Plein Air Workshop - The Art of Painting Outdoors

Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2026

Time: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)

Location: Federation Academy on Granville Island,  1310 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S1 

Level: Open to All Levels

Medium: Acrylic, Oil, Pastel

Workshop Overview:

In this immersive Plein Air Workshop – The Art of Painting Outdoors, Paul guides students through painting directly from nature with demonstrations and hands-on instruction. This time-tested approach helps artists understand brushstroke direction, paint density, pressure, and surface response while capturing the energy of the outdoor scene.

Working on location, participants explore the brushwork and colour approaches of master landscape painters. Studying a range of painters builds versatility and adaptability — essential skills when facing changing light and varied landscapes.

Attention is given to how brush direction guides the viewer’s eye and strengthens movement and depth. Through discussion and demonstration, students gain confidence handling oil paint outdoors, choosing brushes effectively, and understanding how mediums affect paint flow.

Foundational oil painting concepts such as imprimatura, tonal organization, and sight-size measurement are introduced, giving students practical tools to simplify complex scenes and paint with greater clarity and intention.

About the Instructor - Paul Chizik

Paul Chizik's paintings are rooted in the classical tradition with a contemporary approach. He works in the custom of painting major scale canvasses in the studio as well as the plein-air custom of working directly outdoors in a variety of environments where the natural splendor or raw urban power is immediate.

His work ranges from landscapes, to portraiture, figurative narratives and still life. As artist, mentor and teacher Paul hopes to have the art of painting regain its role as an exciting, current and vibrant visual medium with a renewed urgency.

https://paulchizik.com/

Student Testimonials:

• "Really enjoyed his expertise and story. Unique process of skill, and ability to share. Thanks! " 

• "Really it was all excellent. Especially spending time with each student. " 

• "Very clear as to why he was doing what he did. Excellent overview of materials. "

• "Paul is both professional and relaxed. A perfect combination to for me. His knowledge and expertise is demonstrated and communicated with ease. Came away with so much information. Thoroughly enjoyed myself.  "

• "This class was great. Paul had great demonstrations and gave each of of lots of individual attention when we were painting. His instruction was easy to understand and I really feel like I learned a lot about handling the paint and brushwork! "