Andy Dolphin

We welcome back popular prize winning artist Andy Dolphin to PADU 2024, providing his well regarded workshop in Drawing for Plein Air.

Andy embarked on his journey in fine art a little over two decades ago, though his fascination with art dates back to childhood. Presently, with a professional background in sign writing, graphic art, and commercial illustration, Andy dedicates his time to oil and watercolour painting and outdoor sketching. His preferred subjects encompass rural landscapes, forests, and seascapes, all unified by sunlight. Particularly intrigued by the moody interplay of light and shadow, especially the elongated shadows of morning and evening, each painting serves as a recollection of a specific time and place.

In 2020, Andy transitioned from his “real job” to focus more on art professionally. His inaugural solo exhibition took place early in 2021, followed by teaching two oil-painting classes at the Vancouver Art Centre in Albany. Concurrently, he received an invitation to instruct at the 2022 Albany Summer School, where he introduced a drawing course due to perceived student shortcomings in this area. The course’s success led to subsequent iterations at Summer Schools, with additional sessions due to high demand, and for various casual groups from Mount Barker to Perth,

Midway through 2022, Andy redirected his attention to watercolour, culminating in his second solo exhibition in November 2022, showcasing much of his watercolour repertoire. His enthusiasm for plein air painting has intensified since his foray into fine art in 2001, resulting in an invitation to conduct plein air oil-painting workshops in Perth in 2023. Furthermore, a residency at Wireless Hill in August 2023 included hosting classes and workshops.

A regular participant at Plein Air Downunder in Mandurah since 2020, this event serves as a focal point in Andy’s annual schedule, earning him a place on the tutors’ list since 2022. His achievements include numerous awards and accolades, notably with the Watercolour Society of WA in 2022 and the prestigious Grand Prize at the 2023 West Australian Society of Arts Annual Awards.

DRAWING FOR PLEIN AIR with Andy Dolphin

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