Plein Air Painting with Martha Ferguson
Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join St. Augustine painter, Martha Ferguson, for a day-long plein air painting workshop in the Radzinski Garden at the Lightner Museum. Surrounded by lush greenery and the historic architecture of the Hotel Alcazar, this outdoor workshop offers an opportunity for artists of all skill levels to paint en plein air in a supportive setting. 

Martha will begin the morning with a painting demonstration; discussing her selection of subject matter and creating her composition, as well as  sharing techniques for capturing light, color, and atmosphere. Following the demonstration, participants will have the opportunity to paint en plein air with guidance from Martha. 

$90 per artist | $70 Lightner Museum Members

9:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - painting demonstration
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - break for lunch
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - guided painting

The Radzinski Garden is located at the rear of the Lightner Museum building. Registrants should meet in the garden at 9:00 a.m. Participants should plan to bring their own lunch and snacks. Water and chairs will be provided. Participants should bring their own easel and their own painting supplies. If you do not have access to an easel please contact [email protected]. A list of Martha Ferguson's suggested supplies is available, and will be sent via email upon registration.

En plein air is a French phrase that means “in the open air.” It refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or scene in front of you, rather than working from photographs or inside a studio. This approach became especially popular in the 19th century with painters who wanted to portray the fleeting effects of sunlight and weather on the landscape. Today, plein air painting is practiced by artists around the world. It’s especially common in coastal and historic areas like St. Augustine, where changing light and scenery offer endless inspiration.

About the Artist: Martha Ferguson is a national, award winning artist from St Augustine, FL. Painting primarily in oil, she considers herself a contemporary impressionist and avid plein air painter. Martha is best known for her street scenes and loves old gritty towns.  After college, Martha started her professional art career at the Jersey shore where she lived for over 30 years. Moving on to St Augustine in 2014, she joined local plein air groups that met regularly. Quickly learning the benefits of painting on location, she spends many days painting in the open air. Martha has participated in several distinguished, invitational paint outs and juried art shows. You can find her award winning paintings at the prestigious, Grand Bohemian Art Gallery in St Augustine, FL. Three of Martha’s paintings are on view in our exhibition,  A Moment in Time: America 250 | Plein Air Paintings from America’s First Coast, opening on March 20.