Fine Arts: A Taste of Plein Air

Join plein air painter Victoria Brzustowicz for a four-week plein air class designed for artists of all experience levels who want to explore the fun of creating outdoors. Each session will take place at a different location, offering fresh inspiration and new challenges. Use the medium of your choice—whether it's oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pencil, or pen and ink—allowing for personal expression and experimentation.

The class will include guided instruction, group critiques, and plenty of time for independent work—all in a supportive, creative environment.

Bring your favorite materials, an open mind, and your love for the open air!

Materials:

If you need to borrow an easel, just let us know and we can arrange to bring one to class for you.

Here are three general points for you to consider as you organize your materials for the first class:

1. Keep It Simple: Start Small

Use a lightweight easel and small canvas or panel (8x10" or 9x12" as the largest to start). A compact setup makes it easier to move and focus on essentials.

2. Pack Light, Pack Smart

Bring only what you need:

• Limited palette (suggested colors below)
• Brushes (3-4 sizes is enough)
• Paper towels or rags
• Palette knife
• Medium (Gamsol, solvent free gels, or water for water media)
• Trash bag, clips, viewfinder
• If you are drawing, bring a set of pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener and your favorite sketchbook

Tip: A backpack or rolling cart makes transportation easier.

3. Use a Limited Color Palette

For oil, acrylic, gouache, or watercolor paints, start with 4-5 core colors:

• Titanium White
• Ultramarine Blue
• Hansa or Cadmium Yellow Light
• Napthol Red
• Convenience colors as desired

Working with a limited palette helps you learn to mix colors and harmonize the colors in your painting. And you don't break your back carrying your entire studio. For pastels, try to pare your kit down to the essentials.