We arrange plein air oil painting workshops for small groups between June and October. These are for a minimum duration on site of 4½ hours painting (10am to 3pm) and are generally County Down based unless specially arranged to be elsewhere. The lunch break is between 12:30 and 13:00.

Workshops in the outdoors are of course weather dependant but it is amazing what you can do on a gloomy day. If the weather makes painting outdoors totally unsuitable then we retreat to the studio in Lisbane, BT23 6AQ. There we work from either a projector or photographs. If is necessary to totally reschedule the workshop your booking and payment will be carried forward. You are welcome to bring your own art equipment and all materials. These can, if required, be supplied at an extra cost. We only use good quality artists quality oil paints. If you have an allergy to solvents (such as white spirit) please let us know well in advance. We can then use a low odour solvent such as Sansador.

You do not need to have any plein air experience, but it helps if you have painted in oils before and understand the basics. If you need general oil painting tuition, then you could contact us for this on a one to one or small group basis.

Depending on the experience in the group there will be a short explanation / demonstration to show the basics of getting started. Then we will take you through the process in stages from composition choice, sketch, painting from dark to light.

When finished we aim that you produce a worthwhile piece to take home.

The cost for the first 4½ hours working on site is £80 and £15 per hour thereafter. The maximum number of students is three. Students generally bring their own lunch We aim to be at a venue with a public toilet or restaurant nearby.

Every student receives in advance a list of materials and equipment to bring along.

If you require the hire of equipment and the use of materials, you should advise us of this at the booking stage when the full amount is payable. Otherwise, you need to bring all your own equipment and materials. The extra cost if you need these supplied is £20.

Our workshops are generally a maximum of 45 minutes’ drive from Belfast. We sometimes meet at a nearby National Trust estate. If one of these is to be the venue you should either be a member (and bring your card) or pay the entry charge on arrival.

Regretfully, we cannot support you in any medium other than oil paint.