The oil sketch is a traditional way for painters to execute preparatory ideas and quickly capture initial impressions – perfect for plein air painting! Learn useful techniques for rapidly encapsulating color and form while working directly from observation. Locations with shade and restrooms include Bartram’s Garden along the Schuylkill River and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, near Philadelphia International Airport. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $325
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Learn to paint the unique effects of evening light and activity of Center City and University City, Philadelphia. Discover techniques for managing the shifting light and shadows of the setting sun as it plays across the city’s historic architecture. This plein air option is perfect for summer painting, allowing artists to take advantage of cooling evening temperatures and the subtle or dramatic palette of sunset and dusk. Previous painting experience required. Restrooms near all locations. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $175
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Working in oil or pastel from photographic reference, this class is about translating the photographic image onto either canvas or paper. Focusing on color, value and mark making as essential tools, students are encouraged to move a step beyond the restraints of a camera to create a successful and personal work. Discussion will include working with painting mediums and exploring different techniques.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anne Graham
Cost: $285
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Join Cerulean Arts Collective artist Laura Eyring to create an expressive, colorful landscape using a “mosaic” technique in oils. Eyring‘s approach to oils focuses on mixing dozens of saturated colors from a limited number of paints. With no blending or overlapping, each stroke is set as an individual gem of color on a pre-toned panel. The result is a stained-glass effect with a vibrant quality. Bring your favorite landscape reference photos for a day to explore this colorful style. A short demo will be followed by a day of painting. Leave those earth tones at home and get ready to create an imaginative scene inspired by nature!
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Laura Eyring
Cost: $115
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647