Plein Air Painting In Oils with Tom Stevenson
4th August - 09.30 - 16.00
£90.00
10 Places
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Tom Stevenson ROI is based in Devon where he works from life to create paintings that follow a path between figurative and abstract styles to explain the light and colour of his surroundings.
In his paintings Tom relies upon the uncontrollability of oil as a medium to build a fresh and organic surface. He works from life and is drawn to subjects such as the coast, figures and the dramatic skies seen over the surrounding countryside.
His work is underpinned by strong composition and is often constructed around a simple compositional idea or collection of colours which form the starting point and focus of the painting.
Tom is an elected member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI). He studied at Plymouth College of Art and Design, Bath School of Art and holds a degree in Fine Art from Exeter College of Art and Design.
Selected prizes and awards:
- Alan Gourley Memorial Award, Royal Institute of Oil Painters (2022)
- Pintar Rapido, London, 1st Prize (2019)
- Pegasus Prize - Best Painting in Oil, South West Academy (2018)
- Phyllis Roberts Award, Royal Institute of Oil Painters (2014 & 2017)
- Winsor and Newton Young Artists Award, 3rd Prize, Royal Institute of Oil Painters (2016 & 2018)
Please visit Tom's website for further information and to see examples of her work.
OVERVIEW
This workshop will look at different aspects of painting plein air in oils – including kit, choosing a subject, working at speed, mixing colour and keeping the painting loose. We’ll be working outside and from life in Wimborne - a location which offers a variety of exciting views and subjects to keep us busy and entertained.
We’ll focus on the challenges of painting plein air and will practice techniques and methods designed to improve our ability as painters to work quickly, honestly and with the freshness that is found in the much plein air artwork.
The course will be structured with demonstrations, exercises and opportunities for both group and individual tuition and feedback.
TEACHING DAY
Arrive from 9.30 am for tea and coffee and make a start at 10.00am.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio breaks.
There will be a 30 minute break for lunch, please bring along your lunch. There are cafes within a short distance of the studio.
Please bring with you:
- Own kit recommended (as described below) If you dont have an easel,
- Basic set of oil paints (suggested list below)
- Portable easel or pochade - Otter Studio can loan you a studio easel for the day, please let us know if you need one.
- Well seasoned palette
- Brushes, old rags and thinners. Citrus thinners are recommended over turpentine
- Folding stool or camp chair, if you don’t wish to paint standing up
- Sketchbook and pencils
- A selection of pre-primed canvases or panels in different sizes and shapes. Smaller sizes ranging from envelope size to approx A3 size are recommended.
- Outdoor clothing suiting the weather and which won’t matter if it gets painty
colours used by the tutor:
If you’re unsure what colours you’ll need, the following is a good starting point:
- Titanium White
- Cadmium Lemon
- Cadmium Red
- Rose (quinacridone)
- Opaque Oxide of Chromium
- Viridian Green
- Raw Umber
- Raw Sienna
- Yellow Ochre
- Ultramarine Blue
If you’re buying an easel it’s worth looking for one nearby second hand (gumtree, ebay, facebook marketplace). Often people are selling nearly new easels for very reasonable prices. While heavier than some of the new, lightweight ‘laptop’ style easels, the good old french box easels are very strong, stable and can carry most if not all of your equipment.
