An exciting 'combination' Workshop!:

1st day 'en plein air' out on the fabulous Pembrokeshire coast, gathering reference material and making sketches and painting studies. (PLEASE NOTE: This Friday outdoor session is an optional addition to the 2 studio days on Sat & Sun.)

Followed by...

2 days in the studio using these reference materials to create a finished painting, or two!  

Gain a fearless approach to painting the spectacular coastal landscape of Pembrokeshire in West Wales and learn the skills to enable you to simplify coastal elements and translate what you see into strong dynamic paintings. Capture the energy and atmosphere of this stunning environment and create paintings that are uniquely yours. 

We'll combine some work outdoors on the optional 'plein air' day with work in the studio developing paintings. Clear instruction with demos, along with practical exercises and learning through playful experimentation, using acrylic paint (and other optional materials). This is a fun 2 or 3 day workshop to help you interpret the coastal landscape without getting too bogged down in detail. 

You will learn: 

• How to use photos and outdoor studies to make great paintings
• Ways to simplify the coastal scene and make a strong composition
• About different types of perspective, to help you portray a sense of depth
• How to retain the clarity of colours and avoid them looking muddy or flat
• Techniques to inject the energy and atmosphere of the coast into your work

NB: Suitable for most abilities, although SOME PAINTING EXPERIENCE is advisable for this workshop. As a minimum you should have a basic understanding of colour mixing and paint application. If you are unsure about this please contact us for a chat. If you wish to join the outdoor session and have limited mobility please call the studio for advice before booking.

Painting the Pembrokeshire Coast Workshop

10am - 5pm (Lunch 30 mins starting at around 1pm)

Max places = 8

£299 per person for 2 studio days with option to add the 'plein air' day (+£149) on Friday

Workshop Outline

FRIDAY* [ OUTDOOR PAINTING SESSION ]   *OPTIONAL

 Arrive at 9.45am for coffee and chat

Morning (10am Start)

• Welcome and housekeeping 
• 1st lecture/demo. How to take suitable photos for painting. What to focus on when sketching or making studies outdoors and why it matters.
• Sketching or painting outdoors (weather permitting, but please bring suitable clothing/footwear)

Break for lunch around 1pm

• A light lunch is provided or bring you own if you prefer
• Bring a flask for tea/coffee.

Afternoon 

• Painting/sketching and taking reference photo's out on the coast
• Group discussion to evaluate the day's learning and plan for the next steps.
• Clean up 4.45-5pm

SATURDAY [ IN THE STUDIO ]

 Arrive at 9.45am for coffee and chat

Morning (10am Start)

• Welcome and housekeeping 
• A look at all the gathered material
• Lecture / demo - 'How to use your gathered reference material' from the previous day. (OR, if only doing the studio days, you'll use mine!)
• Exercise: practise simplifying the elements in your references and 'designing' compositions with them. 

Break for lunch around 1pm

• A light lunch is provided or bring you own if you prefer
• Tea and coffee available through out the day.

Afternoon 

• Lecture/demo: 'Taking preparatory work from day 1 and/or the morning session into a more developed painting.'
• Painting exercises: fun, fast, loose and simple to get your 'painting muscles' warmed up and your ideas flowing.
• Begin a Painting on canvas from your reference material.
• Group discussion to evaluate the day's learning and plan for the next steps.
• Clean up 4.45-5pm

SUNDAY [ IN THE STUDIO ]

 Arrive at 9.45am for coffee and chat

Morning (10am Start)

• Lecture/demo: Techniques for coastal elements and overcoming common stumbling blocks.
• Continue developing your painting.

Break for lunch around 1pm

• A light lunch is provided or bring you own if you prefer
• Tea and coffee available through out the day

Afternoon

• Continue developing your painting with lots of individual feedback and help.
• Final group discussion to evaluate what you have achieved. (Feedback is always supportive and constructive.)
• Cleanup 4.45-5pm

All materials and equipment are provided but if you have your own items you would particularly like to use, then feel free to bring them with you.  A personal sketchbook is also useful and a smartphone or digital camera.

If you have any questions or special requirements please get in touch.

All workshop details and information will be sent via email after booking.

Come and enjoy a Painting Workshop with me in my spacious and well equipped studio in the heart of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. All Materials and equipment are provided so all you need to do is turn up with a willingness to learn and have fun! 

A complimentary light lunch and refreshments are available throughout each day.

SJB Fine Art Studio is located just a mile from Newgale Beach, close to the popular village of Solva and Britain's smallest City of St. Davids with its historic buildings and stunning scenery. There is plenty of local accommodation to suit every taste and budget.