Plein Air Tips and Tricks
Never painted outside, or fairly new to painting outside? No problem! Come join other newcomers to take the courageous leap into painting in the great outdoors.
Welcome to Plein Air Tips and Tricks, where we will spend a fun day learning all about plein air painting: from the ins and outs of gear, how to set up, choose a subject and mix colors from a limited palette, including all of those Tennessee greens. We will learn to “see” outside as artists: how to identify and compose a scene, and break down the painting process into steps to create your plein air painting. You will leave with a reference packet full of tips, tools, book titles, and artists to study further, as well as the confidence, and enthusiasm to create your next plein air piece! I will be using water mixable oils as my medium of choice, but will also touch on other mediums and their pros/cons. You may try some of these paints to see if you like them!
Part of this class will be indoors, but we will paint outdoors – weather permitting!!
Class size: 10 spots
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Location: On Track Studios
1978 Wilson Pike
Franklin, TN 37067
Directions, click here
Member Price: $75
Non-member price: $95
At this time, please only register if you are a current Chestnut Group member.
(Registration opens to non-members August 27, 2025)
Supplies needed:
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Bring what you have as far as a set-up and paints, and we will discuss different mediums and pros/cons.
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Paper towels
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3-5 brushes of varying sizes (I prefer bristle brushes with one softer finishing brush)
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Brush washer (small metal canister to hold the gamsol) *Please do NOT bring turpentine or turpenoid type products!
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Palette or palette paper (can be taped to a still wrapped canvas if you don't have a palette)
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Small canvas boards 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 so we can do some quick studies (or similar for other mediums)
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Pencil or markers and paper for thumbnail sketches
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Water bottle or drink
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Lunch/snacks
- Small bag to hang on your easel to collect dirty paper towels
- Palette knife
- Sunscreen/hat, bug spray
- Viewfinder, value finder, or similar small tools
Questions: Suzanne LeBeau, suzanne.lebeau22@gmail.com, 615-631-6346