Plein Air Essentials - Pastel Supplement Course

Editorial Take

This course is a concise, well-targeted supplement designed for artists who have already taken the foundational Plein Air Essentials course. It narrows its focus exclusively on pastel techniques for outdoor painting, making it a valuable resource for those looking to refine their fieldwork skills.

Standout Strengths

• Targeted Continuation: This course picks up where the original left off, offering a seamless learning path. It’s ideal for artists who want to deepen their pastel-specific plein air skills without rehashing basics.
• Expert Instruction: Michael Chesley Johnson brings years of plein air experience to the lessons. His clear demonstrations and articulate explanations make complex techniques accessible and easy to follow.
• Practical Focus: Every minute of the course is geared toward real-world application. You’ll learn how to handle materials, adapt to changing light, and work efficiently outdoors with pastels.
• Time Efficiency: At under 90 minutes, the course respects learners’ time. It delivers concentrated, high-value content without fluff, perfect for busy artists wanting quick skill boosts.
• Niche Specialization: Unlike broader art courses, this one zeroes in on pastel in plein air—a rare and valuable focus. It fills a specific gap for artists serious about mastering this medium in outdoor settings.
• Smooth Pacing: The progression from introduction to advanced techniques feels natural. Each section builds on the last, allowing for gradual skill development even in a short format.

Honest Limitations

• Limited Duration: At just over an hour and a half, the course can’t cover every aspect of pastel plein air painting. Learners seeking comprehensive training will need supplementary resources or additional courses.
• Prerequisite Knowledge Required: The course assumes familiarity with basic plein air concepts. Absolute beginners may struggle without prior exposure to outdoor painting fundamentals or the original course.
• Narrow Topic Range: With only two sections, the curriculum is highly focused. While beneficial for targeted learning, it lacks breadth for those wanting a wider exploration of pastel techniques.
• No Interactive Elements: As with many Udemy art courses, there’s no feedback loop or critique component. Learners must self-assess, which may slow progress for those needing guidance.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Complete the course in one sitting to maintain flow, then revisit sections while practicing outdoors. Repeating key techniques reinforces muscle memory and artistic decision-making.
• Parallel project: Paint alongside each lesson using the same subject. Applying techniques in real time deepens understanding and builds confidence in field conditions.
• Note-taking: Sketch quick thumbnails and jot down color mixing notes during playback. These become valuable field references for future plein air sessions.
• Community: Share your progress in art forums or social media groups. Engaging with other pastel artists provides motivation and constructive feedback beyond the course.
• Practice: Schedule weekly outdoor painting sessions immediately after finishing the course. Repetition in varied lighting conditions solidifies the techniques taught.
• Consistency: Revisit the course every few months as skills grow. Each rewatch reveals new nuances, especially as your own artistic eye develops over time.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'Pastel Painting Atelier' by Ellen Eagle complements this course with deeper theory and studio techniques. It expands on color theory and composition for pastel artists.
• Tool: A portable pastel travel set with a field easel enhances your ability to apply course lessons. Choose one with secure compartments to protect fragile sticks.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a live plein air workshop to gain hands-on critique. In-person instruction builds on the course’s foundation with real-time feedback.
• Reference: Keep a digital folder of reference photos showing light shifts throughout the day. This helps simulate the changing conditions discussed in the course.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Skipping the original Plein Air Essentials course can lead to confusion. This supplement assumes prior knowledge of outdoor setup, lighting, and basic pastel handling.
• Pitfall: Overloading your palette too soon can muddy colors. Stick to limited palettes as demonstrated to maintain vibrancy and harmony in field paintings.
• Pitfall: Rushing the underdrawing may compromise final results. Take time to establish values first—this course emphasizes structure before color.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: At under two hours, the course offers a high return on time invested. You gain actionable techniques that can immediately elevate your plein air pastel work.
• Cost-to-value: As a paid supplement, it’s best value when purchased alongside the main course. Standalone, it’s a niche investment suited only for committed pastel artists.
• Certificate: The Certificate of Completion adds minor value, mainly for personal tracking. It lacks industry recognition but helps document artistic development.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials may cover similar topics, but this course offers structured, expert-led continuity missing in fragmented online content.

Editorial Verdict

This course is not a standalone solution, but rather a precision tool for artists already on their plein air journey. It excels as a bridge between foundational knowledge and advanced field practice, offering curated insights that free-form learning often misses. The instructor’s expertise shines through in clear, concise demonstrations that respect the learner’s time and intent. For those who’ve completed the core Plein Air Essentials course, this supplement is a logical and worthwhile next step.

However, its brevity and narrow scope mean it won’t replace a comprehensive art curriculum. It’s best viewed as a specialized workshop rather than a full training program. Artists seeking broad skill development should pair it with other resources. Still, for its specific purpose—elevating pastel painting in outdoor settings—it delivers exceptional focus and value. If you’re committed to mastering pastels en plein air, this course is a smart, efficient investment.