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Introducing Plein Air Made Easy

A Live Workshop at Marla Baggetta's Home Town and garden Studio

This is a 3 Day Live In-Person Workshop


DATES: September 23-25, 9:30am-4:30pm


LOCATION: Milwaukie, Oregon

 Including Riverfront, Downtown Streets and Marla's Garden Studio


 Workshop is Limited to 20 Students

NOTE: We are also holding a Pastel from Foundation to Finish Workshop the same week and you are encouraged to Attend Both!

Automatically Save $100 when you Sign up for Both!

Discover—or rediscover—the exhilaration of painting outdoors in this rare, three-day, fully accessible workshop in Oregon. Nationally acclaimed pastel master Marla Baggetta will guide you through a gentle, step-by-step curriculum that turns hesitation into confidence, enabling you to capture authentic light, color, and atmosphere with freedom and delight.

Painting directly in nature heightens observation, boosts mood, and lends “a strength, a power, a vivacity of touch” that studio work can’t match. Studies show that time outdoors increases flow-state focus and overall well-being, giving your art—and your spirit—a palpable lift. Beginners and seasoned artists alike accelerate skill growth when they step outside, thanks to the need for quick decisions and direct engagement with shifting light.

Each morning starts with a concise demo and mini-lecture; each afternoon offers extended painting time and supportive, small-group critiques.

Join us for this one-of-a-kind workshop with Marla. Here, you will explore plein air painting in a welcoming and accommodating environment,  all within a setting that amplifies outdoor tranquility. This experience is about more than learning new techniques; it’s about forging a deeper connection with the natural world, your inner self, and your artistic spirit within an environment consciously designed to foster creativity.

Workshop Schedule

Day 1:
Master Your Foundations at the Riverfront

Begin your artistic journey in a serene riverside setting surrounded by wildflowers and framed by a historic train trestle. Day one focuses on the essential building blocks every successful painting needs: thumbnail sketches and value massing. You’ll learn to simplify even the most complex scenes, design compositions that draw the eye, and establish clear light and dark patterns before you ever touch brush to canvas or pastel to paper. Our morning demo and mini-lecture set the foundation, while your afternoon painting session lets you practice these crucial skills with personalized guidance.

Day 2:
Capture Light and Color in Charming Downtown Streets

Move into the heart of our picturesque small town where morning light bathes charming streets in golden warmth. This day is all about mastering color and light strategies that will transform your outdoor painting experience. You’ll discover how to balance hue and value effectively, learn the secrets of easel positioning to avoid “chasing the sun” across the sky, and develop the confidence to capture those fleeting moments of brilliance that make plein air painting so magical. With expert instruction and plenty of hands-on practice time, you’ll leave feeling equipped to handle any lighting challenge nature throws your way.

Day 3:
Find Your Artistic Voice in the Garden Studio

Conclude your workshop experience in Marla’s tranquil garden studio, where creativity flourishes in peaceful surroundings. Your final day focuses on personal expression through media management and mark-making techniques. Whether you’re working with pastels or your preferred medium, you’ll learn to handle materials cleanly in outdoor conditions, develop expressive strokes that reflect your unique artistic voice, and add those finishing touches that give your work personal flair. This intimate setting provides the perfect atmosphere for breakthrough moments and artistic growth, supported by our signature combination of morning instruction and extended afternoon painting with individualized feedback. After a garden-side lunch, the afternoon blooms with Marla guiding you through capturing the dynamic play of light, shadow, and color unique to natural environments.

A Lifetime of Artist Experience

Over 30 years as a professional artist and teacher

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t worry about the supplies needed for the workshop. We’ll be sending out an email with a comprehensive list of all the supplies you’ll need. Please keep an eye on your inbox so you’ll be fully prepared for the workshop.

Given the intimate nature of this workshop, limited to only 20 students, our refund policy is as follows: We are able to process refunds up until the end of July. This allows us to ensure that every spot is filled and that the workshop can run smoothly. After this date, we are unable to provide refunds due to the costs associated with planning and securing resources for the event. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy.

If you need assistance finding accommodation or deciding where to eat during your stay, please contact our support team. We’re more than happy to provide local recommendations to suit your needs.

We have a daily lunch break during the workshop and suggest packing a meal for convenience. However, if you prefer to purchase your lunch, we can also recommend local eateries where you could grab a quick bite. Feel free to reach out to us for more details.

In Person Workshop in Marla's Garden Side Studio!

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