ARTV 7103 - Plein Air Painting

Course Description

For this four-day online summer intensive course we will explore plein air painting. Plein air painting is a method of painting which contrasts with studio painting. It is a great way to connect with nature, the city, and to learn how to paint in the moment, making quick decisions about elements such as composition and color. Thousands of artists have begun this practice by taking their supplies outdoors into the landscape, cities and urban areas to capture the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this class we will get a chance to escape the walls of our studio space and experience painting in the outdoors. To prepare, we will learn various watercolour painting techniques in the virtual classroom. We will also learn the history of plein air painting by looking at many artists that have used this technique before us. By the end of this course you will learn how to watercolour paint, prepare for and complete Plein Air paintings and to display your work in new creative ways.  

Topics

• What is Plein Air? 
• Plein Air artists 
• History of plein air 
• How to set up/prep 
• Watercolour lessons 
• Displaying Art: where and why it is important 

This is an online instructor-led class.  Learners should have access to the outdoors including a park, backyard, balcony or window.  If provincial guidelines permit, the class may be held outdoors on Saturday.  Learners may be provided the option to meet the instructor on our main campus.  Those taking the class fully online will be able to join the class virtually on Saturday by choosing their own outdoor location.  Please ensure you will have access to the internet in your outdoor space. 

Those students who choose to attend in person will be required to wear a non-medical mask and face-covering, social distance and complete a COVID-19 self-assessment questionnaire.  Details will be provided before the start of class. 

Schedule

Thursday and Friday: History of plein air, watercolour techniques and practice (Online)

Saturday: Paint outside at your home or an outdoor group meeting site (You choose: in person or online)

Sunday: Morning Coffee, Critique and display (Online)

Notes

Materials are not included. Participants must purchase the following materials before the start of the class. 

• Watercolour paint (tubes or watercolour palette) 
• Paint palette (If you use tubes of watercolor paint) 
• Watercolour paper 
• Green painter’s tape (Frogger brand is best) 
• Hard surface to paint on (small wooden, plastic or Masonite board)  
• Watercolor paint brushes 
• Small container for water 
• Paper towels or towel 
• Ruler 
• Scissors 

Recommendations

This course is offered through Blackboard Collaborate. Learners will require access to a computer with high-speed internet access. 

Blackboard Requirements 

All course details can be accessed through Blackboard. A link will be provided through email and you will have access the first day of class. 

Please activate your UWinID. Your UWinID and password are needed to access Blackboard. If you have any issues, please contact continue@uwindsor.ca. 

Blackboard.uwindsor.ca works best with Google Chrome. You can also use Firefox or Safari. It is suggested that you avoid using Internet Explorer. There is a “Navigating Your Online Course” module and technical tutorials that you can review for a brief orientation to Blackboard once you log in. Feel free to review the full Blackboard preferred system requirements.