en plein air workshops
Paint & Picnic – Enjoy a Treat Day Out
Experience a One Day or 1/2 Day Outdoor Painting Workshop. Unwind & Relax with Lots of Hands-On Help & One-to-One Tuition. Stroll through the Beautiful Surroundings of Leixlip Castle or Hamwood House. Enjoying Peace & Tranquillity. Relax & Savour some good Food & Coffee over a Chat.
Come & Join Me For A Relaxing Day Of Outdoor Painting In Beautiful Surroundings
Passionate about teaching Nina has over 20 years of experience. Unwind & enjoy an easy, fun, relaxed atmosphere, with lots of hands-on help & one-to-one tuition.
Demonstrations in sketching & painting are given. No need to worry about the rain!! We’re covered – with an area to work in no matter what the weather!!
This year Nina is offering two very special venues. A 1/2 day workshop at Leixlip Castle, Leixlip Co. Kildare on Saturday 13th August, and, a full day workshop at Hamwood House, Dunboyne, Co. Meath on Saturday 27th August About Hamwood House.
Like The Idea But Have No Clue What To Do Or Where To Start?
Don’t panic!! Nina will be on hand to help you choose a subject/medium, get started, build and then complete your chosen piece. All levels of student ability are catered for from total beginners to intermediate and advanced level students.
No Need To Bring Any Art Materials Or Equipment. The Whole Kit & Kaboole Is Supplied!!
Students can work in their preferred medium or diversify as they choose. Fees include drawing materials for working in pencil, charcoal, or pastel (papers) and painting materials & equipment for oils/acrylics (one canvas per student), or watercolour (papers).
What’s The Plan for The Day?
Spend a moment or two saying hello over a coffee or juice before getting started. Students are then invited to spend a few minutes strolling through the grounds finding their bearings & relaxing into their environs. Direction is given on outdoor painting & choosing a scene to paint. Using viewfinders to seek out subjects that catch the eye, practice looking and seeing to build good compositions.
Students congregate to see Nina give a warmup demonstration sketch in pastel at one of her chosen scenes. Students are encouraged to complete a similar warmup sketch. Working in pencil, charcoal or pastel or any/all of these as students wish.
After a relaxed coffee break/luncheon, Nina will give an acrylic painting demonstration. Students choose their second scene to paint. Working in their preferred medium to complete a piece in, oil (on canvas), acrylic (on canvas) or watercolour (on paper). Nina will advise on medium selection if students are unsure. Congregating to finish off the day with some refreshments. Reviewing work, chatting and taking photos.
If the weather is unfavourable, looking, sketching & photographing will quickly take place outdoors. Longer pieces can then be worked on from our sheltered area.
A VERY SPECIAL TREAT, Hamwood House was the ancestral home of Eva Henriette Hamilton & her younger sister Leticia Marion Hamilton, RHA 1878 -1964. After our day painting, our hosts Charles & Lisa have kindly invited us to view some restored watercolours by Leticia & hear a little bit about the hisory of the house & of these renowned artists who once lived at Hamwood. A wholesome luncheon will be prepared by Lisa & served to us in the dining room of the house. About Hamwood House
What's Included?
Drawing materials for working in pencil, charcoal or soft pastel on paper. Painting materials & equipment for working in oils, acrylics, or watercolour. One canvas per student is supplied and watercolour paper as required. Disposable aprons, easels, paint, palettes, brushes palette knives, water tubs, cloths etc are supplied for students use. Students take their work home at the end of the day – usually, a sketch on paper and a painting on canvas or paper. Entrance to the gardens. Teas/coffees, pastries/scones, refreshments & lunch (for full day workshop), are also included in the fee.
So, What Will I Need?
Wear old clothes and your most comfortable pair of shoes!!! Bring sun cream, sunglasses, bug spray, a big hat, a light warm jacket or raincoat & a camera or phone. If you prefer to work seated bring a camping stool or chair.