Paint the Feeling of Landscape
Do you love landscape — but don’t want to paint every detail?
This one-day workshop focuses on creating atmosphere, mood and depth rather than copying a scene. Using oil paint mixed with cold wax medium, we’ll explore layering, scraping and intuitive mark-making to suggest land, sky and distance.
You’ll learn how to build soft, atmospheric surfaces — and how incorporating subtle foreground elements such as textured rock structures or plant suggestions can strengthen the sense of place.
Some participants may choose to stay fully abstract. Others may introduce a little more realism. You’ll be supported in finding the balance that feels right for you.
There’s no pressure to create a perfect finished painting.
This day is about exploration, confidence and discovering new possibilities.
How the Day Works
To build both confidence and creativity, the day is structured in stages.
Morning – Exploration & Technique
You’ll begin on A4 oil paper, experimenting with:
• Blending techniques
• Thin, layered applications
• Establishing simple horizon lines
• Creating depth through tone
• Adding texture, marks and subtle powders
This warm-up stage removes pressure and allows you to get comfortable with the medium.
Afternoon – Developing Larger Studies
You’ll then move to:
• Two A3 oil paper sheets to scale up your landscape studies
• One pre-layered panel (prepared in advance and fully dry), allowing you to work into an established surface without waiting for drying time.
By the end of the day, you’ll have several exploratory landscape pieces and a much clearer understanding of how to create atmosphere, structure and depth using oil and cold wax.
What You’ll Learn
• How oil paint and cold wax medium work together
• How to build successful layered foundations
• How to create atmospheric distance
• How to introduce texture to suggest rock, plant or landforms
• How to balance abstraction with subtle realism
• When to simplify rather than add more
• How to work more freely with confidence
What You’ll Take Home
• Several exploratory landscape pieces
• A prepared panel to continue developing
• A printed technique guide covering the methods used, so you can continue exploring oil and cold wax with clarity and confidence.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners through to experienced artists who are curious to try a new medium.
A Calm, Spacious Learning Environment
This workshop is limited to 8 participants to ensure generous workspace, individual tables and room to work on multiple pieces at once.
You’ll have space to move, experiment and develop your ideas without feeling crowded.
A Supportive, Encouraging Approach
My workshops are relaxed and welcoming. You’ll be guided through demonstrations and then supported as you explore in your own way.
Oil and cold wax is a layered, forgiving medium full of texture and subtlety. The more you experiment, the more you discover.
If you’ve been wanting to approach landscape in a freer, more expressive way — this is the perfect place to begin.
Date: Sunday 29 March
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Waikanae Arts & Crafts Society, 27A Elizabeth Street, Waikanae
Group Size: Maximum 8 participants
What’s Included:
All materials including oil paint, cold wax medium, A4 and A3 oil paper, and one prepared wooden panel.
Refreshments:
Tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own lunch.
Cancellation Policy:
Bookings are non-refundable but transferable.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organiser, a full refund or transfer to a new date will be offered.