Plein Air Painting without Fear

July 31, August 1, 2, 3 • 9:30am – 4:00pm

Instructor: DK Palecek

Cost: $365.00

Palecek describes her workshops as three dimensional: 

  • Develop a systematic approach and the skills required to capture a scene with a laser focus on Shapes, Values, Focal Point and Brushwork. This is the fun part.
  • Identify goals & intentions and the concrete steps to get there. No wait, THIS is the fun part.
  • Create the habits and rituals needed to reach each goal.  Okay, THIS is definitely the fun part.

Workshop Description

In this workshop, artist Deke Palecek will introduce a simple approach to breaking down a complicated outdoor scene into simple steps focusing on shapes, values, focal point and brushwork. By creating a solid design as the foundation for the painting, each additional phase can add the dimension and details required to capture the scene. To do this, artists need to change the way they see as much as the way they paint.

By providing a clear, repeatable process for developing a painting, artists are free to concentrate on other creative aspects that make their paintings unique.

Beyond the core skills needed to capture a painting on location, Palecek will focus on the practices required to make lasting changes in painting habits. It is important to identify goals and directions to determine what changes are needed to pursue those goals. Palecek incorporates her fascination with brain science into the painting process so artists walk away with tangible processes and an insightful way of making changes.

Workshop Schedule

The first two days (give or take) will be spent indoors, identifying goals and determining the individualized approaches to achieve those goals. Palecek will be demonstrating a specific, time-efficient approach to developing a plein air painting and students will practice that approach through a series of exercises. The last two days we will hit the road and put that approach into action on site following a demonstration. 

Outdoor & Travel Requirements

This workshop has outdoor components and each student is responsible for wearing appropriate attire and bringing necessary personal aids: hat, jacket, sunscreen, etc. 

Painting locations will be within 10 miles of Richeson School of Art & Gallery. Students are responsible for their own transportation. 

Register Online