Decoding Plein Air: Lasater & Sacran

Decoding Plein Air: Lasater & Sacran 

Dates:  October 21-25, 2025

The next Decoding Plein Air Workshop is October 21-25, at the height of Fall in Arkansas. To hold your place, you may go ahead and make your $200 deposit HERE.

Workshop Overview:

Come be part of an exclusive workshop with two luminaries of the plein air painting scene, John Lasater and Jason Sacran. Together, they've captured the essence of the American landscape and triumphed in competitions nationwide. Spend five memorable days immersed in learning with these masters. With their painting and curating experience, Jason and John will elevate your skills by sharing essential insights into fine art and the plein air process. Seize this unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best in the field. SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW!

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“I highly recommend any workshop featuring John and Jason! Their award winning work has been an inspiration to me for years. You will benefit not only from their combined years of painting experience but also their friendly and entertaining teaching style!”

Carl Bretzke

Workshop Highlights:

• The Playbook of Success: Discover the art of exceptional painting design, find new inspiration beyond traditional composition or subject matter, and learn how to refine your work in the studio following plein air painting sessions.
• Sustained Efforts Outdoors: Learn techniques for painting over extended periods to capture the essence of the moment.
• Nocturnes and Quick Draws: Master the challenges of painting at night and under time constraints.
• Critiques: Personalized feedback from John and Jason, helping you refine your technique and approach.
• ART SALE & EXHIBITION: Showcase your work alongside the instructors. An exhibition on Friday night followed by a sale on Saturday, providing a platform for students to possibly make sale. Bring frames!

Pricing:

• General Admission: $750
• Deposit: A $200 deposit is required to hold your spot, with the balance due two weeks before the workshop starts. MAKE DEPOSIT HERE.

“Jason Sacran and John Lasater have been in the industry for years. I have had the great pleasure of painting with them in plein air competitions all over the country, and have witnessed as they won award after award. Not only are they stellar painters, they are generous sharing  their vast knowledge with others. Every artist would benefit from following their advice. Whether you are just starting out or have already established yourself as a professional painter, you should definitely study with John and Jason.”

Lori Putnam

Agenda (subject to change):

Day 1 - Tuesday

• 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Welcome Snacks and Lecture “Plein Air Playbook of Success” at Views Studio
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lasater “Quick Painting” Demonstration at City Park (by Olive & Opal)
• 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Students Paint at City Park

Day 2 - Wednesday

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Convene at Views Studio, bring wet paintings in, head to location
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Sacran Sustained Painting Demonstration (Session 1) at Goforth Farm
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Students Paint at Goforth Farm
• 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: (Optional) Nocturne Follow-along Demonstration by Lasater at City Park (by Olive & Opal)

Day 3 - Thursday

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Convene at Views Studio, bring wet paintings in, head to location
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Lasater and Sacran Dual Demonstration at Kayak Park
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - Whenever: Students Paint Anywhere. Can stay at Kayak Park or go into town. If students stay, they can have guidance.

Day 4 - Friday

• 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Convene at Views Studio for Group Critique and lecture about touching up paintings in studio.
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Students and Teachers Paint Fall Trees at WOKA Trailhead
• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Students deliver a painting to Views Studio they want in the Exhibit.
• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Opening Reception of Plein Air Exhibit put on by Views Studio and Gallery

Day 5 - Saturday

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Convene at Goforth Farm
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Sacran Sustained Painting Demonstration (Session 2) at Goforth Farm
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Students Paint at Goforth Farm
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Return to Views Studio for final thoughts, pick up paintings, and goodbyes.

More About the Instructors:

•  John Lasater: John, a member of the exclusive group Plein Air Painters of America, has a stellar record including: 
  •  Grand Canyon Celebration of Art:  
    •  Artist Choice (top prize) (2023)
  •  Door County Plein Air Festival:  
    •  1ST PLACE (2019, 2015)
    •  2ND PLACE (2018, 2022)
    •  Judges Award (2020)
  •  Easels in Frederick:  
    •  BEST OF SHOW (2014, 2016)
    •  ARTISTS' CHOICE (2016)
  •  Plein Air Southwest:  
    •  BEST OF SHOW (2014, 2017 in Dallas, Texas)
    •  2ND PLACE (2022, 2021 in Galveston, Texas)
    •  Award of Excellence (2016 in Dallas, Texas)

•  Jason Sacran: Renowned for his breathtaking landscapes and unsurpassed accolades: 
  • Maui Plein Air:  
    • Grand Prize Winner
  • En Plein Air Texas:  
    • Grand Prize Winner
  • Plein Air Easton:  
    • Grand Prize Winner (2015)
  • Easels In Frederick:  
    • Best of Show & Artists Choice (2015)
  • Olmsted Plein Air:  
    • Best of Show (2015)
  • Plein Air Southwest Salon:  
    • Best of Show & Artists Choice (2015)
  • Lighthouse Plein Air:  
    • Grand Prize Winner (2015)
  • Door County Plein Air:  
    • Best of Show (2014)
  • Mountain Maryland Plein Air:  
    • Best of Show & Quick Draw Winner (2014)

Student Reviews from Spring 2025 Decoding Plein Air Workshop:

"I really loved the workshop. The agenda was well organized and thought out. You two did a wonderful job with the first day and slide show/lecture giving us a background history and great inspirational artists to study. There was variety in the locations and the days were broken up with painting, demos and breaks for food and resting! Critiques were valuable. I loved the demos!!! All in all, fabulous!!!" —Julie, MO

"While I am an experienced painter, I have never painted in plein air, and wanted to ascertain whether it is worth leaving the comfort of my studio. John and Jason made it interesting and fun and fully and clearly explained the processes and reasons to get out in the beauty of nature. I enjoyed being with them and the other attendees at the workshop and recommend it to others experienced or considering plein air painting." —George, FL

"John and Jason have put together a wonderful workshop for all levels of plein air and painting experience. The demos were informative and complete. The locations offered a variety of subjects, atmosphere and lighting. The community of painters was a pleasure to paint and show alongside.  Definitely recommend!" —Cherish, MO

Photos from Spring 2025 Workshop and Painting Locations: