Description
Step outside and experience the magic of painting in the open air! This inspiring plein-air landscape painting workshop invites artists of all levels to explore the beauty of the natural world—right on the grounds or nearby scenic locations.
Led by a seasoned professional plein-air artist, the workshop covers essential techniques for composing outdoor scenes, capturing light and shadow, and understanding how colors shift in natural lighting. You’ll learn how to translate the vibrant, ever-changing qualities of the landscape onto your canvas with confidence and creativity.
Topics include:
Outdoor composition and value studies
Working with natural light vs. studio light
Understanding the sun’s position and seasonal color shifts
Embracing personal expression and interpretation
Enjoy plenty of one-on-one guidance and supportive instruction in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Bring your brushes and your curiosity—let the landscape inspire you!
-
Paints, Oil or Acrylic; All artist grade if possible.
Thalo Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Quinacridone Red
Cadmium Red Medium
Cadmium Lemon Yellow
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Large Tube Titanium White
Odorless Turp; Gamsol preferred for oils
Canvas from 12x16 to 16x20 suggested
Brushes, Decent quality bristle (Dick Blick makes a good line of
these) for oils
Synthetic brushes might be better for Acrylics.
1 Large Flat, about 1 inch
1 Medium Flat, about 1/2 inch
1 Small Round
1 Medium Round
Palette Knife
French Easel our Outdoor Easel
Other paints, brushes and canvas sizes optional.
Optional outdoor umbrella
Mike recommends artists bring the following materials for the class:
Paints
Artists have the choice of oils or acrylics, with preference to artist grade.
Phthalo Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Quinacridone Red
Cadmium Red Medium
Cadmium Lemon Yellow
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Large Tube of Titanium White
Brushes
One of each of the following brushes of decent quality, with emphasis on synthetic bristles being preferential for painting in acrylics.
Large Flat, about 1”
Medium Flat, about 1/2”
Medium Round
Small Round
Additional Materials
Odorless Turpenoid, preferably Gamsol
Palette Knife
Canvas; recommended size between 12”x16” to 16”x20”
Additional paints, brushes, tools, and canvas sizes are optional and welcome
About the Instructor
Mike has been drawing and painting since childhood, primarily using oil paints in the plein-air tradition. He has an intense passion for painting the natural world, with a particular fascination for trees. Much of his work focuses on the landscapes of the Farmington Valley area of Central Connecticut, as well as regular and productive painting trips to Cape Cod and Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
A dedicated and traditional painter, Mike finds endless inspiration in nature’s beauty and expressive possibilities. His work has been widely exhibited in various venues throughout Connecticut and beyond, including art galleries, art associations, and libraries.