A native Californian, David Savellano is an artist who works primarily en plein air (outdoors), creating watercolor paintings that capture random moments—on the street, in nature, and wherever else his portable easel takes him. “I enjoy working outdoors because it’s unpredictable and lends itself to a kind of spontaneity you just can’t get in a studio,” he says; “When you paint outdoors, you’re completely immersed in the scene—the atmosphere, the mood.”

Although largely self-taught as a watercolor painter, he credits his 30 years as a practicing architect with having given him the drawing skills and strong sense of perspective that have elevated his artwork to a professional level. As his many students will attest, he is also a very skillful and inspirational teacher with a very accessible approach to plein air painting.

David will begin with a half-day lecture on plein air painting, his approach, materials, and equipment. At each of three sites, David will choose a scene to paint and students will gather around and paint along with him in a step-by-step method. By observing (taking photos as desired) and receiving individual coaching, students will learn David's approach to composition, value planning, perspective and painting techniques. Plein air painting will include a seascape (Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda), a landscape (Inspiration Point in Tilden Park, Orinda), and a cityscape (Embarcadero Ferry Building, San Francisco near the BART station).

Materials List:

CWA members $245, non-CWA $300. Visit David at his website to get some painting tips, and learn more about him and his work: davidsavellano.com

Non Members Fee: $300.00 Members Fee: $245.00