Paris: Plein Air Sketching Course, Drawing & Watercolor

Discover Paris Through Art with Pauline Fraisse’s Plein Air Sketching Course

For travelers eager to combine their love of art with exploring Paris, the Plein Air Sketching Course, Drawing & Watercolor offers an engaging way to see the city through a creative lens. Priced at $117 per person and lasting 3 hours, this small-group experience welcomes both beginners and seasoned artists to create personal travel journals in a lively urban setting. Held in different Paris neighborhoods each week, the tour offers a flexible opportunity to develop your sketching skills while enjoying Paris’s vibrant streets.

What truly sets this tour apart is the professional teaching by Pauline Fraisse, a Paris-based artist who guides participants in capturing the city’s essence with pen and watercolor. The small group size, limited to 6 participants, ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. While the class is primarily outdoors, it is adaptable in case of bad weather, with options for indoor drawing at Pauline’s studio. This experience is ideal for individuals or families looking for a memorable art activity that balances learning and sightseeing.

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Key Points

• Small-group format with up to 6 participants ensures personalized guidance.
• Flexible booking options allow joining just one or multiple sessions.
• Expert instruction from Pauline Fraisse, conducting classes in both French and English.
• Location varies weekly, with meeting points at cozy cafes in different Paris neighborhoods.
• Supplies included or available for purchase online, making it easy to prepare for the class.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced artists, with focus on composition, perspective, and figure drawing.

A Unique Artistic Experience in Different Paris Neighborhoods

The tour begins at a cozy café, where drawing commences in a relaxed setting before heading out to sketch around the neighborhood. Each week, the meeting point and drawing locations change, offering diverse scenery from bustling streets to quiet corners. The initial session at the café provides a chance to warm up and set creative intentions before exploring Paris’s streets and parks.

Participants can expect to spend part of the time sitting on benches, standing, or sitting on the floor, capturing the city’s dynamic architecture and lively scenes. If the weather turns unfriendly—such as extreme heat or rain—the class is likely to transfer to Pauline’s studio, ensuring a smooth experience regardless of conditions.

Practical Details About Meeting Points and Group Size

The meeting point is at 9:30AM at a specified café, emailed in advance, with Pauline easily recognizable by her blond hair and a sketchbook. The group size is limited to 6 participants, fostering an intimate environment for learning. The class’s weekly location change means you’ll explore different Paris neighborhoods, further enriching your experience.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and their own art supplies—though supplies can be purchased online up to five working days before the class. The supplies list includes a sketchbook, watercolor box, brush, water jar, pencil, and water-resistant pen; optional items include colored pencils and ink.

Learning Goals and Techniques Covered

This plein air class is designed to help beginners and more confident artists improve their skills in composition, perspective, and figure drawing. The session is structured to allow individual progress, with Pauline providing personalized guidance suitable for various skill levels. The focus on travel journals encourages participants to develop a personal approach to urban sketching, capturing daily life and scenery as memories.

For those already familiar with watercolor, the class offers an opportunity to refine techniques in a lively outdoor setting. For newcomers, it’s a friendly introduction to sketching in an inspiring city environment.

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The Role of Pauline Fraisse as an Instructor

Pauline Fraisse is the guiding figure behind this experience, offering professional instruction in both French and English. She is described as prompt, kind, and encouraging, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels. Her ability to handle bilingual groups smoothly means that both French and English speakers feel included and supported throughout the session.

Her expertise shines in her ability to interpret the needs of the small group and to provide individual attention. The class emphasizes confidence-building, encouraging participants to experiment with ink and watercolor without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Weather Considerations and Class Flexibility

Since the class is primarily outdoors, weather plays a role in the schedule. In cases of extreme heat or bad weather, the class is likely to be moved indoors to Pauline’s studio. This flexibility ensures participants can focus on honing their skills regardless of seasonal conditions, making it a reliable option for any time of year.

Art Supplies and Additional Purchases

Participants are encouraged to bring their own art supplies, but there is the option to order supplies online from Pauline’s website up to five days before the class. A list of art supply stores in Paris is also available for those who prefer to buy locally. Basic supplies include a sketchbook (A4 recommended), watercolor set, brush, water jar with lid, pencil, and waterproof pen. Optional items like colored pencils or ink can be added for more creative flexibility.

Suitable for Children and Families

Children under 7 years old are not suitable for this class, but teenagers accompanied by adults are welcome. The experience can be a fun activity for families who want to introduce younger artists to outdoor sketching in a busy city setting.

Value and Booking Options

At $117 per person, this class offers a cost-effective way to learn new skills while exploring Paris’s neighborhoods. The option to reserve now and pay later provides flexibility, and full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Participants can choose to attend just one session or multiple classes to develop their technique over time.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Plein Air Sketching Course

This small-group outdoor sketching experience in Paris combines professional guidance with the thrill of capturing the city in watercolor and ink. The weekly changing locations guarantee fresh scenery and varied subjects, complementing the learning process. Suitable for all levels, it offers an accessible entry point for those interested in urban sketching or wishing to expand their artistic repertoire.

While weather considerations are a practical aspect, the option to move indoors ensures consistent quality. The personalized instruction by Pauline fosters confidence, and the overall value for the price continues to attract positive reviews. For anyone eager to see Paris through the eyes of an artist, this tour offers a delightful and creative way to spend a day in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies do I need to bring?
You should bring a sketchbook, watercolor set, brush, water jar, pencil, and waterproof pen. Supplies are also available for purchase online from Pauline’s website.

Can I join this class if I am a beginner?
Yes, the class welcomes beginners and confirmed artists alike, with a focus on improving composition, perspective, and figure drawing.

Where does the meeting take place?
The meeting point is at a cafe in the designated neighborhood, with details emailed in advance. Pauline is easy to recognize by her blond hair and sketchbook.

Is the class suitable for children?
Children under 7 years old are not suitable, but teenagers accompanied by adults are welcome.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If the weather is extreme or unsuitable for outdoor sketching, the class is likely to be transferred to Pauline’s studio for indoor drawing.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Multiple sessions can be booked for ongoing practice.

Are supplies included in the price?
Supplies are not included but can be ordered online or purchased locally in Paris. The list of necessary items is provided upon booking.

What makes this experience stand out?
The combination of small group size, professional guidance, and the varied Paris locations make this class a charming way to enhance your sketching skills while enjoying the city’s scenery.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the small-group setting makes it easy to connect with others while exploring Paris through art.

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