2026 In-Person Programming
Plein Air Essentials with Jan Poynter, AFCA
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
Sat, Jun 6th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
Painting directly from life can be a JOY but only if you are prepared and know your equipment. If you are completely new to Plein air - painting on location can be a challenge. Learn the basics BEFORE investing in more equipment to customize this practice to your needs and enjoy a lifetime of creative benefits.
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
Sat & Sun, Jul 25th - 26th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
We’ll cover practical methods for mixing natural greens using a limited palette, balancing warm and cool variations, and establishing value structure before introducing colour. Emphasis will be placed on observing nature intelligently — understanding how distance, light, and air affect greens.
Plein Air Workshop - The Art of Painting Outdoors with Paul Chizik
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
Plein Air Workshop - The Art of Painting Outdoors with Paul Chizik
Sat, Aug 1st, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Duck Pond on Granville Island
In this immersive workshop, 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.
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"Rural to Urban" Pastel Workshop with Andrew McDermott, SFCA
"Rural to Urban" Pastel Workshop with Andrew McDermott, SFCA
Plein Air Workshop - The Art of Painting Outdoors with Paul Chizik
Sat & Sun, Aug 15th - 16th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
This workshop will equip you with the technical and creative skills needed to produce colourful, dynamic landscape & urban pastel paintings. You will learn how to approach both scenes with confidence—developing strong compositions, editing visual information, and building compelling narrative interest.
Gesture & Rhythm in Floral Painting with Ann Willsie, SFCA
"Rural to Urban" Pastel Workshop with Andrew McDermott, SFCA
Gesture & Rhythm in Floral Painting with Ann Willsie, SFCA
Sat & Sun, Sep 5th - 6th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
Each morning will start with a discussion of process, touching on values, blocking in big shapes, what to leave in/out, choosing background colorus, etc., followed by some exercises to get the creative juices flowing. Ann will be following this with a demo, and then each student will be doing a painting of their own still-life of flowers.
Town And Country Workshop with Dale Byhre, SFCA
"Rural to Urban" Pastel Workshop with Andrew McDermott, SFCA
Gesture & Rhythm in Floral Painting with Ann Willsie, SFCA
Sat & Sun, Oct 24th - 25th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
Explore the charm of both urban and rural landscapes through a loose, painterly approach to acrylic painting. From quaint streets and historic buildings to rolling fields and country roads, students will learn to simplify scenes into expressive paintings with strong design, colour, and atmosphere.