This summer, noted teaching artist and author Mitchell Albala brings the plein air experience to the Methow Valley. This workshop offers a practical approach that focuses on the three key practices of landscape painting: simplification and massing, composition, and color. Rather than adopt a rapid fire and sometimes rushed approach to plein air, this workshop encourages problem-solving, with special attention given to strong starts — proper site selection, simplified compositional studies, and the most direct method for starting a painting (the abbreviated underpainting to establish effective design and value structure). Also covered will be color strategies and paint handling. Mitchell’s demonstrations, practical teaching style, and one-on-one support will help participants develop an approach to plein air that can be utilized long after the workshop has ended.

Confluence will features several of Albala’s pieces in the coinciding exhibit “Our River.”

Hours: The class meets for two sessions daily (for optimal lighting), a morning session from 8–11 am, and an afternoon session from 3:30–6:30 pm. The time in between sessions may be used for lunch, relaxation, or touring the Valley.

Cost: The cost for this intensive three-day workshop is $285 per person.

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Contact: Confluence Gallery 509.997.2787 or info@confluencegallery.com