Crossword Genius

A learner painting outdoors (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alfresco

'outdoors' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a learner painting' is the wordplay.
'learner' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'painting' becomes 'fresco' (fresco is a kind of painting).
'a'+'l'+'fresco'='ALFRESCO'

(Other definitions for alfresco that I've seen before include "Out of doors" , "Open-air" , "Outdoors, meal perhaps" , "where it's cool" , "Located outdoors" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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