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Open Reception with Richard J Oliver and Michael Clark

  • Create Art and Tea 1015 Main Avenue Durango, CO, 81301 United States (map)

Opening Reception …Meet The Artists for the Workshop Weekend

Richard is going to work with Beginners and Experienced Studio Painters that want to get experience out of the Studio into Nature

Michael will delve into a more In-depth experience with intermediate and professional. Michael will enhance and deepen your knowledge about color.

Welcome to Plein Air Painting with Michael Clark

Impressionistic Light & Color in the Plein Air Landscape Intermediate Painting Workshop with Michael Clark Join artist Michael for an inspiring intermediate-level plein air painting workshop focused on capturing the brilliance of light and color in the landscape. Working directly from nature, you'll learn how to simplify complex scenes into bold shapes, separate light from shadow, and rearrange elements for a more dynamic composition. Through live demonstrations and personalized guidance at your easel, Michael will help you see the landscape with fresh eyes and translate it into a vibrant, impressionistic painting. This class is perfect for artists ready to deepen their understanding of plein air techniques while exploring their own creative voice. Bring your materials and your curiosity—let nature be your muse!

Welcome to Plein Air Painting with Richard J. Oliver 

Whether you’ve just finished art school, have been painting for years, or are simply curious to try plein air painting for the first time, this workshop is designed to give you the skills and confidence to begin painting outdoors with purpose and joy. Painting from life in nature can feel daunting, but I’m here to guide you through the process step by step, demystifying the gear, the scene selection, and the painting approach.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• Foundations of plein air painting An introduction to working from life outdoors, including mindset, pacing, and environment.

• Essential gear and materials What you need to get started, what’s optional, and how to adapt your setup whether you’re painting close to home or venturing into the wilderness.

• My personal setup A practical walkthrough of the equipment I use, how I pack and carry it, and how I set up efficiently on location.

• Scene selection and composition How to narrow your focus and choose compelling subjects from the natural world.

• Simplifying the landscape Learning to break complex scenes down into four basic values for stronger compositions.

• Thumbnail sketches and value studies Using simple sketches to build a solid foundation for your final painting.

• Painting techniques in oils A step-by-step outdoor painting demonstration, including how I refine a piece later in the studio.

• Take-home reference guide A detailed handout covering my recommended equipment, plein air workflow, and painting process.

My hope is that you’ll leave this workshop feeling confident, inspired, and energized to continue your journey. Painting outdoors has been a deeply enriching and grounding part of my life, and I’m honored to share that experience with you. 

Earlier Event: May 11
Mother's Day Matcha Ceremony Brunch
Later Event: September 13
PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL WEEKEND

CREATETREASURE@OUTLOOK.COM / 703-431`=9649