UPDATE: This workshop was formerly called “Painting Here and Now” and due to a change in personal circumstances, Jeremy Herndl is no longer able to teach his workshop at MISSA this summer. At this late date, and with a confirmed class of registered students, MISSA is grateful to have found DEBORAH CZERNECKY to teach outdoor painting, adding her unique perspective to capturing our natural surroundings. Deborah has been a long time supporter of MISSA as a past instructor as well as a past member of the MISSA Board of Directors.

The term “en plein air” is a French expression that simply means being outside. Painting outdoors is challenging and combines the captivating practice of painting from life with all the physical and mental health benefits of being out in the fresh air. Plein air painting broadly means working outside in front of the subject. Because of the challenges of working from an ever-changing subject (moving light, changing weather conditions, etc.), en plein air paintings are characteristically looser and more spontaneous in style than studio work. The average painter does not do this naturally,  as we have a tendency to focus on things we are comfortable with such as details and narrative.

This five day course will concentrate on simplification of the landscape, with emphasis on shapes, limited value range, looser brushstrokes and local colours. Simple shapes live beneath the details and, if we use fewer values, the shapes become more clearly defined and simpler. We will add blocking-in to the conversation, as time is short on location, with the light constantly moving . This will lead us to chasing the light and slowing down at the right times. How to paint in daylight with strong sunlight, dealing with shadows and reflected light. We experience a wide range of weather conditions here on the West Coast so we will address how to work with the weather and the effects of weather patterns
beyond clear sunshine.

The last topic is getting around with everything you need without bringing the entire indoor studio. This will include various new types of outdoor easels, newest types of panels, umbrellas, and what not to take when flying, plus other related equipment.

Possible topics, time permitting – painting people in the landscape, extremes of temperature, tips for painting snow, tips for painting in the wind or rain, nocturnes, making choices, sight-size method and suggesting distance in the landscape.