“Step Outside: Introduction to Plein Air Painting” presented by Betsy Payne Cook, PPSCC
All Medium Welcome
"I notice that my time plein air painting makes a difference to how I approach pastel painting when I am in my studio, thoughtful choices paired with spontaneity." - Betsy
|
Class: Monday, 7/8
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM Location: Alliance Arts Center, 124 Route 6A, Sandwich Cost: $70 member/75 non-member Painting outdoors is an exhilarating experience, and this workshop is ideal for artists who want to take the challenge of stepping outdoors to paint but don’t know where to begin or what to expect!
I notice that my time plein air painting makes a difference to how I approach pastel painting when I am in my studio, thoughtful choices paired with spontaneity. This workshop will provide artists with a introduction to the equipment used for plein air painting, ranging from basic hacks to items you can purchase. I will start with a talk/demonstration that will include samples of equipment, pointers for setting up on location, narrowing the field of vision, importance of thumbnail sketches and painting the values in the landscape. You will then have a chance to set up equipment that you bring with you and we will discuss options that may improve your plein air painting experience. Participants will have time to sketch and painti. If the weather is not cooperative, we will remain indoors. Betsy’s medium of choice is pastels but information shared will apply to other drawing & painting mediums as well. Come with what you think might work for outdoor painting. The first time I went out I used a TV tray! This is an introductory workshop so it’s not necessary to run out and purchase equipment. Class Registration closes 48 hours prior to the first class, as a courtesy to the instructor. Some classes have limited enrollment so please register soon so you don’t miss out.
To Register by Mail: Download registration form here |
Materials List:
As a guideline this is a basic equipment list for plein air painting: Sketchbook, drawing materials ( pencils or charcoal sticks) , viewfinder, your painting supplies, small format paintings surfaces (8x10 , 9X12), a hat with a visor and your camera and an easel. I will be showing some examples of easels as there are quite a few options. It is useful to have a camp chair and an artist’s umbrella, but they are optional. Depending upon the weather you might need sunscreen or bug repellent. Keep materials light and easy to carry, you do not have to bring all your paintings supplies.
If you have any questions please contact me at betsy@betsypaynecook.com
As a guideline this is a basic equipment list for plein air painting: Sketchbook, drawing materials ( pencils or charcoal sticks) , viewfinder, your painting supplies, small format paintings surfaces (8x10 , 9X12), a hat with a visor and your camera and an easel. I will be showing some examples of easels as there are quite a few options. It is useful to have a camp chair and an artist’s umbrella, but they are optional. Depending upon the weather you might need sunscreen or bug repellent. Keep materials light and easy to carry, you do not have to bring all your paintings supplies.
If you have any questions please contact me at betsy@betsypaynecook.com
Instructor: Betsy Payne Cook, PPSCC

Betsy Payne Cook paints exclusively with pastels, and is honored to be a juried artist member of the Pastel Society of America and to have achieved signature membership status of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod (PPSCC). Betsy is acknowledged as a juried Master Artist at the Cape Cod Art Association. She participates in local and national juried exhibitions, and is a member of several art organizations. Betsy is represented by Gallery Artrio in Hyannis and True Grit Gallery in Middleboro.
Betsy records her thoughts and experiences as an artist in her newsletter “Painting In and Out”. Her hope is to provide inspiration and insight while sharing her love of pastels and her life as an artist. Betsy teaches pastel workshops and classes, and is on the faculty of the Falmouth Arts Center and the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. Betsy organizes Cape Cod plein air classes and workshops including destination plein air painting workshops in Wales Great Britain. Betsy attended the College of St. Rose in her home town of Albany, N.Y, earning a B.S. Art Education & a M.S. Special Education. Cape Cod was always a family favorite for a week’s vacation, or a weekend; and she made it her home in 1994 when she returned to the states after living in a small village in Wales, Great Britain for nine years.
Betsy’s pastel paintings have been exhibited in many competitive local and national juried exhibitions. Her solo show “Traversing the Atlantic: Travels with my Pastels” featuring her plein air paintings has rotated through local venues in 2017 and 2018.
Betsy records her thoughts and experiences as an artist in her newsletter “Painting In and Out”. Her hope is to provide inspiration and insight while sharing her love of pastels and her life as an artist. Betsy teaches pastel workshops and classes, and is on the faculty of the Falmouth Arts Center and the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. Betsy organizes Cape Cod plein air classes and workshops including destination plein air painting workshops in Wales Great Britain. Betsy attended the College of St. Rose in her home town of Albany, N.Y, earning a B.S. Art Education & a M.S. Special Education. Cape Cod was always a family favorite for a week’s vacation, or a weekend; and she made it her home in 1994 when she returned to the states after living in a small village in Wales, Great Britain for nine years.
Betsy’s pastel paintings have been exhibited in many competitive local and national juried exhibitions. Her solo show “Traversing the Atlantic: Travels with my Pastels” featuring her plein air paintings has rotated through local venues in 2017 and 2018.