12th Grade Teaching Plein Air Lesson Plan Example

Topic: Teaching plein air

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to instruct children on the steps of successful plain air painting

Materials

• Canvas panels
• Paint
• Brushes
• Palette
• Reference photos
• Instructor guide (provided by the instructor)

Warm-up

• Have students do a quick sketch of a subject using a pencil and paper.
• Discuss the importance of capturing the main elements of a scene in a drawing.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of plein air painting and discuss its benefits (e.g. capturing the fleeting moment, working in a natural environment, allowing for spontaneity).
• Discuss the basic materials needed for plein air painting (e.g. paints, brushes, palette, oil cloth or mat, easel or tripod).
• Show students how to set up their equipment and prepare their painting surface.
• Demonstrate how to mix and apply paint to a canvas or panel.
• Explain the importance of composition and design when painting outdoors.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to complete a simple still life in the classroom setting.
• Have them prepare the subject, set up their equipment, mix and apply paint, and execute the painting.
• Encourage them to think about composition and design as they work.

Independent Practice

• Assign a project for students to complete outside the classroom.
• This could be a simple still life, or a more challenging subject such as a landscape or portrait.
• Have them bring in their completed paintings to be discussed in class.

Closure

• Review the steps of plein air painting as listed in the lesson.
• Ask students to share their experiences painting outside the classroom and discuss any challenges they faced and how they were overcome.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice activity and provide feedback on their ability to demonstrate the steps of plein air painting.