Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center

Have you been curious to explore the exciting possibilities for creative inspiration through plein air drawing? Then this workshop is for you! Working outside “en plein air” and using a small homemade viewfinder (small paper window), students will begin this course by making quick studies in black and white of a few different views that are of interest compositionally. We will review some “illusionistic tricks” to learn specific techniques to create atmosphere, perspective, mood, and landscape depth.

We will create quick, small-scale studies, responding to light, shadow, space and the natural rhythms and patterns in nature. We will experiment with varied materials such as oil pastel, charcoal, graphite and marker. After beginning in black and white, students will progress to monochromatic drawings, eventually drawing with color.

This workshop will offer exposure to and exploration of methods and techniques of working outside from the landscape. Some artists we will look at are van Gogh and Matisse, among others, for inspiration. Students will gain an understanding of how to best begin to approach drawing out in nature while incorporating emotional expression in order to depict their interpretation of a particular place.

$25 Supply Fee

Member discount: 10 percent.