The Ins and Outs of Observational Painting: Studio and Plein Air with Hector Acuna

Deposit: $230 (includes $25 registration)
Balance: $470 (includes $TBD materials, due 60 days ahead of workshop)
Total cost of Workshop: $700
Skill Level: Beginner – Advanced
Acuna Supply List – pdf

Observational painting centers on the notion that we must paint what we see, not what we know. Learning to see the ways that light describes form and space is as important as learning to mix the right color or compose with dynamic principles of design.

In this 4-day workshop, students will be led through an in-depth series of slideshow presentations, live demonstrations, recommended homework assignments, and group critiques on various observational painting methods to evolve their ability to see their subjects as a mark, color, shape, etc. We will begin our study with non-objective still life arrangements to simplify the fundamentals and prepare our compositional lens for outdoor painting.

Over the next four days, students will have ample time to paint en plein air following live demonstrations from the instructor. We will have opportunities to paint together near PNWAS before meeting for group critiques. This workshop is designed to provide supportive resources and habits to sustain an inspired approach for both the beginner and experienced painter.

Instructor Bio and Artist Statement: Hector Acuna – pdf