About

Make art wherever you go with plein air drawing, a term taken from the French phrase “en plein air,” which means “in open air.” Whether you’re setting up an easel on the beach or pulling out a sketchbook on a park bench, this introduction combines classroom work with outdoor sessions where you can practice capturing the fantastic natural spaces around Bainbridge Island and the Pacific Northwest. 

Details

• Skill level: Drawing experience is suggested, but not essential.
• Session 1: In BARN's Drawing & Painting Studio, you'll learn to assemble a basic kit of supplies and get tips for improving your drawing techniques, including focuses on perspective, line quality, washes, and composition (with and without the aid of the technology on your phone).
• Session 2: You'll return to the studio where the focus will be on techniques. Then, weather permitting, we'll move outside to the grounds at BARN to start practicing en plein air. Before this session ends, we'll all agree on an outdoor location for our next session.
• Session 3: Weather permitting, we'll meet at the designated outdoor location to practice plein air sketching. If the weather isn't favorable, we'll gather again at BARN.

Details

• Bring your preferred sketching tools to class. If you're new to sketching, make sure to bring the basics:
  • Sketchbook (hard-cover 9-inch by 12-inch recommended).
  • Sketching pencil, pencil sharpener, and eraser.
  • Smudging stick.
• Other useful tools that are optional include a mobile phone; small, portable folding chair for outdoor sessions; and appropriate clothing like hat, long sleeves, comfortable shoes, etc.
• If you want more insight on what to bring to class, email drawingandpainting.programming@bainbridgebarn.org, or come to one of BARN's free Community Sketching sessions, where all are welcome!

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.