Plein Air Watercolor Painting with Kara Bugis

Plein Air Watercolor Painting with Kara Bugis

Course Description:

In this half-day plein air experience with Kara Bugis, artists will learn how to really observe their surroundings and portray the emotions that they feel while they are there. Participants are invited to bring their own watercolor materials and learn about focusing on the beauty of our own backyard at the Mary Alice Warren Community Center. A view finder will be provided with instructions on finding a good composition and interesting subject matter. 

Course Itinerary:

• 9 – 9:30am: Introductions, discussions of materials and composition   
• 9:30-11:30am: Exploration outside, finding a suitable scene or subject, set up, and begin sketching or painting.
• 11:30am-12:00pm: Feedback and critiques.

Supply List:

Required:

• A full set of preferred watercolor paints
• • Tube options: Indigo,  Primary set
  • Pan option
• Watercolor brushes
• • Any size 0, 2, 8, 12, wash – set option
• Watercolor block or pad sized 9x12” and up (block does not require taping or a clipboard)
• • Good option
  • Better
• or Unbound Paper (will need to tape to a clipboard to prevent warping
• • Good option
  • Better
• Pencil and Erasers
• Watercolor tin and/or palette
• A bag or backpack that will fit all of these items.

Optional, but encouraged:

• Waterproof pens
• Watercolor pencils
• A fold-out chair or bucket to sit on outside
• Option with table and storage
• Umbrella or rain jacket in case of inclement weather
• Camera or cell phone camera to take reference photographs

Provided Supplies:

Clipboards, painter's tape, viewfinder, and 1 piece of loose watercolor paper per student will be available.

The artist has linked to items that she regularly uses in her practice. These include affiliate links, which means she may receive compensation if you click on links to products and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Artist Bio: Kara Bugis

Growing up in rural Western Pennsylvania, I gained an appreciation for the natural environment and art from my family of farmers, teachers, and environmental workers. I was blessed to grow up barefoot in my backyard, with access to every type of artistic medium and private lessons from my retired art-teacher grandfather and nature-loving grandmother. My love of art and the environment have grown throughout my relocations and adventures, and I enjoy teaching my children and others about the importance of conserving our natural resources through my artwork.

The best way for me to appreciate both the outdoors and art is to combine the two through plein air painting. Second, painting memories of places that I’ve visited or animals I’ve encountered helps me feel as if I’m there again. I’ve traveled the world and painted the places that I’ve visited in honor and appreciation of our natural environment. I enjoy all types of media, depending on my mood and the season.

Ceramics are my medium of choice in the fall and spring, when it is cooler to fire my kiln; watercolor when I am traveling or want a memory-like painting; and pen and ink, acrylics, and pastels when I want a more defined subject.

This class is offered at a drastically reduced price thanks to the generous funding from the Shallow Ford Foundation.