Sonoma Community Center
Enriching lives through education and the arts — for Sonoma Valley and beyond
Events
Capture the Beauty of Morning Light: An Introduction to Plein Air Oil Painting
Wednesday, June 4 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Age
18+Class Details
Schedule
Wednesday, June 4 – July 23, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor
Michael Bartlett
Location
Ages
Adults
Skill Levels
Not sure which level is right for you? Click here.
Registration Cost
About the class
Unlock your inner artist and experience the magic of painting outdoors! This beginner-level Plein Air oil painting course invites you to explore the subtle beauty and inspiring light of the morning landscape in Sonoma.
Join us for eight Wednesday mornings as we delve into the fundamentals of oil painting en plein air (in the open air). This course is designed for those with little to no prior oil painting experience who are eager to connect with nature through art.
Each week will offer a dynamic learning experience. We will alternate between painting outdoors, directly observing the landscape, and engaging in classroom sessions for further work, discussions, and instructor guidance. This balanced approach will allow you to immediately apply new concepts in the field and then refine your skills and understanding in a supportive classroom environment.
You’ll learn essential techniques for working outdoors, including how to observe and translate the nuances of morning light and shadow, mix a versatile palette of colors, and apply paint with confidence to capture your impressions. We’ll explore strategies for working efficiently and embracing the unique energy of painting directly from life. While we may briefly discuss using photography as a reference, our primary focus will be on developing your observational skills.
Throughout the eight weeks, you’ll receive personalized guidance, participate in supportive group critiques, and gain the skills to create your own plein air masterpieces. Get ready to breathe fresh air, connect with nature, and discover the joy of painting the world around you. Please refer to the materials list for what you’ll need to bring to class.
If you are not sure this class is a good fit for you, feel free to email the instructor at michael@mbartlett-finearts.comNew to Plein Air? Consider taking our “Paint Out Gear Up” workshop on Wednesday, May 7th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. This helpful workshop will guide you through the essential plein air painting gear and provide valuable insights on what you need to get started painting outdoors. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for those completely new to painting outside.
About the instructor
Michael Bartlett
Instructor / Artist
https://www.michaelebartlett.com/
Class FAQ
All Memberships(Excluding the $50/year tier) receive 10% off any purchase above $40. You should have received your discount code in your membership confirmation email.
If you have any questions regarding the use of your code, you can contact Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org or call the office at (707)938-4626.
Not a member? View more information about our monthly and yearly plans here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
We ask that you notify us at least 10 business days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 business days notice, we will not be able to provide a full refund. A flat cancellation fee of $15 will be charged to cover the transaction fee.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
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