From thumbnail sketches to oil and pastel plein air painting, we will explore the varied desert motifs of Tucson, Arizona. Learn to paint it in a way that is direct, simple, fresh, and honest. Engage in fun exercises designed to focus on value, color, and shape.  From that foundation, you’ll explore edges, atmospheric perspective, color and shape relationships, composition, and mood. We’ll talk about ways to get the most out of your colors, and how to effectively pack for painting in the field. Most importantly you’ll learn to paint with greater intention. Through demonstrations in oil and pastel, group discussions, composition walks, painting exercises, and plenty of individual instruction, you will learn to approach the landscape in enthusiasm and confidence. In this course will focus on plein air painting, but we will also touch on strategies to plan studio paintings from plein air studies.