If you want to get out of the studio and paint outdoors this series of workshops with Christopher Clements and Kieran Ingram will guide you through some of the key things you need to know. Each workshop focuses on a different fundamental of painting the landscape.
This series of workshops are based on the Tonalist approach which places emphasis on a particular interpretation of the light & dark tones of the landscape while simplifying the colours. The approach will enable you to arrange the tones and colours of the landscape to evoke the simple beauty of your environment.
During the workshops you’ll learn how to make sense of what you see and how to organise it into a well structured painting. Everything is provided so you can just turn up and paint.
Learn how to use perspective and tonal value to paint the contour of the land.
April 6th 2023: Tone & Contour: Book Now
In April’s workshop you’ll look at how you can use line and tone to describe the form of the land.
Looking at the relationship between the big features of the landscape and the light source makes it much easier to simplify what you’re looking at. This will help you put the smaller features and forms into context, creating a cohesive unity in your painting.
You’ll also look at linear perspective which helps get the relationship between you and the scene right, adding dynamism to your work.
- Linear Perspective
- Form of the Landscape
- Tonal Value
4th May 2023: Distance & Aerial Perspective: Book Now
In May’s Workshop you’ll learn how to create depth and atmosphere in your landscape painting by looking at the effect distance has on colour and tone.
As the features of the landscape recede into the distance there are subtle colour and tonal shifts which are affected by the weather and time of day. You’ll learn to use these shifts to capture the specific atmosphere of the time you’re out painting.
- Creating Distance
- Atmosphere
- Warm & Cool Colour
1st June 2023: Sky & Clouds: Book Now
The sky is key to landscape painting, so in June’s Workshop we’ll be looking at the nature of the sky and clouds. Although the sky provides a dramatic backdrop to the land its effects are much more profound. The quality and quantity of the light falling from the sky affects the colour unity and tonal contrast of the land below.
You’ll look at types of clouds, their structure and what they’re doing as well as the colour shifts within the sky generally which create atmosphere.
- Types & Shapes of Clouds
- Colour Shifts in the Sky
- Painting Light
6th July 2023: Features of the Landscape: Book Now
In July we’ll be looking at what’s going on in the middle distance.
The middle distance is often where the the story of a painting lies and is where the features of the landscape are seen most clearly. Getting the character and relationships of these features right is important, characters and relationships create stories.
- Painting Natural & Man Made Features
- Simplification of Detail
- Scale and relationships
3rd August 2023: Composition: Book Now
Learning to draw and paint the form of your subject is important but it’s not until it’s arranged as a composition that it becomes a work of art. This workshop is all about designing your painting. Learning to think beyond individual forms and onto an overall design which creates dynamism and communicates your intentions.
- Design of Your Painting
- Balance & Harmony
- Visual Rhythm
The Location
Tegg’s Nose is the perfect Plein Air painting location, it has a wide variety of panoramas. From the rugged hills of Peak District, lined with dry stone walls and dotted with farm buildings to huge vistas across Macclesfield Forest and the Cheshire Plain. There are also disused quarries at Tegg’s Nose itself so there’s plenty of choice of subject matter.
The terrain is tracks and paths with good access but you’ll need sturdy footwear, windproof clothing and a seat if you prefer to work sitting down.
The workshop is being run in conjunction with East Cheshire Council Ranger Service. Tegg’s Nose Country Park is easy to access by car or a short taxi ride from Macclesfield station and provides ample parking and toilets. The renowned Tegg’s Nose Tea Room offers delicious lunches and hot drinks in the park’s visitor centre.
Is this workshop for me?
Whatever your level of experience this workshop will have something for everyone. The workshop is particularly suitable for people who would like an introduction to Plein Air Painting but will suit all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, the workshop will offer you the chance to try working at your own level outdoors and develop your existing skills.
The workshops are designed to build your skills from session to session however they all work as stand alone sessions so that they can be done individually.
Places are limited to give you plenty of personal feedback and allow you to work at your own level and pace.
The Tutors
The workshops are led by Kieran Ingram and Christopher Clements, both professional artists. Kieran has featured on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year and Christopher is the director of Northern Realist Drawing & Painting
Essential info:
- Price £80 – Booking and payment in advance is essential.
- Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm
- Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
- Leaders: Artists Chris Clements and Kieran Ingram
Workshop Dates & Booking links
- 6th April 2023: Tone & Contour: Book Now
- 4th May 2023: Distance & Aerial Perspective: Book Now
- 1st June 2023: Sky & Clouds: Book Now
- 6th July 2023: Features of the Landscape: Book Now
- 3rd August 2023: Composition: Book Now
What you’ll need
All equipment, paint and paper is provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer, see the bottom of the page for a materials list.
You will however, definitely need to bring:
- Sturdy footwear
- Suncream & Hat
- Waterproof/Windproof jacket
- Layers of clothing to keep warm or cool depending on the weather
- Insect repellent if you wear it
- Water and snacks
The Tegg’s Nose Tearoom has a great lunch menu however you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch.
How to Book
Bookings are made via Eventbrite, just follow the ‘Book Now’ links on this page.
What Materials Will I need?
None – All materials provided including acrylic paint but if you prefer work in oil or bring your own there’s a materials list at the bottom of the page.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
- Train: Macclesfield Station 2.3 Miles away, Taxis available at the station
- Parking: Car Park at Tegg’s Nose: 3 -10 hrs £3
What arrangements are there for lunch?
Bring a packed lunch or buy lunch at the Cafe. There are also toilet facilities at the visitor centre
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Chris: info@northernrealist.com
What’s the refund policy?
- Refund excluding Eventbrite fees if you cancel up to two weeks before the workshop.
- Full Refund if the workshop is cancelled in advance.
- 25% refunds if the workshop has to be abandoned on the day due to adverse weather.
Materials & Equipment List
Materials are provided but if you would prefer to work in oil or bring your own you’ll need:
Paints and support
Bring oil or acrylic depending on your preference.
Colours
- White
- Paynes Grey
- Yellow Ochre
- Burnt Umber
- Burnt Sienna
- Raw Umber
- Lemon Yellow
- Viridian
- Cobalt Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Alizarin Crimson
- Cadmium Red
Support
Canvas paper or board. Stretched canvas is not so good because light tends to shine through it.
Equipment
- Sketchbook and drawing media, pencil, pens and ink
- Easel or Pochade box
- Drawing board and clips or masking tape
- Palette and dipping cup
- Brushes and palette knife
- Container for turps or water
- Rags and Paper Towel
- Bag for rubbish