Step outside with your sketchbook and discover the joy of plein air painting and drawing. In this short and uplifting class, I share my personal approach to sketching outdoors and gathering people to create together. Whether you're sketching solo on a quiet bench or hosting a playful painting picnic with family and friends, this class is all about making creativity accessible, joyful, and pressure-free.
Each lesson is short and to the point, giving you gentle motivation, practical tips, and space to create freely—at your pace, in your way. And yes, I’ll be adding more videos to this class over time!
You’ll learn:
<ul>
<li>Why plein air is more about presence than perfection</li>
<li>How to sketch outdoors even with very little time</li>
<li>What materials to pack for a light and flexible plein air kit</li>
<li>Tips for creating with children and organising a relaxed painting party</li>
<li>How to shift your mindset and make plein air sketching a part of your art journaling practice</li>
</ul>
Any skill level is welcome! This class is part of my ongoing series on art journaling and keeping a sketchbook:
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/3WTzXOq" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">My 10-Year Sketchbook Journey: How to Start an Art Journal, Enjoy It, and Keep Going</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/49xzOoF" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Seasonal Sketchbook Ideas: Create Beautiful Watercolour Pages</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/3PLHKcU" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">5 Tips to Start Your Sketchbook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/3QVSaaZ" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">5 WOW Creative Ideas to Fill Your Sketchbook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/49aT1wg" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Sustainable Sketchbook: Create with Recycled Paper &amp; Learn How to Draw</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/3FIDSaR" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Sketch Your Family Recipe: Playful Food Illustrations in Your Art Journal</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/discussion/tmp/33473bc8.jpg" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="33473bc8.jpg">
Who I Am? Hi, I’m Olga Bonitas—an award-winning watercolour artist, illustrator, and passionate sketchbook keeper. I believe that art can be a gentle daily ritual—a way to reflect, observe, and connect with the world around us.
My creative journey began over 10 years ago as a hobby, and eventually, it became my profession. Today, I illustrate books and creative projects, and I teach watercolour and art journaling both in person and online.
Originally from Russia, I’ve lived in several countries, and in 2023, I was honoured to receive a UK Global Talent visa. I now live and work in London.
My work has been exhibited internationally and is part of private collections around the world. But most of all, I see art as a personal, joyful, and therapeutic practice—something anyone can enjoy, no matter where they begin.
 My Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://olga-bonitas.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/olga_bonitas/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li>
<li><a href="https://olgabonitas.myflodesk.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Email newsletter</a></li>
</ul>
Let go of expectations, grab your sketchbook, and step into a more joyful, mindful way of making art.
Warm hugs, Olya

Intro

Why Go Plein Air?

Sketching with Little Time 

 Gather People to Create Together

Olga Bonitas gave you 1 free month of Skillshare

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Plein Air for Fun: A Simple Guide to Outdoor Sketching

Project Example by Olga Bonitas

Project Example by Olga Bonitas

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