PLEIN-AIR PAINTING ON AZENART PAINTING HOLIDAYS

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE TUTORING ON OUR HOLIDAYS:

Our painting holidays are not intensive painting workshops. They are designed to offer a relaxed and enjoyable balance between artistic development, tourist sites discovery, good food and leisure time. They provide participants with the opportunity to paint in inspiring locations while enjoying the destination and the company of fellow artists.

Painting sessions typically take place outdoors for approximately three hours each day, weather permitting. In the event of unsuitable weather, alternative indoor arrangements are made whenever possible. On the first day, the tutor provides a watercolour demonstration covering the basic techniques, helping participants build confidence and establish a foundation for the week ahead. Beginners are very welcome on our holidays and, in most cases, they will not be the only beginners in the group. The techniques covered during the initial demonstration are designed to give participants the basic skills and understanding needed to take part confidently in the painting sessions throughout the week.

Throughout the holiday, participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. While painting on location, the tutor offers individual guidance, feedback, and support tailored to each participant's needs and level of experience. Those who would like additional help are always welcome to ask questions or request further tuition. Complete beginners who feel apprehensive about working independently within the group may request a follow-along demonstration for the first couple of days to help them get started and to find their individual approach to painting. In our experience, most people quickly gain confidence and enjoy the freedom of working in their own way. Our aim is to create a friendly, supportive environment where artists of all abilities can develop their skills, gain inspiration, and enjoy the creative process. No painting sessions are programmed on the free day.

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.

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 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).

• Variegated wash (graded wash with different colours).

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

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

• Dry brush (adding detail).

• Proper 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 (paints not included). Choosing one of those mediums on our painting holidays means that you already have experience with them. However, please do not hesitate to ask your tutor for help with:

• 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