Painting Experiences
We offer group sessions and private art lessons en plein air—plein air is the French term for “in the open air” and is the practice of painting outdoors to capture the changing light and impressions of a scene.
Whatever your skill level, we will be there to guide you step-by-step, so you can immerse yourself in the incredible scenery of Grand Teton National Park. Our friendly instructor shares practical tips, gentle feedback, and plenty of encouragement. Together, we’ll turn blank canvasses into colorful stories you can be proud of.
Plein Air Painting in the Park
Group Workshops
Join us for an unforgettable outdoor painting experience in stunning Grand Teton National Park. Each workshop offers expert instruction in an inspiring outdoor setting where you’ll learn to capture the Tetons’ dramatic light, color, and atmosphere on canvas alongside a supportive group of fellow painters. Workshops are half‑day (4 hour) sessions held at pre‑selected painting locations chosen for both their stunning views and accessibility. We will provide all of the painting supplies for a plein air water mixable oil painting including an easel and carrying box to take your piece with you. We begin with a short introduction to the plein air painting process followed by a live demonstration. We then spend the remainder of the session painting the landscape.
Painting Session Overview
Each session will be located on Grand Teton National Park at a carefully curated location. A detailed supply list will be provided upon booking and the location emailed a week before the session
Please plan to arrive with your own transportation and a current park pass for entry
Sessions are limited to 10 people
As with all plein air experiences, be prepared to paint outdoors
Session Itinerary
Sessions start at 8 am and last until 12 pm with breaks as needed:
Brief intro to plein air painting and park rules (30 min)
Live demonstration (1 hr 30 min)
Guided painting session with personalized instruction (2 hr)
What to Bring
Snacks and/or beverages
Camera and/or camera phone
Layered and weather-appropriate clothing
Sun protection, including hat and sunscreen as needed
Bear spray and insect repellent
Private Art Adventures
Personalized Sessions
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Grand Teton National Park with a private painting session. We provide personalized guidance on composition, values, color mixing, and/or brushwork, all capturing the magnificent light of this stunning park. Tailored to your skill and experience level, we will meet your personal artistic goals while creating a deeper connection to this incredible landscape. Materials and equipment are provided. To protect the park’s environment, we use only water‑soluble oils during our sessions. Contact us for pricing. Group rates available.
Painting Session Overview
This is your painting experience! We’ll chat beforehand about your goals and devise an itinerary and schedule
Classes can be individual, with friends, family or with a larger group
You choose the focus of the session:
Composition
Color strategy
Value
Brushwork/knife work
What to Expect
As with all plein air experiences, be prepared to work outdoors
Gentle encouragement and expert guidance
FAQs
What if the weather is bad?
1
Occasionally sessions must be cancelled to keep us all safe and, in that case, a full refund is provided.
What supplies and equipment do you provide?
2
We provide all of the necessary painting supplies including water mixable oil paints, brushes, disposable palette paper, water for thinning/cleaning, easel, and a stool or chair. We will provide a detailed supply list upon booking as well as a suggested list of items for you to bring. Please ensure that you have what you need to be comfortable for 4 hours in the open elements, prepared for all of the usual suspects of harsh sun, rain/snow, and pests! Bear spray is also recommended.
Why are we using water soluble oils? Do they behave like
normal oil paints?
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Grand Teton National Park dictates the use of water soluble or water mixable oil paints for use on the park due to environmental concerns with the use of solvents. Water soluble oils are simply real oil paints mixed with an emulsifier that can be thinned and cleaned up with water. They behave just like typical oil paints but are much easier to clean off of brushes and clothes! Besides water soluble oils, watercolor paints and acrylics are also allowed on the park but won’t be the focus of our teaching.
Can I use my own art supplies?
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You are welcome to bring any of your own art supplies with the exception of oil paints. If you would like to paint in other mediums that is welcome but won’t be the focus of our teaching in these sessions.