Woodstock Plein Air Painting With Peter Clapper

Paint directly from the Woodstock landscape in this plein-air workshop. See and paint the unique color and light that is Woodstock in the Spring. The grounds of this National Historic Site nestled in the Catskill mountains, holds by itself limitless motifs and subjects to inspire the creativity within the beholder. We will also explore the potential of local streams and wooded areas, all within a short car ride from the main campus. Work in your choice of oil or acrylic paints on canvas, linen or paper- whichever medium best suits your ideas and own personal vision. Students will be encouraged to work with such tools as palette knives and large brushes, enabling them to see the larger visual issues. The tools will also help to expedite the completion of work from morning to afternoon. Students will work on different canvases from morning and afternoon. We will learn to see as painters. Nature is a diverse and complex subject, and must be distilled to its essentials. A subject’s visual strength lies in its simplicity. Using the properties and strengths of painting, we will interpret nature through the relationships of, color and value, shapes and line, into a two dimensional reality, that best expresses nature as art. This plein-air painting workshop has a materials list specifically designed for the purpose of painting out-of-doors, with all of the demands and challenges which that can entail. Students will be expected to optimize their learning experience by having all of the colors, as well as a suitable palette to effectively hold all the colors and leave sufficient space to mix. Being a plein-air class, students will also need to be prepared for changing light and weather conditions, along with bug spray, sun block, cap with a visor, and trash disposal bags. Oil paint preferred. This is an outdoor class, please dress accordingly. We will be staying on school grounds during the workshop, so there is no need for a French easel. Suitable for all levels, no experience necessary! Ages 18+