2026 In-Person Programming
Design for Painters with Michael King
From Photo to Painting: Developing a Thoughtful Approach with Masoud Habibyan, SFCA
From Photo to Painting: Developing a Thoughtful Approach with Masoud Habibyan, SFCA
Sat & Sun, Mar 14th - 15th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
Strong paintings aren’t accidental. They’re built on clear, intentional design. Many painters reach a point where their work feels inconsistent or unresolved, not because of a lack of skill, but because the design decisions underneath the paint aren’t fully clear. This workshop offers a practical starting point for addressing that.
From Photo to Painting: Developing a Thoughtful Approach with Masoud Habibyan, SFCA
From Photo to Painting: Developing a Thoughtful Approach with Masoud Habibyan, SFCA
From Photo to Painting: Developing a Thoughtful Approach with Masoud Habibyan, SFCA
Sat, Apr 11th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
This workshop focuses on developing strong, confident paintings using photographic reference. Emphasis is placed on translating photographic information into painterly decisions—simplifying forms, organizing values, and making intentional choices that support mood, composition, and expression.
Capturing Foam & Flow: A Watercolour Wave Workshop with Reha Sakar, SFCA
From Photo to Painting: Developing a Thoughtful Approach with Masoud Habibyan, SFCA
Capturing Foam & Flow: A Watercolour Wave Workshop with Reha Sakar, SFCA
Sat, Apr 25th, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
We will explore the movement, structure, and physical characteristics of waves—and how to capture them in watercolour. We’ll learn how to paint around highlights, shape convincing foam, and create depth and movement in water. Throughout the day, we’ll break down the essential techniques that make waves feel dynamic.
Plein Air Essentials with Jan Poynter, AFCA
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
Capturing Foam & Flow: A Watercolour Wave Workshop with Reha Sakar, 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 color. 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
The Art of Painting Greens in the Landscape with Igor Staritsin, SFCA
Sat, Aug 1st, 2026
10.00 AM - 4.00 PM (PDT)
Location: Federation Academy
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
"Rural to Urban" Pastel Workshop with Andrew McDermott, SFCA
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
"Rural to Urban" Pastel Workshop with Andrew McDermott, 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 colors, 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.