5 Saturdays: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, and 26
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break)
at Boathouse Row and Fairmount Park in Philadelphia

This course examines watercolor painting's language and techniques from Plein Air, which is a French expression meaning "in the open air." Students will be able to paint watercolors outdoors along Boathouse Row and Fairmount Park in Philadelphia (Google). Facilities are accessible on site.

Working from observation, students will focus on building design framework through shapes rather than on isolated objects. Students will also capture light and shadow to create a convincing sense of space and form. The goal is to transmit and exemplify what is seen on location to the paper while learning to simplify and avoid overworking, using the watercolor properties of causing accidents without losing control.

This "spontaneous" method of applying watercolor paint gives life to the paintings of artists like John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, to list just a few.

There will be daily demonstrations, exercises, and one-on-one guidance to develop each student's style. Topics Include: Dealing with constantly changing light and shadows, values, dynamic compositions, additive and reductive methods, correcting mistakes, and transparent glazing.

All levels of experience are welcome!

Alternative Sites: In case of rain, classes will be postponed or moved to Studio Incamminati (1901 S. 9th Street, 7th Floor, Building Bok, entrance on Dudley Street)