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The Beginner’s Guide to Plein Air Oil Painting

Learn to Paint Outdoors Through 8 Fun, Simple Projects
Brief Description
The must-have beginner’s guide to painting outdoors in oils, from award-winning artist and trusted teacher, Jenny Aitken. Through 8 skill-building projects, packed with expert tips and techniques, Jenny will inspire you to explore the immediacy of working en plein air, sharpen your observation skills and boost... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$6400

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The must-have beginner’s guide to painting outdoors in oils, from award-winning artist and trusted teacher, Jenny Aitken.

Through 8 skill-building projects, packed with expert tips and techniques, Jenny will inspire you to explore the immediacy of working en plein air, sharpen your observation skills and boost your practical confidence.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The must-have beginner’s guide to painting outdoors in oils, from award-winning artist and trusted teacher, Jenny Aitken.

Through 8 skill-building projects, packed with expert tips and techniques, Jenny will inspire you to explore the immediacy of working en plein air, sharpen your observation skills and boost your practical confidence.

The Beginner’s Guide to Plein Air Oil Painting is increasingly popular and in this complete course, Jenny covers everything you need to know. The 8 projects are carefully chosen so that you can build up your confidence through practice; each will teach you new techniques and will gradually develop your skills as you work through the book.

  • Take the fear out of painting outdoors: with preparation, everything is possible. Jenny covers all the essential considerations, from choosing the right clothing and checking the weather, to planning your supplies.
  • Discover a range of 8 inspiring projects: choose from delicate flowers and dramatic seascapes to rolling landscapes and billowing clouds.
  • Improve your painting practice: discover key techniques including simplification, brushwork, perspective, and pushing colour so that you can create your own stunning results.
  • Sharpen up your plein air skills: the immediacy of working en plein air will sharpen your eye, mind, and skill. Learn how to tackle the particular challenges of working outdoors, including changing light, moving subjects, and more – right down to dealing with the weather.

With clear guidance on everything from selecting the right materials to capturing light and atmosphere, this book is designed to remove the intimidation factor and help artists of all skill levels develop confidence and skill in plein air painting.

Series: The Beginner’s Guide to Art

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  • The Beginner’s Guide to Plein Air Oil Painting
    The must-have beginner’s guide to painting outdoors in oils, from award-winning artist and trusted teacher, Jenny Aitken. Through 8 skill-building projects, packed with expert tips and techniques, Jenny will inspire you to explore the immediacy of working en plein air, sharpen your observation skills and boost your practical confidence. The Beginner’s Guide to Plein Air Oil Painting is increasingly popular...
    Paperback
    $6400
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781800923874

Publisher: Search Press Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 August 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Search Press Ltd

Illustration: 750 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 204.0mm

Height: 260.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 144

About the Author

For Jenny Aitken, teaching painting is an absolute passion – her main aim is for students to be encouraged, informed and creatively enthused. She began tutoring and demonstrating ten years ago, and now runs online courses and art holidays around the UK and in Italy and France.

Since graduating in Art & Art History from seaside university Aberystwyth, she has exhibited all over the UK and won many awards. She was elected an associate member of the RSMA in 2021, and won the Topbond Marine Award in 2022. She is currently represented by several UK galleries, including The Harbour Gallery in Cornwall and Peter Barker Gallery in Rutland. You can also view and purchase daily studies, paintings, prints, calendars and cards from her own online gallery on www.jennyaitken.co.uk

Jenny is a regular contributor to The Artist Magazine, and an online tutor, with a series of 25+ modules on painting in oils and acrylics. She also produces shorter painting videos on YouTube.

Her first book, Painting into the Light, has sold more than 9,000 copies since publication in 2024.

Jenny lives in Derbyshire, UK, not far from the beautiful Peak District.

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