The online listing for ART 198, Yavapai College’s Plein Air Workshop, describes the Summer course as ‘classroom-based.’ But instructor and professional painter Rick Derman says that couldn’t be further from the truth. “We do gather for a brief initial meeting, in a classroom, to go over class structure and rules for about an hour,” he said. “After that, we hit the trail.”
And hit the trail they do. In the spirit of Plein Air painting – a discipline that advocates creating art while out in nature – YC’s ART 198 students will abandon the spattered surroundings of the studio and spend June mornings painting Arizona’s gorgeous landscapes at the feet of the landscapes that inspire them.
“Workshop participants will meet every Wednesday mornings, each week at a different location in and around Prescott, to work in their favorite mediums.” Derman said.
And they won’t be alone. Along with Derman, Workshop students will park and paint with a roster of accomplished Plein Air painters. Guest artists like Cindy Carrillo, Neil Orlowski, and Cathy Kreiger will set up their easels alongside the students, sharing tips and insights as they endeavor to capture the surrounding scenery together.
“It’s a great chance to learn from established painters, and to enjoy the experience of painting at the same time,” Derman said.
Enrollment for ART 198, YC’s Plein Air Workshop, is open now. Classes start June 4. To register, or get more information, please visit: www.yc.edu.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, three baccalaureate degrees (with one more pending accreditation approval), student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.