2015 Essential Plein Air Techniques Workshop: The PDX Edition

(above: "Steelman Lake", on Sauvie Island, 20 minutes from downtown Portland)

When: August, 14th - 16th, 2015

Where: In and around the greater Portland, Oregon area

Tuition: $350.00

Registration is now open!

Email thomas@thomaskitts.com to request a registration form.

I am pleased to announce yet another plein air workshop this summer, only this time in my very own backyard... 

It is always nice to travel to exotic places and paint, but sometimes it is even nicer to paint an area you know intimately. Of course, this August, folks from out of town are welcome to come join the locals too – and if any of you do we'll make you a (temporary) honorary Oregonian during your stay. (ha!) So don't feel shy about coming if you want to experience an awesome long-weekend of painting, and an opportunity to see what Portlandia is all about. Just let me know and we will be happy to issue you a visa. Heck, we will even put a bird on it... (ha, again!)

About this workshop: This class is for anyone who is interested in learning to paint en plein air using an alla prima oil painting technique. It is specifically designed for the novice-to-intermediate artist. Some experience with painting will be helpful but is not required. If you have experience using another media your skills should transfer to this class.

Your instruction will focus on how to paint en plein air under natural light, in the field. By the end of this week you will understand how to resolve many of the issues that confront the outdoor painter. Thomas’ instructional style is both fun and informative and he is respectful of everyone's level. Each day he will present a series of brief talks, demos and plenty of one-on-one instruction tailored to your personal ability. This will be a fun and enjoyable experience that will carry you forward many years.

During this workshop you will also learn additional tips and tricks that help in the studio.


Here are a few of the topics we will cover during out three days together:

1. How to recognize and mix naturalistic color. Then if desired, how to expressively accentuate it...

2. How to use the Hue/Value/Chroma system to mix you color rapidly...

3. How to simplify and separate the values you see into dynamic groups of light and shadow...

4. How to become faster and more decisive...

5. How to become selective about detail...

6. How to use lost and found edges to lead the eye...

7. How to develop your own individual brushwork...

8. How to start (and yes, end!) a painting...

9. How to use of both thin and thick paint to your advantage...

10. How to apply impasto brushwork...

And much, much, more!…

We will also discuss concerns often overlooked by even the most experienced pros — such as how to paint in an archival manner, basic material science, and what everyone should know about health and safety.

Once you register you will receive a materials and recommended reading list. You may be surprised at how little equipment is required, and what you can do with it!



To learn more about my previous Portland plein air workshops – or to read a few testimonials from previous students, visit: http://tinyurl.com/PDXpleinair and scroll to the bottom.

So join me this August to work on your plein air skills! Enjoy yourself and make new painting friends, or meet up with some old ones. You can expect this workshop to boost your confidence and ability to paint anywhere, anytime – indoors or out

For more information or to register, email me at pleinairPDX@thomaskitts.com