Instructor: Paul Kratter
Medium: Oil Painting (Plein Air)
Dates: Sept 29–Oct 1, 2025
Class times: 9:00–4:00
Tuition: $595
Class Size: 16
Materials List
Keep your sketchbook handy while painting with Paul Kratter. He will stress composition and design starting with the thumbnail sketch. Watch how he will break down the sketch process so you can design better paintings before you ever get out your paints. Next, Paul will start each class with a thorough breakdown of the process through a painting demonstration. He will stress good drawing by looking at specific graphic shapes and simplifying the elements of your composition. Color & atmosphere are emphasized as the painting takes shape. There will be a talk about the materials, equipment & any aspect of painting outdoors that will help you become a better painter.
The class is taught with a lot of individual help along with demos and feedback from the students. Paul always teaches with a very positive approach with a fair amount of humor. You will have a fun time!
“Paint long enough and it becomes obvious as to which artists are truly connected to their work. Those who are devoted to quality and continuous improvement. Paul Kratter is one such artist. His dedication to working from direct observation, connection to fellow artists and focus on hard work have put him at the top of his game.” —Matt Smith, American artist
Paul Kratter Bio
Paul Kratter is a highly accomplished artist and instructor who has won numerous awards at Plein Air events across the country. After 22 years working as an illustrator and publishing several books, he now paints full-time and teaches. He teaches plein air workshops and has taught classes at the San Francisco Art Institute and Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville. Paul is also the co-chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the California Art Club.
Paul Kratter’s paintings embody the light, atmosphere, and emotion that only an accomplished artist can convey. Paul, along with many experienced fine art painters comes from an illustration background that instills strong drawing and design skills and a robust belief in graphic shapes and storytelling. This is prevalent in Paul’s work as a skillful and accomplished landscape artist.
“Four years at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena prepared me for a life as a freelance illustrator. With a passion for animal life, I concentrated the latter part of my career on wildlife art, working on projects for the Nature Company, several national zoos, museums, and a variety of children’s books. I started hiking in the rolling hills of the East Bay, painting local landscapes. The ever-changing light and the need to work fast have brought a fresh, looser approach to my work. The bold work of Edgar Payne, Carl Rungius, and NC Wyeth is a huge inspiration to me. I hope to explore the many and varied habitats of California and beyond, making a visual statement that captures what I see and feel.” — Paul Kratter
