Plein Air Painting | GG Academy

Plein Air Painting with Tommy Kim

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Join Tommy Kim for an immersive outdoor painting experience in the captivating world of plein air painting. This in-person course focuses on capturing the essence of your surroundings by painting directly from life. Each week, you will meet with Tommy Kim at designated locations to explore different landscapes and learn the fundamentals of plein air painting.

Course Details:

Instructor: Tommy Kim, a renowned LA-based art director in the Animation industry
Course Duration: TBA
Meeting Schedule: Once a week, students will meet with the instructor at the designated painting location
Class Format: In-person, not online
Transportation: Students are responsible for arranging their transportation to the painting locations

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Course Overview

Course Objectives:

Develop fundamental plein air painting skills: Learn the techniques and principles of plein air painting, including composition, color mixing, brushwork, and capturing light and atmosphere.
Enhance observational skills: Train your eye to observe the natural world, interpret its visual elements, and translate them into compelling paintings.
Understand landscape elements: Explore various outdoor settings and understand how to depict elements such as skies, trees, water, mountains, and architecture in your paintings.
Expressive interpretation: Discover ways to infuse your personal artistic style and interpretation into your plein air paintings, creating unique and evocative artworks.
Build confidence: Gain confidence in painting en plein air, overcoming challenges posed by changing light, weather conditions, and time constraints.

This course is open to artists of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced painters. A willingness to explore and learn in an outdoor setting is essential.

Materials Required:

Easel: Portable easel suitable for outdoor use
Painting Supplies: Brushes, paints, palette, palette knife, mediums, water container, rags, etc.
Canvas or painting surfaces: Stretched canvases, canvas boards, or plein air panels
Sketchbook and pencils
Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, umbrella, etc.
Portable stool or chair
Water sprayer (for watercolor or acrylic painters)
Backpack or art supply bag for easy transportation

Join Tommy Kim on this exciting plein air painting journey, and discover the joy of creating art amidst the beauty of nature. Unleash your creativity, develop your skills, and produce stunning plein air paintings that capture the essence of your surroundings. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of outdoor painting!

For more information about Tommy Kim and his artwork, please visit:

Website: tommykimart.com
Instagram: @tommykim_art

Note: This course is designed to provide a thorough overview of the subject matter. The exact content and structure of the course may be adjusted by the instructor to best suit the needs and interests of the class or the student(s).

Here's a list of tools you might need for plein air painting:

Easel: A portable easel is essential for holding your canvas or painting surface upright while you work. Look for lightweight and adjustable options for easy setup and stability.
Palette: A palette provides a surface for mixing and holding your paints. Choose a palette with a lid or cover to keep your colors fresh and prevent them from drying out quickly.
Brushes: Select a variety of brushes suitable for different techniques and sizes. Include a range of brush shapes, such as flats, rounds, and filberts, to achieve various brushstrokes and effects.
Paints: Bring a selection of paints in the colors you plan to use. Opt for artist-grade paints for better quality and color intensity. Consider using a portable palette or small tubes of paint for convenience.
Canvas or painting surface: Pack canvases or painting panels suitable for outdoor use. Stretched canvases, canvas boards, or plein air panels are popular choices. Ensure they are properly primed to enhance paint adhesion.
Palette knife: A palette knife can be used to mix paints, create textured effects, or apply paint directly to the canvas. It's a versatile tool that adds interest and variety to your paintings.
Painting medium: Depending on your preferred painting style, you may need mediums to alter the consistency, drying time, or texture of your paints. Examples include linseed oil, turpentine, or acrylic mediums.
Water container: If you work with watercolors, bring a container to hold water for brush cleaning and diluting your paints. A collapsible or sealable container is ideal for easy transportation.
Rags or paper towels: Keep some rags or paper towels handy for wiping brushes, cleaning spills, and removing excess paint from your palette or surfaces.
Sun protection: Painting outdoors exposes you to sunlight, so ensure sun protection. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen, and consider using a portable umbrella or shade to shield yourself and your artwork.
Portable stool or chair: Sitting for extended periods can be tiring, so having a lightweight and foldable stool or chair provides a comfortable seating option while you paint.
Sketchbook and pencils: A sketchbook and pencils are useful for making quick sketches, notes, or capturing the scene before you start painting. They help with the composition and planning of your artwork.
Paper or canvas clips: Windy conditions can make keeping your canvas or paper in place challenging. Use clips to secure your work to the easel or painting board to prevent it from blowing away.
Water sprayer: If you're working with watercolors or acrylics, a spray bottle filled with water can be used to keep your paints moist or reactivate dried paint on your palette.
Backpack or art supply bag: Finally, invest in a durable and spacious backpack or art supply bag to conveniently carry and organize all your plein air painting tools.

Remember that this list can be customized based on your preferences, painting medium, and specific needs. Happy plein air painting!

Instructor: Tommy Kim

Tommy Kim is an LA based art director working in the Animation industry with clients such as Gaumont Animation, Original Force Animation, Illumination, Skydance and Netflix Animation