Description
Painting in the Dunes, Plein Air Painting Workshop – ON Sandy Neck, Cape Cod, the Cottage at Halfway Point
Price Member $215 – Non Member $265
Where: Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable
When: June 24, 2023
Time: 9am – 3pm
Workshop Description: This 6 hour workshop led by Robin Wessman, will focus on creating art that captures the light and energy of painting on location in the dunes of Cape Cod. Sandy Neck Beach is a beautiful location filled with peaks and valleys in the dunes, a wide variety of foliage and of course the ocean in Cape Cod Bay. The session will begin with a short demonstration outlining his approach to beginning a landscape painting outdoors. Students will then select a painting location of their own and set up to begin their painting. Robin will move through the group to answer questions, provide feedback and recommendations, including tips and techniques. At the end of the workshop participants will gather for a short review of all paintings and discuss what was accomplished. All skill levels of painters are welcome to attend this workshop.
A quiet time to create . . . In the quiet of Sandy Neck Beach Park, the rustic cottage at the halfway point stands in the middle of the dunes, marsh and water. (Not the Lighthouse). It provides solitude, scenic landscapes and an endless source of beauty and inspiration. The Town of Barnstable, in partnership with the Cape Cod Art Center, offers day excursions to this unspoiled landscape. It is a special place to create and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. From time to time a Sandy Neck Beach Park naturalist will travel out with the group and share their first-hand knowledge and expertise of this “living museum”.
Who is this for? This artist experience is for the plein air painter, who craves some time away to create without the usual everyday interruptions. The Cottage at Halfway Point is very rustic. While out you will be exposed to the elements, and need to dress appropriately. Bring snacks and lunch, water and hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and other personal items you may need to be comfortable outdoors for hours. An Out-House is available at the location.
The following is suggested information to help you get started with plein air painting:
Plein Air Painting Easels: A few important things to consider when buying an easel:
* Ease of set up – you want it to be easy to set up and take down. More people struggle with easels that are complicated and take a long time to unpack and pack back up. You want to be able to start painting quickly and pack up fast when you are ready to leave.
* Weight and size – the lighter the easel the better since you will be carrying it to the spot you want to paint and that can often turn into walking around a lot until you find the perfect spot that inspires you. The size should be big enough to hold your paints, brushes and possibly your painting.
* Quality – you will want an easel that is sturdy enough to stand up to some wind (stone bags attached to the tripod provide extra stability), and flexible enough to hold various sizes of panels or canvases when you paint.
There are many different types of plein air easels on the market for you to choose from. Below is just a sample of some for consideration that are tripod mounted, light and easy to set up.
* Guerilla Box and Tripod (separate)
* Jack Richelson All in one Pochade box and Tripod (separate)
* Soho Pochade Box with Tripod Combo
* Meeden
* New Wave U Go (three separate items)
Panels or Canvases:
* Stay small when working outside due to wind and also carrying wet canvas when done
* Good idea to have more than one with you
* Medium to Smooth texture surface
* 9×12, 11×14, 12×16, 8×16, 10×20
Recommended Oil Paints:
* Burnt Umber
* Raw Umber
* Cadmium Yellow Light
* Cadmium Orange
* Cadmium Red Light
* Sap Green
* Dioxazine Purple
* Ultramarine Blue
* Titanium White
* Cadmium Yellow Deep (optional)
* Cobalt Blue (optional)
Brushes (assorted sizes for all – but nothing too large or too small):
* Bristle Filberts – assorted sizes
* Bristle Flats – assorted sizes
* Synthetic Flats – assorted sizes
* Badger Brush #12 (optional)
Other materials:
* Palette Knife
* Small Sketch pad
* 2B Pencils or charcoal
* Odorless Mineral Spirits (Gamsol is best)
* Rags or paper towel
* Container for trash
* Portable stool or chair (if sitting)
* Sunscreen and bug spray
* Container to carry your wet painting
Click on Robin’s name for the link to his website: Robin Wessman’s
