Plein Air Painting Workshop with Fred Doloresco
Chautauqua-Wawasee
An Immersive Outdoor Painting Experience
Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association invite you to a three-day immersive plein air painting workshop led by acclaimed artist Fred Doloresco.
Designed for intermediate to advanced landscape painters, this workshop offers the opportunity to refine your skills through live demonstrations, individualized instruction, and group critique in a supportive and inspiring outdoor environment.
Participants will gather at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery before heading out to carefully selected painting locations around Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana.
What Is Plein Air Painting?
Plein air painting, meaning “in the open air,” is the practice of creating art outdoors, directly from observation. Popularized in the 19th century by artists like Claude Monet, this approach focuses on capturing natural light, color, and atmosphere as they change in real time.
Today, plein air painting continues that tradition, challenging artists to respond quickly, observe deeply, and connect more directly with the landscape.
What You’ll Experience
Throughout the workshop, participants will:
- Watch live painting demonstrations each morning
- Receive one-on-one instruction and feedback
- Paint on location in scenic lakeside settings
- Participate in daily group critiques
- Strengthen skills in composition, color harmony, and light
Daily Workshop Format
Each day follows a structured yet relaxed schedule, balancing instruction with dedicated painting time:
9:00 AM – Instructor Demonstration
Fred begins each morning with a 60 to 90 minute plein air demonstration, focusing on composition, color harmony, light, and effective outdoor painting strategies.
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM – Open Painting and Individual Instruction
Participants paint independently on location while Fred circulates throughout the day, offering personalized guidance and support.
12:00 PM – Lunch Provided
4:00 PM – Group Critique
Each day concludes with a group critique, providing thoughtful feedback and shared learning.
Location
The workshop begins each day at the Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at South Shore Social, then moves to outdoor painting locations around Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana.
A designated space will be arranged daily for group critique and discussion.
Materials and Equipment
- Artists are responsible for bringing their own paints and supplies
- A limited number of plein air easels will be available on loan
- A workshop handout will be provided to all participants
- A “just show up” option with materials is available for an additional fee
Meet the Artist: Fred Doloresco
Fred Doloresco is an Indiana-based landscape and plein air painter known for his expressive use of light, color, and atmosphere.
A graduate of St. Louis University, he studied with Don Stone, Daniel Gerhartz, and Rose Frantzen. Fred is a signature member of Oil Painters of America and a Master Signature member of the American Impressionist Society and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society. His work has been featured in national and regional exhibitions, and he has received multiple Best of Show awards, including honors from Indiana Heritage Arts, the Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition, and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is intended for intermediate to advanced artists who are ready to deepen their plein air practice and grow through hands-on experience and expert guidance.
Workshop Details
Dates: May 26–28
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Location: Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery, South Shore Social, Syracuse, Indiana (with outdoor sessions around Lake Wawasee)
Cost: $300
Limited spots available.
👉 Register HERE
Supporting the Arts
This workshop is made possible in part by Regional Art Partner the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
