Plein Air Painting – March 2026, Los Angeles, CA
A 3-week comprehensive introduction to the practice painting en plein air — for both beginning and advanced students.
Dates: Sunday, March 8th, 15th, & 22nd
Time: 11:45am - 5:00pm (including a lunch break)
Location: Near Griffith Park (exact location provided upon enrollment)
Instructor: Andrew Holmquist
Class Size: 10 students
Enrollment closes on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
for (3) 5-hour sessions
Pickup currently not available
Note: All workshop enrollments are final sale and non-refundable.
Course Description
This 3-week course will offer both beginning and advanced students a comprehensive introduction to the practice of plein air painting, or painting outside, made popular by the Impressionists. Instruction will focus on developing students’ foundational skills with each session building cumulatively on the previous. Students will learn how to tame the slipperiness of oil paint through the decisive use of thinners, mediums, and brushes; how to properly build up layers ‘fat over lean’ to ensure a stable, long-lasting paint surface; and—most importantly—how to leverage the technical constraints of the medium towards creative-expressive ends while still capturing the essential features of a directly observed landscape.
At the end of the course, you'll take home:
(1) 8 x 12 in. oil painting on wood panel
(1) 16 x 18 in. oil painting on wood panel
(1) 18 x 24 in. oil painting on wood panel
About the Instructor
Andrew Holmquist (b. 1985) is an artist based in Los Angeles. Raised in Northfield, Minnesota, he moved to Chicago in 2003 to attend The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he received his BFA and MFA. Since 2020, initially as a response to the lockdown of the pandemic, Holmquist returned to a practice rooted in direct observation of the landscape and the figure, foundational approaches to painting rooted in his early education.
Andrew’s work is in the permanent collections of Rachofsky Collection at The Warehouse, Dallas, the Illinois State Museum, the Providence College Collection, the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago, and the Joan Flasch Artist Book Collection, among others. He has had solo and group exhibitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Nashville, Williamstown, Vancouver, Berlin, Paris and Mexico City. Andrew Holmquist’s work has been profiled by media outlets such as Artforum, Modern Painters, New American Painting, Elephant Magazine, ADF Web Magazine, and Phaidon.
See Andrew's work here.
Materials
Artists Artists will provide:
- (3) prepared wood panels / painting surfaces
- Oil paint (6 colors)
- Oil painting medium
- Easels
- Cleaning supplies (gloves, towels, etc.)
Students must bring:
- (6) brushes for oil painting*
- Painting palette
*Instructor recommendations will be provided in syllabus
Vouchers
In order to make our workshops more accessible, we are offering (2) 50% off vouchers for this workshop.
In order to apply for a voucher, please email info@artistsartists.com with:
1) a paragraph introducing yourself and why you want to take this workshop
2) 3-5 images of your artwork. The artwork can be any medium and does not need to be plein air painting, specifically.
Deadline for application: Sunday, February 22nd
FAQ
Where will this be held?
All 3 sessions will be held outdoors near Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The specific location will be shared upon enrollment.
How long is each class?
Each session will be from 11:45am - 5:00pm, including a 30-minute lunch break.
We suggest allowing yourself an extra 15-30 minutes at the beginning and end of each session for clean-up and in-case class runs over.
I don't have any experience plein air painting. Can I still take the workshop?
Yes! This workshop is designed for all skill levels.
Can I bring my own materials?
Most of the materials will be provided, including all paint and painting surfaces. However, we do ask that students bring their own paintbrushes and palettes. Specs and specific product suggestions will be included in the syllabus. Beyond that, you're welcome to bring more of your own materials, but it's not required.
What should I wear?
This workshop takes place outdoors, so prepare to be in the sun for a few hours. We suggest wearing long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and comfortable shoes. There will be some natural shade, but feel free to bring an umbrella for additional protection.
Is there anything else I should bring?
Adjustable easels will be provided, but not chairs. You will be standing most of the class, but you're welcome to bring a camping chair or stool.
There is a 30-minute lunch break built into the class, so we encourage you to bring lunch. There are some picnic tables available nearby, or you can bring a picnic blanket.
You'll be spending the day out in the sun, so bring plenty of drinking water.
Is there parking available onsite?
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available onsite.
Are there restrooms nearby?
Yes, there are public restrooms available nearby.
Still have questions?
Email us at info@artistsartists.com
Testimonials
Student testimonials from previous sessions of Plein Air Painting
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What a delightful experience I had with Andrew's plein air painting class! First of all, Andrew is not just a extremely talented artist but also a fabulous teacher who took time to demonstrate each medium, answer a million questions, and personally assist each student. The syllabus was clear, detailed, and hugely helpful. Tatyana and Patrick were great and made sure our painting stations were set up and we had everything we needed. I highly recommend this class.
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En plein air painting with Andrew was a wonderful break from my day-to-day routine. I looked forward to the class every week — an opportunity to relax, do something creative, and get off my phone/computer. And I got to take home some beautiful pieces of art that I'm proud of! Would definitely take this course again.