SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts is offering two opportunities for adults and teens to explore painting in August.
Matt Peake will offer a Plein Air painting workshop on Sunday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a fee of $42 for members and $56 for non-members.
The group will meet at Main Street Arts for a demonstration and strategy session, then travel to a nearby scenic spot to paint (with pastels or water colors) or draw with graphite/charcoal. Outdoor easels are encouraged but not necessary. MSA can provide paper, charcoal, and graphite, but participants need to bring their own pastels, watercolors, and watercolor paper if they want to work in that medium. In case of rain, the group will work indoors from their favorite scenic photographs.
“Going outdoors to paint or draw is sometimes more romantic a notion than an enjoyable experience,” said Peake.
“The hot sun, the intense light, the threat of rain, changing shadows, bugs, etc., all make the experience challenging, to say the least, but I would be willing to do this with that disclaimer. And bring a lunch!”
Robert O'Brien will lead Painting Spectacular Flowers Using Watercolors on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a fee of $57 for members and $72 for non-members.
The workshop is for all levels of painting, with some drawing experience recommended. Participants will learn basic floral painting techniques, with an emphasis on values and composition. The session will begin with a demonstration by the instructor, followed by class painting.
O'Brien will provide hands-on guidance through the process. The course will focus on painting from photo-reference of flowers in an artistic and close-focus setting. There will be a critique and class discussion at the end of the day. A materials list will be provided upon request.
O'Brien has been painting in watercolors for 40 years. He has received many awards, most recently, in 2012, a gold medal in the New England Watercolor Society's Spring Juried Signature Members' Exhibition in Boston. Examples of his work can be seen on his website www.robertjobrien.com.
Registration is required for classes by calling 802-869-2960 or emailing info@mainstreetarts.org.