This immersive workshop offers an inviting on-ramp into the world of plein air painting, led by this year’s featured artist, Patricia Sweet MacDonald, a sought-after instructor known for her humorous, approachable, and highly informative teaching style.
Designed especially for artists who are curious about painting outdoors, but may feel unsure where to begin, his four-hour experience provides a clear, confidence-building introduction to the fundamentals of landscape painting in oil. Patricia’s teaching emphasizes preparation, observation, and simplicity, giving participants the tools they need to successfully paint on location without feeling overwhelmed.
What to Expect
The workshop begins indoors, where participants will lay out their materials and equipment for evaluation and thoughtful preparation. This preemptive approach allows students to understand why each tool matters and how to organize their setup efficiently before stepping outside. While indoors, students will focus on mixing a string of gray values on a neutral palette—an essential exercise that sharpens the eye and establishes a strong foundation for understanding light, atmosphere, and form.
After a short break, the group will move outdoors where Patricia will lead a live, alla prima demonstration. Students are encouraged to paint along as she walks through the essentials of plein air painting in real time. Throughout the session, Patricia pauses frequently to answer questions and provide individualized guidance, covering key concepts such as composition, atmosphere, and—her personal favorite—the critical importance of value.
To keep the focus on fundamentals, participants will work exclusively in shades of brown. This limited-palette approach removes the complexity of color, allowing students to see value relationships more clearly and gain confidence in their decision-making. Many artists are surprised by how much clarity and insight this simplified method provides—and how transferable it is to future work in full color.
Who This Workshop Is For
- Artists new to plein air painting
- Painters looking to strengthen foundational skills
- Those seeking a structured, supportive introduction to painting outdoors
Ages 16 and up
- You do not have to be enrolled in Brevard Plein Air to participate
- First come first served
- No prior plein air experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Workshop Details
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 1:00–5:00 PM
Location: Transylvania Community Arts Council, 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, NC 28712
Format: Indoor instruction followed by outdoor painting
Capacity: Up to 20 participants
Registration Fee: $125 per person (Payment link will be provided in confirmation email)
Materials
CLICK HERE to view required workshop materials.