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Go beyond photo reference and learn how to start creating compelling landscape paintings that tell your story.

Over three days students will learn techniques to push composition, value, and color to make stronger, clearer paintings that resonate with audiences.

Small studies will be the core focus of the workshop - powerful tools to inform larger, finished works.

Students should come prepared with numerous photo references to work with.

Experience Level: Intermediate and Above

Supply List 

Artist Website

Painter, illustrator, storyteller, teacher  

“Plein air is like meditation. When you feel a place with all your senses, take your shoes off and touch the grass, smell the wind, you come to realize how amazing just being in the world is. Plein air is about capturing that feeling.“

Biography

Judd Mercer is a contemporary landscape painter and Colorado native obsessed with telling stories through light. Working on plein air and in the studio, I explore the tension that exists between ourselves and the landscape and plays with our relationship to wild, exhilarating vastness. Always on the hunt for transient, magic moments that exist in secret places along roads less traveled, I seek to capture the powerful wonder permeating even the quietest scenes. I work in both oil and gouache and frequently participate in plein air invitational events across the country.

Teaching Philosophy

Having mentored designers professionally, I’ve come to realize that attitude and intent are extremely important for students, and a good teacher helps frame a mindset. Students can get easily discouraged early on and a teacher’s job is to break down the process into manageable (but challenging) parts. Students need to experience small successes to get excited about the process, rather than the goal of producing finished work. A commitment to sustained practice is really where success and joy come from. I help people relax and let go of expectations to create an environment in which learning is easier—and more fun.

Non Members Fee: $400.00 Members Fee: $375.00