Kathleen Dunphy Shares Winter Plein Air Painting Techniques and Online Workshop
Kathleen Dunphy shares essential tips for winter plein air painting in a recent article for Artists Network. She emphasizes the importance of observing nature to appreciate the unique aspects of snow. Recommended gear includes layering clothing, fingerless gloves with heating packs, and waterproof boots. To manage glare, artists should seek shade or use an umbrella, apply dark coverings in front of their easels, and use sunscreen due to UV reflection. Dunphy encourages quick sketches in cold weather and highlights specific times in the Sierra Nevada for capturing reference material. She will also conduct an online workshop titled "Brushing Up: The Principles of Painting" each Tuesday in November from 1 to 3 p.m. ET.
Key facts
- Kathleen Dunphy wrote '10 Tips for Plein Air Painting in Winter' for Artists Network.
- She emphasizes that painting snow convincingly requires direct observation, not just photo reference.
- Her tips include layering clothing, using fingerless gloves with warming packs, and wearing waterproof snow boots.
- She recommends setting up in shade or using an umbrella, placing a dark blanket in front of the easel, and applying extra sunscreen.
- Paint should be kept warm by bringing it indoors overnight or tucking it into an inside pocket.
- She advises painting small, quick studies because cold affects concentration.
- The 'shoulder' seasons—after the first snow and late April in the Sierra Nevada—are ideal for gathering reference material.
- Dunphy holds Signature status with the Plein Air Painters of America, Oil Painters of America, and Laguna Plein Air Painters.
- She will teach 'Brushing Up: The Principles of Painting' live online from 1 to 3 p.m. ET every Tuesday in November via Artists Classroom @ Home.
Entities
Artists
- Kathleen Dunphy
Institutions
- Artists Network
- Plein Air Painters of America
- Oil Painters of America
- Laguna Plein Air Painters
- Artists Classroom @ Home
- Southwest Art
- Pastel Journal
Locations
- Sierra Nevada
- California
- United States