"The Ins & Outs of Painting Plein Air with Oils" with Lee Copen (March 2027)
with Guest Instructor Lee Copen
WHEN:
3 FULL-DAYS
March 17, 18 & 19, 2027
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
(Exact Location TBD)
Master the art of painting en plein air and unlock the secrets to capturing light, color, and atmosphere directly from nature. Whether you're taking your first steps into outdoor painting or seeking to refine your plein air practice, this comprehensive three-day workshop with accomplished artist Lee Copen will transform your approach to working on location.
Plein air painting offers unparalleled opportunities to observe and render the nuances of natural light and color—yet the ever-changing conditions and complexity of outdoor scenes can present significant challenges. Through expert instruction, practical demonstrations, and guided painting sessions, Lee will help you develop strategies to simplify the process, work with confidence, and truly enjoy the plein air experience.
Drawing from a decade of dedicated plein air practice and a lifetime of painting expertise, Lee will share invaluable insights and proven techniques that will elevate your outdoor painting skills and deepen your connection to the landscape.
Workshop Topics Include:
- Essential materials and supplies for successful plein air painting
- Finding compelling subjects and simplifying complex scenes
- Techniques for capturing atmospheric depth and quality of light
- Effective painting processes and workflows for outdoor conditions
- Color observation and mixing on location
- Developing a sustainable and enjoyable plein air practice
What You'll Gain:
- Confidence to approach outdoor painting with clarity and purpose
- Practical strategies for managing changing light and weather conditions
- A refined understanding of composition and value in natural settings
- Hands-on experience with professional plein air techniques
- A deeper appreciation for the unique rewards of painting from life
This workshop is designed for oil painters at all levels who are ready to embrace the challenges and joys of plein air painting. Come prepared to paint, learn, and fall in love with the experience of creating art in nature.
All levels of students are welcome; however, some drawing and painting knowledge and experience is important.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Continue your artistic journey with Lee Copen in a one-day colored pencil workshop scheduled immediately after the plein air session, exploring the rich possibilities of this expressive and accessible medium.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:
If Art League of Hilton Head cancels a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances, all registered participants will receive a full refund.
| Materials Included: | No materials are included in this class. A list of materials you should bring with you is provided below. |
| Requirements: |
Download a printable supply list SUPPLIES LIST: NOTE: I hate for students to have to buy too many new supplies, they should bring what they have and are comfortable using. Participants will need 3 to 5 canvas panels, size 12"x16" or 11"x14" Paints: My palette includes the following colors: Paynes Gray, Ultramarine Blue, Windsor Green, Sap Green, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Quinacridone Gold, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red & Alizarin Crimson. Students can feel free to bring paint that they already have! Brushes: I like to have a 1" flat, a 1/2" flat or filbert, a couple of rounds (#8 and #2), A large 2" chip brush (something soft), and a palette knife. Medium: I use a mixture of 1/3 turpentine (or Gamsol), 1/3 linseed oil and 1/3 damar varnish that I mix up and store in a jar. I like it because it gets tacky quickly. Students should feel free to bring whichever medium they are comfortable with. Turpentine or Gamsol: I use Gamsol to paint my underpainting because it dries fast. Also needed for cleaning brushes and erasing paint. Plein Air Easel: You need to have the ability to set up and paint outdoors. I have a heavy wooden french easel that I love, as long as I don't have to carry it too far, and a backpack full of my supplies. An artist umbrella is nice if you have one, but not necessary. NOTE: Students who don't have a plein air easel can arrange to borrow a collapsable aluminum studio easel from Art League Academy by emailing the Academy manager at Academy@ArtLeagueHHI.org. While not "plein-air" they are lightweight enough that they can be carried as an alternative option. Students are responsible for making arrangements to return the easel after the workshop. Sketchbook: or sketching paper and pencils Paper Towels, Trash Bags & Masking Tape NOTE: Wear appropriate clothing for being out doors (layers), you may wish to bring a hat, sunscreen & bug spray, any medications you might need, and water. Daily lunch delivery through Art League is optional, otherwise you will want to bring your lunch. QUESTIONS? Email: Academy@artleaguehhi.org |
| Instructor: | Lee Copen |
| Instructor Bio: |  Growing up in South Africa and Chile, LEE COPEN was always an artist. She spent her High School and College years in Colorado, where she excelled in art and earned a degree in Fine Art from the University of Northern Colorado. She worked as an graphic artist and architectural illustrator before going back to school to become a certified teacher. Living on a small farm in the Ozarks she taught art at the local high school for 22 years, while raising her family. Through all these years she continued to paint and draw. Now retired Lee gets to combine her love for painting and the outdoors, as a realistic landscape artist and plein air painter. Whether on location or in the studio, her light and color filled paintings reflect her love for the land and nature. Working in both watercolor and oil paint, she has received many awards and honors. Visit Lee Copen's Website |
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