Capturing the Spirit of Nature: A Plein Air Workshop with Lori Putnam

Celebrating 10 years of Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out!

Monday & Tuesday, September 28th & 29th
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day
$475
Ages 18+

About the class:

This workshop will focus on finding and painting the character of a particular place and time. What makes this painting look any different from the one you painted last week? What is it that you want to share about the scene through paint? Are you relying too much on familiar formulas instead of personal response? Forget process. There is no reason to paint the same way every time. Come out and play a while… we’re going to shake things up a bit!

NOTE: In case of inclement weather, this workshop will be held indoors. 

Suggested Supplies: This class is not about technique and therefore open to all mediums. Please adapt the supply list below to your preferred medium.

• Plein air equipment required. Lori uses a Putnam Signature from EdgePro.com. (These can take up to 6 weeks to receive so plan accordingly if you plan to order. You can order the entire kit with tripod, or just the palette and a tripod you may already have. Remember, your tripod should be lightweight!)

• Please bring whatever color palette you are comfortable using. Preferred colors would include Cad Yellow Light, Naphthol Red, Ultramarine Blue, and Titanium White.

• 2-3 panels. Bring sizes you are comfortable painting in plein air in about 2 hours. I would suggest two different proportions, for instance 8x10 and 9x12, etc. Lori's favorite surface is Claessens #15dp oil linen http://raymarart.com/ (If you order from them, use code PUTNAM at checkout to save 15%.) Do not pre-tone your panel. Remember to have wet-painting carriers to transport your work safely.

• You may bring whatever brushes you feel comfortable using. Lori will (mostly) be using a mixture of bristle and synthetic brushes in extra-long flat and extra-long filbert shapes, sizes 4, 6, and 8 by Rosemary & Co, Trekell, and/or Silver Brush. (Do not load yourself down with too many brushes, just make sure the ones you have are good!) 

• Duo-tipped neutral grey markers such as Kuretake ZIG Brushables Pure Black and Platinum, such as these: https://www.dickblick.com/products/zig-brushables-dual-tip-markers

• You will be gifted a small sketchbook!

• Gamblin Gamsol (do not bring any other type of mineral spirits please). If you prefer to paint solvent free, try Gamblin Solvent Free Gel or Liquid, or Michael Harding's Miracle Medium

• Non-breakable, sealable container for your Gamsol

• Plein air umbrella (optional, recommended)

• ViewCatcher

• Towels or rags

• Bag for trash

• Open mind. The most important supply you must bring is your sense of humor. Do not expect too much of yourself. Learning can be frustrating, but oh-so-worth it. Relax, have fun, and follow Lori’s instructions to make the most out of your experience.

OTHER NOTES:

• Wear neutral-color clothing, hat, sunscreen, bug spray

• Comfortable shoes for walking and standing. If you prefer to sit, please provide your own stool/chair.

• It is best to be able to pack all of your gear in a backpack if possible. Be sure it is not too heavy for you to tote your own stuff. We realize that you may need to “roll” your kit instead of carrying it on your back. We will do everything possible to find accessible places, but please try to keep your supplies to a minimum.

• Water and snacks. (There will be a refrigerator available where you check in if you need to store food.)

About the Artist: Lori Putnam

Lori Putnam OPAM, is celebrated for her fresh and engaging paintings. Putnam's works in today's new impressionist style illustrate nature's intrinsic beauty and light.

Having traveled to paint, research, lecture, and teach in over 30 countries, she believes exposure to other lives and geographic locations has been her greatest teacher. 

Rather than relying on photographs, the artist works from her notes and sketches back home in her Tennessee studio. There, she paints large-scale pieces, often combining multiple studies in her creative process. 

Putnam is a Signature Member of the California Art Club, American Impressionist Society, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and American Women Artists, and is a Master Signature Member in the Oil Painters of America and International Plein Air Painters. In 2021 won both the $15,000 Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Awards from Annual Plein air Salon.

Find more information on loriputnam.com

Below: "Morning on the Farm" and "Headin' to Camp," oils on linen by Lori Putnam