Explore trees as a subject with oil paints to achieve lively results that capture the ‘essence’ of trees within the landscape.
The workshop is based in our beautiful large studio space. The teaching style is strongly aligned with plein air painting processes where a faster and more intuitive approach is often needed. Working from carefully selected photographs based on trees within rural settings, we’ll explore some of the main factors to consider when handling trees and the important decisions to bear in mind in order to capture the character of trees with oils.
We’ll cover ways to help you evaluate key elements of trees such as composition, structure, form and mass, together with value. Colour mixing and ways to apply paint to help with describing trees will also be covered during demonstrations, enabling you to work in more purposeful and responsive ways. During this workshop you will work on a number of small preparatory studies followed by a more resolved, larger painting of a rural landscape with trees.
David will be demonstrating his step-by-step process in intervals throughout the day, allowing plenty of time for you to paint. We will break for lunch with the opportunity to sit outside in the garden. A set of notes summarising the key points covered during the workshop will be provided for you to take away.
Aimed at students with some experience of oil painting, you will be encouraged to paint decisively and use a painterly approach, balancing looseness with control which will enable you to capture the very essence of the subject more confidently.
Please note the small class numbers, ensuring plenty of tutor time.
“The planning of the piece of work and thinking through what interests you in a scene has helped me focus on a way forward which I would like to pursue further. It’s rekindled my interest in landscapes and how much I prefer oil paints”
what to brinG
Paint brushes
Rags (to wipe brushes, palette knives and for subtracting paint)
Any drawing materials and sketchbooks that you like to use for making simple, quick drawings.
Palette (ideally a sturdy wooden palette but tear-off ones are fine)
Container for transporting your wet painting(s) home
Apron
A packed lunch
What is included
Oil paint
Studio safe (low odour) solvent & medium
Dipper pots for solvent/medium
Masking tape
Canvas paper for oil paint
Printed photographs to work from
Palette knives
Coffee, tea and biscuits.
Cost
£85
Suitable for adults (18+), Intermedate / Improvers, limited to 9 places
DATE & TIME
Sunday 24 May
10am – 4:30pm
How to book
Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online below.
“David was very supportive and helpful when we were painting our own landscapes, providing excellent individual feedback and suggestions for improvement and development of our own style. I found his input particularly helpful and effective one to one”
About the tutor
David Pilgrim (ROI) is an award-winning professional artist with passion for painting, predominantly using oils. He studied fine art as part of a joint degree course (the other half was in pure mathematics) at Aberystwyth University and has developed a successful painting practice over many years, focusing largely on coastal and landscape subjects. David is an enthusiastic plein air painter, which also informs his studio work.
The energy that comes from the original moment is a vital element in his work. The intention is to capture the very essence of the experience of ‘being there’, in that moment, and bring this to the viewer in the most direct and impactful way possible.
In December 2012 David was elected as a full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and currently serves on the Council as their website officer.
Full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) since 2012
Winner of the Dartington Crystal Chalice in recognition of outstanding service to the ROI, 2020
Winner of the Frank Herring Easel award for the painting ‘Old Harry and the blues’ at the ROI annual exhibition, 2019
Winner of the Le Clerc Fowl medal for outstanding group of paintings at the ROI annual exhibition, 2018
Winner of the Buxton Spa open competition runner’s up prize (2015)
Winner of Best plein air painting and Best small painting prizes at the Bath prize open competition (2010)
Selected by the BBC to be one of a group of artists to paint the Diamond Jubilee Pageant from the Millennium bridge (May 2012). Filming was broadcast live as part of the BBC’s coverage of the event
Website: www.davidpilgrimart.co.uk
Instagram: @davidpilgrimart
Facebook: David Pilgrim
“The level of teaching was pitched well. I felt challenged and well supported. David had an approachable manner and was generous in his advice and sharing of skills”