WOW Factor: Dramatic Skies in Landscape

Workshop Description:

There are many elements that contribute to a compelling landscape painting. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to build strong compositions using value relationships, lead-ins, edges, and more.

Our primary focus will be on skyscapes — using clouds and light to bring drama and atmosphere into your work.

You’ll receive plenty of demonstrations and individual guidance at your easel throughout the workshop.

Pre-Workshop Preparation:

Required Video: Before the workshop, please watch this 45-minute video:
"What Every Artist Needs to Know"
https://vimeo.com/452078840/9f8c1bd5ea

This video introduces my approach to the fundamentals of painting — Line, Value, Color, and Edge — and is essential viewing to get the most from our time together.

Materials List:

Canvas:

• One stretched canvas (size and shape based on your chosen subject composition — be realistic in scale).

Oil Colors: (Preferred: Winsor & Newton Artist Quality, but bring what you have)
This is a suggested list — don’t feel you need everything, but bring what you can, including any personal favorites.

• Winsor Green (or Phthalo Green)

• Sap Green

• Olive Green

• Cerulean Blue

• French Ultramarine

• Cobalt Turquoise

• Cadmium Lemon (or Lemon Yellow)

• Yellow Ochre

• Naples Yellow

• Purple Madder

• White (Winton Soft Mixing recommended)

• Burnt Sienna

• Burnt Umber

• Ivory Black

Medium:

• Gamblin Alkyd Slow Dry Medium

Brushes:
Bring your favorite brushes. Below is a guide to what I typically use:

For detail and drawing:

• Rosemary & Co Pure Sable Series 91, Size 8
  OR

• Silva Renaissance 7110 Sable Cats Tongue, Size 8
  OR

• A small pointed brush suitable for drawing

For general painting: (choose one set)

• Art Basics Series 877KF, Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12
  OR

• Rosemary & Co Filbert Series 276, Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12

Additional brush:

• Art Basics 125 Dagger Taklon Brush, Size ½”

Other Supplies:

• Palette Knife

• Odourless Solvent (e.g., Gamsol)

• Masking Tape

• Paper Towels

• Easel

• Drop Sheet

• Large Palette – White-painted masonite (approx. 45 x 70 cm) works well, or disposable palette paper taped to the table.

Reference Photos:
Bring high-quality reference images with strong light/dark contrast. If printing your own, use photo-quality paper, not plain paper. You may also use an iPad or tablet for viewing references.