Plein Air with Patricia House

'Plein air' painting in Sun Peaks

Have you ever thought about trying to paint outdoors? Patricia will walk you through it!

While it can be challenging, 'plein air' is a great way to develop your artistic skills. 'Plein Air' painting can significantly improve your studio art and show you how to see differently by learning to see simple shapes rather than objects. It will help you capture the world as you see it and rely less on photographs.

In this morning's workshop, Patricia will guide you through her process. You will learn how to select a good composition from the view around you, learn to see and paint values, colours and light, deliberate brush work, and more!

You’ll receive a handout with suggested Plein Air approaches and techniques. Patricia will be painting in oils, but participants can work in acrylics, oils, gouache, or watercolour.

Details

Date: August 23, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Location: ArtZone Art Hub (near the Orient Chairlift - 5022b Valley Drive, Sun Peaks)
Price: $35.00 per person

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What to bring

Bring your usual plein air kit. If you are new to plein or painting, here is a suggested list:

• Small Sketchbook: A blank page sketchbook for writing notes and compositional sketching. Don’t forget a pen or a pencil and a black Sharpie marker.
• Easel: Any plein air setup (e.g., French easel or a plein air pochade setup).
• Surfaces: One surface, such as canvas, canvas board, that you are comfortable painting on. I suggest working small, such as something around 8x10”.
• Paints: The paints that you currently own, but keep it simple. I recommend a limited palette. You likely have what is needed for a basic palette of a warm and cool of each primary colour (e.g., Ultramarine blue and Cobalt or Phthalo Blue; Cadmium Yellow Light and Yellow Ochre; Alizarin Crimson and Cadmium Red Light) plus burnt sienna or iron oxide and white. Email Patricia if you have questions.
• Brushes: A selection of brushes from ¼” to 1” is preferred. Flats, filberts or rounds. Don’t forget your mineral spirits or water for cleaning. If painting in oil, odourless mineral spirits only. No exceptions, even though we are outside. Gamsol is highly recommended. Acrylic artists may want to bring a retardant medium to extend the drying time of their paints.
• Palette knife: One or two palette knives. Not mandatory.
• Clothing – come prepared for the environment, dress for the day's weather, bring a hat, sunscreen (and bug spray), and rain gear on hand – we can paint rain or shine if we are prepared!
• Don’t forget to bring some water to drink