"PLEIN AIR PAINTING" with Fran Mangino

EN PLEIN AIR MEANS “IN THE OPEN” . . . in this two-day workshop we’ll be painting in watercolors on location at the beautiful Villa Serena Inn, an exceptional 100-year old Sarasota landmark in the Mediterranean Revival style. Painting in the open captures the essence and character of a place and tells a compelling story. It is what excites a viewer when he or she relates to the subject. This introductory workshop is designed to help develop your artistic skills and to provide you with the confidence to make decisions on composition, values, and drawing. You will find that en plein air is also a wonderful influence that enhances your studio work.

THIS IS A TWO DAY WORKSHOP CONDUCTED ON JANUARY 16th AND JANUARY 18th
On the first day we will discuss tools and set up. I will share the things that worked and did not work for me. In the morning demonstration, you will see how I begin with a map to capture a good composition. In the afternoon, you will draw and paint your scene while working from a photo which will be handed out. I will work with you, one-on-one, to help develop your painting style and solve any problems.

On day two, we will paint in the outside gardens. We will not be working from photos. I will work with each student to help one-on-one. You will choose your own subject. In the beginning, it is not the speed of painting to be concerned with. It is important to find your own way to achieve your goal. As in most plein air groups we will have a “show and tell” critique. You should consider critiques as an important learning tool that helps you to see what is good and what can be done to improve a painting.

Experienced artists view critiques as an essential part of learning, growing, and improving their work. Critiques also help artists to lose their inhibitions about painting in front of others.

NOTE: A detailed supply list and pre-workshop preparation instructions will be sent to you in advance of the class in plenty of time to ensure that you have the required materials. In keeping with the spirit and intention of Plein Air Painting you will be creating a scene from your observations of the historic Villa Serena Inn and its grounds. The cottage image displayed with the workshop listing is simply an example for illustrative purposes.