Expressive Plein Air Workshop
at 1908 Jenne Farm on Ebey's Landing Historic Natural Reserve
September 5th-7th, 2025, 9:30am to 4pm, $345
What:
Have you wondered what painting outdoors would be like? Have you painted plein air but found yourself overwhelmed trying to capture the landscape in the changing light? Join me for a fun and very informative three-day workshop. We will focus on painting outdoors with a twist- how to create expressive paintings from the landscape, rather than a strict representation of what we see. Students are welcome to work in oil, acrylic or watercolor. Demos will be in oil and watercolor.
Where:
The workshop takes place in Coupeville, WA on Whidbey Island. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ebey’s Prairie National Historic Reserve at a beautiful 1908 farm and farmhouse. You will be within ten minutes of great painting sites such as Ebey's lighthouse, Ebey's Landing beach, sweeping overlooks of the prairie, historic Coupeville old town and waterfront and two gorgeous state parks. We will be based at the farmhouse, which has a full kitchen, dining room, parlor, fireplace room, and a wrap around porch. You can register to stay at the farmhouse or enjoy it as a day student. The farmhouse will be open for everyone to enjoy during the day. All painting will take place outdoors.
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Learn how to:
• Simplify your subject
• Create a strong composition from what you see
• How to deal with changing light
• Determine the colors you see and how to mix them
• Use color to tell your story
• Create a scene with interesting brushwork and mark making
• Use crisp and soft edges to strengthen your work
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Level
You will get the most out of this workshop if you already have some familiarity painting and mixing colors with your medium.​
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Teaching
Instruction will cover the principles and tricks of painting plein air but will also be tailored to the group’s needs. Individual instruction and group critiques will help everyone get the most out of this wonderful learning experience. This will be a supportive learning environment with an emphasis on having a lot of fun while learning solid skills to improve your painting.
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​Schedule
Demos and painting time will take place in the morning at the farm. In the afternoons we may go paint at other locations within a short drive or you are welcome to go painting on your own. We will start the afternoon with a quick demo then have painting time and time for individual consultations. In case of inclement weather, there are sheltered areas at the farm. ​​
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Your Instructor
A professional artist, Liesel has 30 years of painting and 17 years of teaching experience, including teaching at Daniel Smith Art Store, Winslow Art Center and national art retreats across the country. She loves to help people discover the joy in the creative process.
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Travel
From Seatac Airport, with a private car, it is a 2.5-3 hour commute unless traveling during rush hour. You can also take a Shuttle service from Payne Field or Seatac Airport to Whidbey Island. If you need a ride from the shuttle drop off in Coupeville to the farm, email Liesel.
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Supply List:
