Plein Air Trilogy: Hague, Stockley & NEON with Terry Wylie

Class Description:

Painting outdoors, or plein air, is one of the most rewarding ways to experience watercolor. This three-week class is designed specifically for painting on location, focusing on capturing light, atmosphere, and the energy of working from life.

Unlike traditional studio-based classes, we will spend each session painting outside at carefully selected locations near the d’Art Center. Students will learn how to simplify complex scenes, work efficiently with changing light, and develop confidence painting from direct observation.

We will be painting in the historic Hague area around the Chrysler Museum, as well as nearby locations such as Stockley Gardens and The NEON District. These areas provide a variety of subject matter including architecture, gardens, streetscapes, and urban landscapes.

Because this is a short three-week class, we will begin painting outdoors immediately. In the event of inclement weather, class will meet at d’Art Center and students will paint a still life designed to reinforce plein air concepts such as value grouping, color temperature, and simplified composition.

Seeing Like a Plein Air Painter

Simplifying complex scenes into strong shapes and value patterns.

Working with Changing Light

Learning to commit to a lighting plan and paint efficiently.

Color in Natural Light

Mixing atmospheric color and avoiding overworked paintings.

Portable Painting Techniques

Brush handling, limited palette mixing, and working quickly.

Finishing in the Field

Knowing when to stop and how to resolve a painting outdoors.

On-location painting

Instructor demonstration

Composition discussion

Individual guidance

Group critique and wrap-up

Locations will be within a short walking distance of d’Art Center and accessible without extensive travel.

Students may work with a simple setup or a more advanced portable easel system.

Folding chair

Watercolor block

Portable palette

Small supply bag

Plein Air Pro Easel

Meeden watercolor easel

Portable chair/easel combinations

Students are encouraged to use whatever setup they are comfortable carrying.

Arches 140 lb Cold Press Watercolor Block

Recommended sizes:

9 x 12

11 x 14

Round brush size 10–14 (primary brush)

Smaller round brush (size 6–8)

Large mop brush

Rigger brush

Flat or square brush (¼"–¾")

Palette with mixing area

Paper towels

Water container

Drawing pencil

Kneaded eraser

Mechanical pencil (optional)

Ultramarine Blue

Burnt Sienna

Yellow Ochre

New Gamboge or Hansa Yellow

Permanent Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Rose

Cobalt Blue

Sap Green or Green Gold

Raw Umber

Light Red or Transparent Red Oxide

Neutral Tint

Indanthrone Blue

Lavender

Cobalt Teal

Imperial Purple

Cool Gray

Students may use any brand. Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton, Holbein, and others are all acceptable.

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Host or Publisher d'Art Center