Plein Air Landscape Painting Course

Join us for a hands-on experience in plein-air landscape painting, where we will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful landscape painting from start to finish. In this course, you will learn how to select and set up your equipment, and discover the essential materials needed to achieve stunning results. Through a combination of demonstrations and personalized instruction, we will explore the various techniques used in plein-air painting.

Our focus is on the creative process, rather than on producing a finished piece. We will help you overcome the challenges that arise during the painting process, from selecting the perfect subject to applying paint to the canvas. We will discuss the importance of composition and design, emphasizing the simplification of shapes and values, as well as the use of color harmony and texture.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, this course will inspire you to explore the beauty of the outdoors and capture it on canvas. Come and join us for an unforgettable plein-air painting experience!

Instructor: Mason Williams

• Materials List: Summer 2026 LCAD Community Plein Air Class
  Asterisk * denotes required materials. All others are recommended, but not necessary. Everything listed below is what I use on a regular basis.
• Oil Paint
  • Titanium White* (Gamblin)
  • Cadmium Yellow Light*
  • Yellow Ochre or Raw Sienna
  • Cadmium Orange
  • Cadmium Red Light
  • Alizarin Crimson Permanent*
  • Burnt Sienna
  • Permanent Mauve (Windsor & Newton)
  • Ultramarine Blue* (Rembrandt)
  • Cobalt Teal
  • Viridian*
  • Green Gold
  • Solvent Free Gel* (Gamblin)
• Canvas or Panels
  • Painting is suitable for many surfaces. Depends what you like. My favorites are Double Primed Linen Panels by Raymar. I prefer linen over canvas. Avoid the cheapest canvas if you can. For our purposes, Panels are better than stretched canvases.
  • (12) 8 x 10 Panels
• Solvent
  • Gamsol*
  • Solvent Container (jar or metal can)
• Paper Towels
  • Scott’s Blue Shop Towels Link
• Pochade Box / Plein Air Easel / French Easel
  • The best thing that will make your life easier while plein air painting is a mobile setup. Please come to class with a Plein Air easel and tripod or a French easel. There’s a bunch of brands and types — feel free to reach out for more information.
  • Recommended Options:
    • Strada Mid Starter Package
    • Meeden French Style Sketchbox Easel
    • Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box + Tripod Set
• Brushes
  • Trekell Flat Hog Bristle Brushes* (sizes 8 & 4)
  • Trekell Long Flat Opal Brushes* (sizes 6, 4, & 2)
  • Trekell Long Flat Legion Brushes (sizes 6, 4, & 2)
  • Getting a brush holder is a good idea too!
• Palette Knife
  • RGM Palette Knife Medium Long Spade 068* Link
  • Many sizes are great — this brand is reliable and has many styles.
• Other Things
  • Backpack or bag to carry it all
  • Brimmed hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Sketchbook
  • Felt tip pen
  • Sketching pencil or vine charcoal