain air painting) workshops have today become an enjoyable trend in the art world. It is a highly satisfactory activity. Artists come away with work containing an authentic piece of time and space, which makes for an "I was there and I painted that" impressive type of  souvenir. Tuition is mostly one on one at painting sites.

Please note that our art holidays are not intensive painting workshops. Our holidays are designed for participants to paint, but also to relax and sightsee. Painting sessions are 3 hours daily (mostly outdoors unless the weather is foul) with possible extra sessions to finish paintings. No painting sessions are planned on the free day.

Important note: Although we offer a variety of mediums to chose from, we recommend watercolours (or drawing) as the chosen medium. More experienced artists who have worked with these mediums before can choose from acrylics, pastels or oils. The tutor will help more experienced artists on a one-to-one basis while painting plein-air.

Which techniques will I learn on my plein-air Painting Holiday?

Besides the joy of sharing a loved activity with the group on a painting holiday, you might be wondering what you'll be learning, which techniques you'll go home with. Using watercolours (and other know-hows with other mediums), and in a relaxed outdoors environment, we'll review different techniques. (Please see farther down below if using a dry medium like drawing or hard pastels). More experienced artists: We understand that advanced artists are somewhat set in their ways, and want to paint how they've painted for years. They will always have the tutor’s great advice close at hand.

Let us remember that a painting / drawing holiday is first and foremost an enjoyable break in a lovely place. You are there to paint (or draw) rest and relax. It is thus important finding the right balance between lessons and enjoyment. On your art vacation, you will be free to integrate these useful and easy to learn watercolour artistic techniques. (Oils and acrylic techniques farther down).

• Flat wash (to obtain a solid colour throughout).

• Graded wash (going from darker to lighter).

• Glazed wash (working around objects).

• Wet-in-Wet (applying colour while the paper is still wet)

• Lifting wet colour (as an effect or to 'erase' or lighten colour).

• Splattering (splattering paint on the paper with a finger from a paintbrush).

• Dry brush (adding detail).

• Brush use and brush strokes.

At an easy pace, you will learn or improve (also valid for drawing):

• How to sketch before painting. 

• Composition (which view and elements you will choose to be in your painting).

• Colour (how to find and mix the right ones).

• Value or tone (light and dark).

• Lines (horizon, houses...).

• Shapes (the contour of things).

• Textures (painting effects used to render a feel of its surface). 

Acrylic & oil:

• Paintbrushes. Correct use of brushes; how to hold them and use them for best results. (This includes orientation and pressure).

• Paint application (thick or thin).

• Mixing colours (to make different hues).

• Creating texture.

• Blending.

• Special effects (using plastic, cotton…).

• Palette usage (how to place paint, mix).

TUTORS