Course Overview: Spend three days exploring the art of plein air painting with artist Andrew Sookrah. Working primarily in acrylics, with guidance and demonstrations in watercolour, participants will learn how to observe, interpret and capture the landscape while painting outdoors.

The workshop will begin with an introduction to plein air painting, including drawing techniques, perspective, composition, colour, texture and the effective use of materials. Andrew will demonstrate his approach to constructing a landscape, beginning with composition and design before blocking in shapes and gradually building the painting through layers, tonal values and colour.

The first two days will be spent painting outdoors at pre-selected locations. Andrew will provide demonstrations throughout each day, followed by dedicated painting time with regular feedback and one-to-one guidance. Participants will explore how to select a composition, simplify a landscape, work with changing light and translate what they see into a finished painting. Participants should also take reference photographs of the scenes they are painting to support continued studio work. On the third and final day, the group will return to the classroom to develop and finish work begun outdoors. Andrew will demonstrate how to take a painting from a plein-air study to a more resolved studio piece, using your reference images and observations from the previous two days.

Throughout the workshop, participants will receive a combination of demonstrations, individual instruction and group feedback designed to strengthen their skills and build confidence painting both outdoors and in the studio.

The workshop will focus primarily on acrylic painting, with demonstrations and guidance available for participants working in watercolour.

Skill Level: All

Date and Time:

Three-day workshop
Thursday, October 15: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday, October 16: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, October 17: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Important Notes:

HST is not included in the price.
This course takes place at the Belleville campus: 376 Wallbridge Loyalist Rd, Belleville, ON K8N 5B9
Campus information, including room number, parking, directions, etc., will be provided closer to the start date.
A refund (less $20.00 administrative fee) will be issued if you withdraw from a class seven days before the start date of the class. After this deadline, no refunds will be issued.
If a course is cancelled by Loyalist College, registered students will be provided with a full refund. College decisions to cancel a course will be made seven days before the class start date.
If you have any questions or issues, please reach out to art@loyalistcollege.com

Supply List:

Acrylic Paints (suggested) Basics:

Cobalt Blue
Cadmium or Pyrole Red
Cadmium or Hansa Yellow
Phthalo Green
Jenkins Green
Dioxazine Purple
Payne's Grey
Mars Black
Titanium White
Zinc White

Acrylic Paints Beyond the basics: (addons to the basics)

Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Phthalo Blue
Burnt Sienna
Pyrole Orange
Quinacridone Azo Gold
Green Gold
Phthalo Turquoise
Teal

Plein Air Gear

Portable Plein Air Easel
You will be working outdoors, so it's important that you dress accordingly for the weather. Bring sunscreen, hat, rain gear, waterproof footwear, dress in layers.

Surfaces

- Stretched canvas or board, 9” x 12” or slightly larger, prepared with acrylic gesso, or Canvas sheets (available in pads)
Alternate: watercolour paper (300 lb., with or without gesso)
Sketch pad

Brushes and Materials

Variety of long-handled acrylic brushes including several different sizes of flats, filberts and rounds
Pencils: 2H or 4H
Rags
Containers for water
Disposable or reusable palettes

Watercolour Materials List--if you prefer this medium

Paint

Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Winsor Purple
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Yellow
Naples Yellow
Jenkins Green
Hookers Green
Burnt Sienna
Van Dyke Brown
Payne's Grey
Mars Black
Cobalt Violet (optional)
Manganese Blue (optional, as it’s difficult to get)
Any other colours of your choice

Surfaces

Watercolour paper, single sheets or in pre-stretched pads, with at least one sheet each of cold and hot pressed
Board to support your paper

Brushes and Palette

Assorted sizes and shapes of watercolour brushes, including fine point, flat, round
Palette

Misc.

Friskit and masking tape
Containers
Paper towel

Plein Air Painting with Andrew Sookrah