Local artist Andrea Geller will teach a Plein Air watercolor painting at Laurelwood Arboretum on Saturday, July 22nd (raindate July 29th) from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. There is a $75 fee for the workshop, and registration is required. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. To register, call 973-831-5675. A supply list will be available to those who register. The arboretum is located at 725 Pines Lake Drive West in Wayne.
“Plein air painting refers to painting outdoors,” Geller explained. “Laurelwood Arboretum is serenely beautiful, so it is a natural place to hold a Plein Air watercolor painting workshop. The workshop is designed for both the curious beginner and the more advanced painter who would like to gain a better understanding of the process involved in creating paintings that are inspired by the natural world.”
At the beginning of the workshop, Geller will discuss basic color theory, color mixing strategies and brush techniques specific to the watercolor medium. She will also discuss methods of developing strong compositions that simplify and express an artist’s vision. The group will paint outdoors from direct observation, focusing on nature’s shapes and colors. There will be one-on-one guidance throughout the morning. A discussion of the paintings will be held at the end of the workshop.
Geller is an artist who balances her career between painting and teaching studio art classes on the college level. After studying fine arts at Cornell University for two years, she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Parsons School of Design and earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree at William Paterson University. Geller has had a successful freelance career as an illustrator and graphic designer. She has illustrated for The New York Times, Washington Post, New Jersey Monthly and Psychology Today.