About Marla's Workshops

The Landscape in Pastel
5-Day Plein-Air/Studio Workshops

Marla's fresh and informative workshops are an intensive period of work, study and FUN that have been enthusiastically received by both beginner and advanced students. This workshop will have a maximum of 18 students. “I want your workshop experience to exceed your expectations! I hope that it is a respite from the everyday world and a place where creativity, peace and beauty is your only job!”

Sunday evening introductions and an informal discussion of workshop goals and expectations kicks off these workshops. The first day begins with a lecture at our meeting room. The day’s painting location will be discussed and students will carpool to our sites. A demonstration will be given in each morning on site. After the demo, students can break for their sack lunch or dive into painting. In the afternoons Marla will give individual assistance at your easel. A dinner gathering is planned for one evening. The workshop will close with a group critique Friday afternoon. Each artist is encouraged to review what they have accomplished and will be given suggestions for how to proceed with their work after the workshop. Marla’s critiques give positive actionable feedback.

Each demonstration will break down the elements that make a painting work and the procedures to create one. The entire painting process is covered from the application of the materials to achieving color harmony, good value relationship and dynamic compositions. We'll focus on how to paint with authority.

Marla works individually with each student at their easel and guides them at their own level and in their own style. Marla is particularly adept at making students of all levels feel comfortable and confident. Lots of painting time will be given.

Learn the fundamentals/sharpen your skills:
Composition
Elements of color
Value relationships
Aerial perspective

Learn to:
Loosen-up
Paint with confidence
Work on site
Work from sketches & reference
Learn when to stop
Finish a piece
Marla’s workshops provide:
Structure
Clear, concise instruction
Lots of individual attention
Enthusiasm
Humor
Supportive atmosphere

Demos
Lectures
Individual mentoring
Critiques
Group discussions/Q&A