WORKSHOPS
Throughout the year Plein Air Down Under presents painting Workshops and Masterclasses across all mediums.
In 2024 Plein Air Down Under will be featuring Masterclasses by three renowned international artists – Lori Putnam (USA), Tony Robinson (Ireland) and Leon Holmes (Australia). In addition, Guest Artists Andy Dolphin (Mt Barker) will present a full day drawing class, and Gordon Alexander (Perth) will present a full day workshop for Watercolour in the Landscape.
Keep your eye on this page for all up-and-coming workshops or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest info.
Details for all 2024 Plein Air Down Under Festival workshops are now published (12.5.2024)
![workshops-l](https://pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/workshops-l.jpg)
Lori Putnam
Lori Putnam will be conducting 3 painting workshops, as well as an Artist Business session and demonstrations.
Masterclass #1 “Plein Air, Right from the Start”
Monday 16 (studio) & Tuesday 17 September (plein air)
Mandurah, Western Australia
Lori Putnam believes that plein air and studio work go hand-in-hand with becoming a better painter. Lessons learned in one setting naturally benefit the other. A lifelong student herself, Lori will share how this way of thinking and hard work have helped her grow at such a rapid pace. By beginning indoors on day one, participants will have more confidence to tackle day two’s outdoor challenges.
Open to all mediums.
Intermediate and experienced artists will get the most from this two-day masterclass, which includes:
- Understanding five types of light
- Seeing the big shapes
- Designing a good foundation
- Capturing the feel of the day
- Painting a scene’s essence and singularity
Two days $425 – SOLD OUT – Register WAITLIST here
Masterclass #2 “Plein air, Resource Material or Finished Product”
Thursday 19 & Friday 20 September (plein air)
Peel Region, Western Australia. Location TBA
Lori Putnam sees plein air painting as having two separate and distinct purposes. In this two-day plein air masterclass she will show you both. Participants will learn the differences, how to focus on making the best colour notes for use as future resource material, and how to produce a finished painting in the field.
Open to all mediums.
Intermediate and experienced artists will get the most from this two-day masterclass, which includes:
- Understanding the importance of colour notes
- Making meaningful sketches for better painting results
- Having the confidence to make strong painting decisions
- Knowing when to push an idea and when to give up on one
- Finishing in the field
Two days $425 – SOLD OUT – Register WAITLIST here
Masterclass #3 “Fix It, Scrap It, or Use It.“
In this one-day masterclass, Lori Putnam will help you learn what to do with all of those piles of plein air paintings. Using your own paintings from the festival weekend, you will learn what went well, what did not, and what to do about it.
Open to all mediums.
Intermediate and experienced artists will get the most from this masterclass which includes:
- Understanding why a painting does not work
- Learning constructive tools for self-critique
- Knowing when to save your painting, when to use it for knowledge, and when to toss it out
- Working through and resolving issues as a way of growth
- Painting with more confidence and understanding
Tuesday 24 September (studio)
Mandurah, Western Australia
One day $220 Register here
Artist Business Development Session
“SO, YOU WANT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL”, presented by the Mandurah Arts Festival.
Artists have a bad reputation in the business world. And, for the most part, that is not altogether incorrect. Lori Putnam’s experience as a business owner prior to her fine art career has helped her to dispel the myth that she does little more than sleep late and paint pretty pictures.
She is going to pack a lot of information for you into this two hour presentation, including time for Q & A. Bring your questions!
Included in this presentation:
- Three things you can start doing today that will improve your professional reputation
- Marketing is NOT an ugly word, if you learn to do it the right way
- Social media, using the power for good
- Organization is not your enemy
- Don’t just show up; make a good showing
Saturday 21 September 1-3 pm
Fishtrap Theatre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
Two hours (1-3pm)
$25 Artists registered to paint at PADU
$40 non Registered Artists
![Lori Putnam head and shoulders 2](https://pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lori-Putnam-head-and-shoulders-2-150x150.jpg)
Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson will be conducting a one-day portrait painting workshop in the studio, as well as demonstrations.
LIVE PORTRAIT PAINTING DEMONSTRATION, with Tony Robinson and a studio model
Saturday 21 September 10am to 12noon
Tony Robinson will be demonstrating the techniques of the successful alla prima portrait, producing a head study of a live model within two hours.
In Tony’s own words, this is less information than the full day Masterclass, but a far greater chance of seeing him land on a custard pie!
This demonstration is open to everyone, with a discount for artists registered to paint at Plein Air Down Under.
Two Hour Painting Demonstration
$25 Discounted for artists registered to paint at Plein Air Down Under
$40 regular price
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Fishtrap Theatre
Masterclass – Mastering the Painted Portrait, with artist Tony Robinson and live studio model.
This Masterclass will explain techniques of the successful ‘alla prima’ portrait, demonstrated by Tony Robinson who will be helping participants aiming to produce a satisfying ‘head study’ or a ‘head and shoulders’ in 4 hours painting time.
The course will include:
- Setting up the model.
- Laying in, blocking in and working up.
- Tones, colours, edges and brushwork.
- Choosing and mixing flesh colours.
- Common alla prima pitfalls.
- How to critique your own work.
- Making adjustments.
Tony will paint along with you for a fun day of portraiture. Use of a camera will be included.
Some basic drawing skills are recommended for this course but Tony will endeavour to adapt the teaching element to suit a range of experience and ability.
Wednesday 18 September (studio)
Mandurah, Western Australia
One Day $245 – SOLD OUT – Register WAITLIST here.
![Tony Robinson profile photo](https://pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tony-Robinson-profile-photo-150x150.jpg)
Leon Holmes
Leon Homes will be conducting a two-day plein air painting workshop in the outdoors, as well as demonstrations.
Oil Painting Masterclass, en Plein Air
Thursday 19 & Friday 20 September (plein air)
Mandurah and the Peel Region, Western Australia. Location TBA
In this two day Masterclass, Leon will be sharing his knowledge in oil painting, focusing on composition, tonal values, colour mixing and a myriad of painting tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Plein Air painting experience.
After demonstrating these elements, students will be hands on, painting their own scene as Leon walks around, giving one on one advice and assistance.
Two Days $345 plus options – SOLD OUT – Register WAITLIST here
Note ticket options below. Please choose your preferred ticket options at check out:
Option 1 – Leon Holmes Two Day Workshop $345
Option 2 – Leon Holmes Two Day Workshop plus easel hire $375
(incl. 9×12” Pochade Box Hire & tripod, no other materials included)
Option 3 – Leon Holmes Two Day Workshop all inclusive $405
(includes MH oil paints, brushes, palette knives, dipper pot, medium (MH refined gum turpentine or AO fast evaporating odourless solvent), rags, gloves, Leon Holmes Swag Apron, MH oleo gel).
This is a good deal for Plein Air beginners. Simply come and enjoy painting worry-free.
Students with some experience in oil painting will get the most out of this workshop, but if you have been painting for years and feel your work needs a new direction, you will also love it!
![leonleon3](https://pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/leonleon3-150x150.jpg)
Gordon Alexander
Gordon Alexander joins the PADU teaching team in 2024 and is well known in Perth for his tuition in Watercolour and his plein air work in both Watercolour and Oils.
Workshop – Fun Outside with Watercolour
During this workshop we will focus on classic watercolour technique with emphasis on understanding the crucial elements to rendering a successful image. Through some fun exercises we will explore how to simplify the scene and play with values, edges, colour and composition to enhance our interpretation of our chosen subjects and convey a sense of space, light and form. We will also explore some of the pitfalls of using watercolour outside and find solutions.
This workshop is ideal for those familiar to watercolour but would like to gain confidence when venturing outside as well as those wanting to extend their knowledge and ability with the watercolour medium.
Friday 20 September 9.00AM TO 3.00PM
Peel Region, Western Australia, Location tba
One Day $150 – SOLD OUT – Register WAITLIST here
![Gordon in Fremantle](https://pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gordon-in-Fremantle-150x150.jpg)
Andy Dolphin
A regular participant at Plein Air Down Under in Mandurah since 2020
Workshop – Drawing for Plein Air
Drawing is the foundation of visual art and it can be easier than you think.
Join award-winning artist Andy Dolphin for this full day studio workshop covering the basics of sketching en plein air. Topics covered include simplifying the landscape, handling perspective and finding successful compositions through tonal thumbnails.
Andy will also introduce students to a simple sketching method he calls Mindful Contour Drawing which he uses for urban sketching or to produce preliminary drawings for watercolour painting. The session will also include some plein air drawing exercises.
While the lesson is aimed primarily at painters, the methods used will also suit artists simply wanting an introduction to plein air drawing.
Please note: This Workshop is for artists registered to paint at Plein Air Down Under – if you haven’t registered to paint, please register here: Plein Air Down Under
FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 9.00AM TO 3.00PM
MANDURAH PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (STUDIO WORKSHOP)
One Day $150 – Register here
![Andy Dolphin - Head shoulders 2](https://pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Andy-Dolphin-Head-shoulders-2-150x150.jpeg)