Instructor: Olja Stipanovic

Skill level: All Levels

Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Time: 6pm - 9pm

During this workshop we will paint outdoors on Roosevelt Island (exact location will be shared with participants before start date). The emphasis is on plein-air watercolor painting. Painting will be used as a tool to explore the natural environment and the urban setting. Our concentration will be on observing nature and developing a strong sense of light and fluidity. Working directly from the cityscape/landscape, you will be encouraged to work simply and develop  your painting language. We will focus on looking at the weather, space, man-made and natural structures, and unique geological features of the park.

No drawing experience or previous artistic skills are required.

Plein Air art classes are subject to unpredictable weather conditions [heat, rain, wind]. Some walking and carrying your own supplies is needed. If inclement weather is expected, class will be held at AlterWork Studios.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1 - Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper pad - portable and under 10 inches for plein air

Suggested: 

• BAOHONG Academy Grade Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Cold Press Textured, 20 Sheets per Block (Cold Press 7" X10.2“)

• Handbook Journal Co. Artist Watercolor Sketchbook Journal, Pocket Panorama 3.5 x 8.25 Inches, 140lb / 300 GSM, Hardcover w/Pocket

• U.S. Art Supply 5.5" x 8.5" Watercolor Book (2 Pack, 76 Sheets Each) - 110lb (230 GSM) Linen-Bound Hardcover Artist Paper Pads - Acid-Free Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper Pad Mixed Media

If you purchase loose paper sheets you will need a board or some kind of hard surface to support your paper. This is an individual choice. Benches and picnic tables do not always have  the view that you want and they are not comfortable. 

2 - Compact pan watercolor set. They usually come with a palette.  Should have primary colors. 

Something like: 

• 18 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set- Quality Refillable Water Brush with Sponge - Easy to Blend Colors - Built in Palette JQ-118 Brand: Jerry Q Art

• SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit - Watercolor Sets for Painting On the Go - 12 Colors - 1 Water Brush - 1 Sponge - 1 Palette

• Schmincke - AKADEMIE®AQUARELL watercolor box, basic assortment 12 x 1/2 pans + space for additional 12 pans, 75 412 097, metal box, fine artists' watercolors

• SCHPIRERR FARBEN – Watercolor Paint Set with Rich Pigment, Watercolor Set for Adults and Children, Portable Painter Palette in a Tin Box with a Metal Ring, 12 Vivid Colors
  

Recommended colors: 

Here's a basic set of 12 half pans. These are [approximately] all you need: Payne's grey (a bluish black), Ultramarine blue, Cerulean blue, Viridian (tube), Lemon yellow, Cadmium yellow, Yellow ochre, Raw Sienna, Sepia, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium red, Alizarin crimson

Eight more classic colors if you have room for them: Permanent green, Cobalt blue, Prussian blue , Sap green, Gamboge, Raw umber, Light red and Ivory black.

3 - Assortment of watercolor brushes; 0 to 16, round, sable brushes. 

4 - A small spray bottle - fill it with water

5 - Binder Clips or large rubber bands

6 - Small bottle of Gum Arabic medium (Bluebird Gum Arabic 3.4 Fl Oz / 100ML)

7 - Masking Tape, washi tape

8 - two or three drawing pencils for sketching

9 - Eraser and Pencil sharpener

10 - Full Water bottle [or 2] + cup [collapsable, disposable etc…]

11 - Paper Towels – cut into smaller rectangles 

12 - LIGHTWEIGHT Beach chair [the ones that have a mesh cup holder on the arm rest are perfect]

13 - A bag that will fit all your supplies - a small cooler bag or lunch bag is great. Sun hat, sun screen, sun glasses, bug spray, snacks.