Studio Landscape Painting from a Plein Air Sketch

In week one, Marc will take you through a list of materials needed for painting landscapes on location. You will discover Marc’s creative process for landscape art.

In week two, Marc will guide you in selecting landscapes to paint from life. He will start by demonstrating painting a scene with clear foreground, middle ground, and background elements. Then, you’ll learn how to create thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook.

In week three, you will watch as Marc tackles a flat-lit ocean scene. You will learn to emphasize the values instead of the hues of the landscape.

In week four, you will watch as Marc tackles another ocean scene where you look almost directly at the sun. You will practice pushing the contrast and silhouette of the landscape.

In week five, Marc will continue to demonstrate how to paint color sketches of landscape scenes on location. You will watch as Marc tackles multiple valley scenes.

In week six, you will watch as Marc tackles two scenes at the California Central Coast; one with a strong atmospheric perspective and one where you look down into the subject.

In week seven, you will learn to analyze your color sketches and select the best composition to build a large painting. Marc will teach you how to create the initial drawing on a big canvas and begin the block-in.

In week eight, Marc will show you how to scrape down the thick excess paint from the last session. Then, you will learn how to make adjustments to your initial block-in.

In week nine, Marc will resume his oil painting of the Central Coast landscape scene. You will learn to add color shifts and design natural shapes. Marc will refine and add slight textures to the painting and let it dry for the following session.

In week ten, you will learn how to refine the sky, background, and water in a landscape painting. You will watch as Marc oils out the canvas before he further develops the scene.

In week 11, you will discover how to glaze to enhance the colors and values of your landscape painting. Then, Marc will teach you how to add the finishing details and make last-minute adjustments to the overall painting.