How to Teach Plein Air Art
Plein-air painting, or open air painting, can be enjoyed by many by using some basic techniques. Teaching the concepts behind plein-air painting to high school students is easily accomplished through a couple steps and with basic-painting materials.
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Things You'll Need
- Easels
- Canvases of various sizes
- Oil pants, acrylic paints, or watercolors
- Brushes of various sizes
- Paint-mixing palette
- Rags and brush cleaner
- Baskets to carry materials
- Sun hat
- Water
Instructions
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Plein-Air Painting
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1
Before working with high school students, search out a good plein-air painting location that is easily accessible, has good views to work with, and will accommodate a small group of people. A rest area on the side of the road overlooking a vista or next to a pond or creek, or a field with lots of natural items such as trees and flowers are good options. If walking to the location from a school, find an area that offers good views and is close to the building.
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2
Gather all materials students will need when painting outside. Provide each student with a basket to carry materials in along with easels and canvases. Encourage students to wear sun hats or sun block depending on the weather, and bring water to drink while painting.
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3
When everyone has reached the selected location, have high school students find a spot they feel comfortable in and set up their easels, canvases, and materials. Plein-air painting is about painting from and in nature, and creating paintings in the moment without sketching or building up the canvas.
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4
Encourage students to use bold brush strokes, to try to capture the large items in their view, and not to concentrate on small details. According to Plein-Air Painters of America (p-a-p-a.com) the goal of plein-air painting is to capture the color and light that are specific to the environment being painted.
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5
Plein-air painting sessions can last a few hours or all day. Make sure to designate a specific amount of time for students to work before they begin. Gently remind students as the time gets closer the end time.
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6
Return to the classroom or start location and display plein-air paintings for the whole group to look at. Have them observe how each person painted the location according to their different viewpoints.
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