New York Academy of Art

Over the course of six weeks, this class will focus on landscape painting, with concepts that can be applied to any subject painted in natural light. To build a true understanding of color and light, the course begins with the fundamental science that shapes them on Earth. Students will explore how sunlight interacts with the atmosphere, why the sky appears blue, and how that blue shifts under different conditions. The curriculum also examines how the color and quality of sunlight change throughout the day and under varying levels of humidity or pollution, as well as how the sky acts as a secondary light source within shadows. Atmospheric perspective, its structure, variations, and uses, will be broken down in depth. All of this knowledge culminates in learning to create landscapes filled with convincing light, space, and mood. The course includes lectures, discussions, small studies from provided references, and larger paintings based on references of your choice. Open to beginner through advanced painters working in any full-color, layer-friendly medium, such as oils, acrylics, or combinations of watercolor, gouache, and pastels. All demonstrations will be done in oil paint.