Learn to Paint En Plein Air: Oil Painting Workshop

What we'll do Discover the landscape together – We’ll begin by looking carefully at our surroundings and discussing what makes the scene interesting to paint. You’ll learn how to choose a subject and find a composition within the huge amount of visual information nature gives us.Learn to simplify what you see – One of the biggest challenges of plein air painting is deciding what matters and what can be left out. We’ll break the landscape into larger shapes, identify the main light and shadow pattern, and create a clear structure before worrying about smaller details.Watch a live plein air demonstration – I’ll paint the scene in front of us for approximately 60–90 minutes, explaining my decisions as I work. You’ll see how I begin a painting, organise the composition, establish values, mix colours, and respond when the light inevitably starts to change.Explore colour, light, and atmosphere – My approach is influenced by Impressionism, particularly the Russian Impressionist tradition. We’ll look beyond the local colour of objects and explore warm and cool relationships, subtle colour shifts, and how colour can be used to create a feeling of light, atmosphere, and vibration.Mix colours with greater confidence – Rather than relying on colour recipes, you’ll learn to compare the colours you see: warmer or cooler, lighter or darker, stronger or more neutral. We’ll practise making these relationships work together so that the painting feels harmonious.Work on your own plein air painting – After the demonstration, you’ll set up your easel and put these ideas into practice on your own painting. The focus isn't on racing to finish, but on making thoughtful decisions and learning from the process of painting directly from life.Receive individual guidance while you paint – Groups are kept small so I can spend time with each painter. I’ll move between easels, helping with composition, drawing, values, colour mixing, brushwork, and any problems that arise as your painting develops.Learn to respond rather than copy – Plein air painting isn't about reproducing every tree, rock, or wave. You’ll practise making artistic choices: simplifying, adjusting, and interpreting what you see to better capture the feeling of the landscape.Experience the challenge and pleasure of painting outdoors – Plein air painting teaches you to observe, make decisions, and respond to changing light. You’ll come away with practical ideas and a different way of looking at the landscape that you can continue applying to your own painting.

• A 60–90 minute live plein air oil painting demonstration
• 3.5–4 hours of guided plein air painting
• Individual guidance and feedback while you work
• Practical instruction in composition, values, colour mixing, light, and atmosphere
• Guidance on simplifying complex landscapes and making confident painting decisions
• A small-group experience with plenty of opportunity to ask questions
• Practical techniques and ideas to continue using in your own plein air painting

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