Exploring the Techniques and Principles of Plein Air Painting - Sabrina Schmidt


In this class, we will experiment with techniques and principles in composing an outdoor painting.
You’ll get the tools to manage visual chaos, breaking down the scene to what is really important to tell your story, and create a clear intent.
We’ll explore that intent with design, composition, value, and color using a limited palette.
Come with a playful mindset as we experiment with principles and techniques in plein air painting.
SUPPLIES
- Note cards or small sketch book
- 4 value markers – Kuretake Zig Brushables Dual Tip Markers (2 darker values, 2 lighter values) or drawing pencils with variety of hardnesses
- Black Sharpie
- View finder
- Portable easel and other gear (tripod, umbrella)
- Oil or acrylic paint (To keep my plein air gear light, I use a limited palette of Naphthol AS-D, PR112, Cad Yellow Light, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White)
- Solvent or solvent-free gel (container for solvent)
- Multiple small canvases: 5x7, 6x8, 8x10
- Brushes: #2, #4, #8, and #12 filbert, flats, and/or rounds, and any others you may like
- Palette knife
- Paper towels
- Trash bag
- Wipes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water
- Snacks

Sabrina Schmidt
As a plein air oil painter, Sabrina connects deeply with her surroundings, focusing on light, atmosphere, and subject. Guided by exploration, connection, and design, she captures the emotional essence of a landscape rather than its every detail. Her work emphasizes mood and feeling, using naturalistic colors and stylized, representational mark-making.
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