Chasing Light & Color: Plein Air

Service Description

DATE & TIME: August 4, 10am - 3pm SIGN UP DEADLINE: JULY 31 Instructor: Deena Ball COST: Members $120 Non members $128 Capacity: 12 Skill level: Intermediate and up. Adults only. Location: Start at the Maine Art Gallery, then paint on location. Materials: Bring either a portable easel or folding chair and a board to use as a support. Water container, paper towels, brushes, professional quality watercolor paints. If possible, suggested paints and colors are: Winsor Newton tube watercolors: Deep Gold, Transparent Yellow, Permanent rose, French Ultramarine blue, Cobalt, Cerulean, Indigo and Burnt Sienna - only small tubes needed. A large round brush, a smaller one, and a flat brush. One good quality watercolor brush is better than any poor-quality brushes. All-cotton 140lb or 300lb cold press watercolor paper, either a sheet that you tape down to a board or a block. Palette or tray with plenty of mixing room. Sketchbook and black sharpie pen, and a pencil. Painting umbrella if you have one, or any kind of umbrella that you can clamp to your easel or chair. Hat, sunscreen, bug stuff, and water. While we encourage you to patronize local art supply stores you might not find all the colors on the list readily available in local stores. You can also order paints from dickblick.com or from jacksonsart.com/en-us/. Bring a packed lunch. Description: Nature doesn’t hold still and neither will we. This plein air watercolor workshop is designed for advanced beginners ready to paint outdoors with confidence, energy, and intention. You’ll learn how to capture light, atmosphere, and mood while embracing a loose, expressive approach to watercolor. Through demonstrations, guided practice, and individual feedback, artists will simplify complex scenes into strong value shapes, create dynamic compositions, and respond creatively to changing light and weather. The focus is on painting what you see and feel, not chasing perfection, while building practical skills you can take anywhere. This class is ideal for those who want to loosen up, work more intuitively, and develop confidence painting plein air. About Deena Ball:​ A painter and educator based in Falmouth, ME, Deena earned a BA in Art History and Studio Art from Colby College. She has taught and exhibited her artwork across the country, and won awards for plein air art. She served as president of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society, and served on its board as well as the Delaware Valley Art League for many years.