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Introduction to Plein Air
Lionel Sanchez | October 29 — 30, 2026
There is something wonderfully immediate about painting outdoors: the changing light, the movement of water, the shape of the trees, the atmosphere of the day itself.
But for many painters, plein air can also feel like a lot to manage at once.
In this beginner-friendly introduction, Lionel Sanchez will take the mystery out of painting on location and show you how to simplify the process, choose what matters, and turn a real outdoor scene into a successful painting.
Workshops fill quickly—secure your spot early
Prefer to pay by check? Use the
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By the end of this workshop, you’ll have:
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A simple, portable plein air setup you can use anywhere
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A practical method for choosing and simplifying an outdoor scene
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A better understanding of composition, values, light, and atmosphere outdoors
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Experience painting on location with Lionel’s guidance
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A finished or well-developed plein air painting
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The confidence to pack up your supplies and go paint outdoors on your own
This workshop is perfect for:
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Painters who have always wanted to try plein air but weren’t sure how to begin
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Studio painters ready to take their work outdoors for the first time
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Artists who find outdoor scenes overwhelming and want to learn how to simplify what they see
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Painters who want to become more confident choosing a composition from the landscape
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Anyone who has avoided plein air because the equipment and logistics seemed too complicated
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Artists with some painting experience who want a relaxed, supportive introduction to working on location
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No previous plein air experience is necessary.
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All mediums are welcome.
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How to choose a strong subject from the overwhelming amount of information in an outdoor scene
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How to simplify what you see into clear, paintable shapes
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How to establish a strong composition before you begin painting
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How to identify and organize values in changing outdoor light
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How to capture light and atmosphere without chasing every changing detail
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How to work efficiently while painting on location
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How to use a simple, portable setup without investing in specialized plein air equipment
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How to evaluate your plein air study back in the studio and make thoughtful adjustments
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How to take what you learn and confidently approach your next outdoor painting
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Thursday, October 29 — 2:00–4:00 pm
Meet at Village Art Workshops for a two-hour preparation session covering materials, simple portable setups, choosing a subject, composition, and how to approach painting outdoors. -
Friday, October 30 — 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Meet on location for the plein air portion of the workshop. Lionel will help you select and simplify your scene, establish your composition, and begin your painting while working directly from the landscape.-
12:00–1:00 pm — Lunch Break
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1:00–3:30 pm
Return to Village Art Workshops to evaluate, refine, and finish your plein air painting with Lionel’s guidance.
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Fee: $149
Lionel Sanchez is an accomplished watercolor artist and instructor known for his expressive landscapes, confident use of light and color, and approachable teaching style.
An experienced plein air painter, Lionel has a gift for taking a complex outdoor scene and finding the shapes, values, and relationships that make it paintable. His instruction emphasizes strong fundamentals while encouraging students to loosen up, trust what they see, and make thoughtful choices rather than trying to capture every detail.
Lionel teaches regularly at Village Art Workshops, where students appreciate his patient, encouraging approach and his ability to make challenging concepts understandable and achievable.