Drawing & Painting the Landscape: Plein Air

Required Materials for the FIRST class

Black-and-white or color medium of your choice and paper or canvas. If undecided, bring materials on hand. Choose materials in size and weight manageable in an outdoor setting.

Materials for subsequent classes

*Materials will be discussed at the first class session.  Options include:

dry medium:
graphite, conte, charcoal, litho, markers, pastels, oil pastels, colored pencils

wet medium:
gouache, transparent watercolor, oils, acrylic, inks

paper or canvas:
individual sheets or pad

other:
tape, erasers, single-edge razor blade and sandpaper, soft rag or chamois, brushes, plastic containers for liquids

optional:
foamcore for drawing board and portfolio, portable stool and/or easel
 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.