En Plein Air or outdoor painting began during the Romanticism period of the 1600s, as artists sought natural light in their landscape paintings. The tradition further developed during the 19th century by a series of artist colonies in France.

Today, Plein Air is a most desired means of capturing the natural beauty in many locales for painters everywhere. The same technique found its way to Northeast Georgia, developed a following and program all its own.

The Northeast Georgia Plein Air Painters was formed in 2014 by painter Gayle Murdock. In an effort to familiarize painters with techniques involved in that process, Murdock will teach a one-day workshop on the fundamentals form 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center. No experience is needed for the $10 class.

Students will learn about the materials needed, including preferred surfaces and size of canvas or board, along with ways to effectively achieve a desired focal point in a landscape scene along with additional helpful hints. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch as students are invited to share the lunch hour at the center.

One week later, the three-day Plein Air “Paint Out” event will be from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 17, which is held in conjunction with international “Paint Out” events across the globe. ‘A

For more information, call Gayle Murdock at 850-830-8847.