Plein Air Painting Program

The Bloedel Reserve Plein Air Program

Plein Air is a French word meaning “in the open air.” The technique is about leaving the four walls of the art studio behind and painting and drawing in the landscape.

The Bloedel Reserve Plein Air Program is pleased to bring together some of the finest Plein Air artists in the region. The Reserve is offering several days of painting on the grounds, including two days of expert instruction with afternoon time to paint on the grounds. All levels are welcome!

Participants need to have their own supplies and equipment. This can be as simple as a sketchbook and pencils, or as much as a full paintbox, folding chair and easel, or anywhere in between.

What is a Facilitated Plein Air Day?

Participants in the program arrive between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM and meet up at the Arrival Garden. At 10:45 AM, the Facilitator will explain where you may (or may not) set up and when to meet back at the Arrival Garden to walk up to a designated off-trail lunch spot (bring your own picnic lunch). The facilitator will also let you know the general area(s) they plan to paint in so that if you have questions, you can find them. The group painting day ends at 4 PM.

What is a Learn from an Expert Day?

We are offering two classes taught by expert artists this year. Participants will gather at the Arrival Garden between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM and head up to a behind the scenes location for the class. The class may include a mixture of live demonstration, conversation, and painting. After class, participants are welcome to stay and paint on the grounds until the Reserve’s closing time that day.