Light and Design: On the Farm

Workshop Itinerary:

10:00-12:45 - Demo
12:45-1:15 - Lunch
1:15-4:00 - Attendee Paints

My intention for this workshop is to keep things as straightforward as possible. The focus will be on my approach of how to get the effect of light to read accurately on my subject; more specifically a barn/building. Therefore, getting the values correct early on will be important.

Before getting started on the painting I will go over how I make my small compositional sketches to then use as a guide while I complete the painting. Then I will lay in the rough drawing and underpainting washes on the painting. I will let that set up for a little while (roughly 15 mins) and then talk about my plan going forward.

During the demo I will also explain my reasons for using the colors I choose, as well as how important it is to keep color temperature in mind when trying to capture the effect of light. As the painting progresses I will start to use more paint and edges will become a primary focus.

Materials I typically use:

(This just gives you an idea of what I use and is not required for the workshop. Feel free to use the materials you are familiar with.)

Oil Paints: I use a variety of brands and pigments such as Gamblin, Utrecht, Williamsburg and Vasari.

My standard palette:

  • Titanium White

  • Lemon Yellow

  • Cadmium Yellow Medium

  • Cadmium Red Light

  • Transparent Yellow Ochre

  • Iron Oxide Red

  • Alizarin Crimson

  • Cobalt Blue

  • Ultramarine Blue

  • Viridian

  • Transparent Orange

Brushes: I use a variety of natural and synthetic bristle brushes as well as badger hair, both high quality and low quality

Other tools: Various palette knives and rubber scrapers

Panels: 1/4” hardboard panels, cradled panels and 7/8” and 1.5” deep standard canvases that I prime with at least 2 coats of Williamsburg Oil Primer.

What you should bring to the workshop:

Panel size: Somewhere between 8x10 to 12x16 would be a good size for this workshop.

Your standard plein air setup: Easel, paints, brushes, thinners, etc

Lawn Chair: I will be able to provide chairs for everyone, but if you choose to sit and watch my demo, you might prefer to have a chair you are most comfortable with.

My goal is for you to walk away from this workshop with more confidence to try new things and expand your painting repertoire.

I look forward to meeting you!

Todd Schabel