Plein Air at the Brick works:
A Masterclass with Sam Paonessa
Elevate your plein air skills with award-winning artist Sam Paonessa in Toronto's captivating Evergreen Brick works. Master composition, light, and atmosphere in this immersive one-day masterclass, blending expert instruction with the inspiring fusion of nature and industrial heritage. (Intermediate to advanced painters welcome.)
Join award-winning plein air artist Sam Paonessa for an immersive one-day masterclass at Evergreen Brick works, a dynamic urban landscape blending natural beauty with industrial charm. A celebrated member of the Ontario Society of Artists and the Ontario Plein Air Society, Paonessa has received top accolades for his plein air work, including Best Water and Best Nocturne in the Plein Air Salon Competition. His work has been exhibited in renowned institutions such as the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Riverbrink Museum, and Frederick Horsman Varley Museum, with pieces held in esteemed private and corporate collections across North America and beyond.
This exclusive masterclass is designed for intermediate to advanced painters looking to refine their plein air techniques under the guidance of one of Canada’s most accomplished landscape painters. Through live demonstrations, hands-on instruction, and personalized feedback, Sam will share the insights and techniques that have shaped his award-winning practice.
Set against the diverse scenery of Evergreen Brick works—where lush greenery meets historic architecture—this workshop provides the perfect setting to develop your plein air skills. Participants will explore composition, light, and atmospheric effects, receiving individualized mentorship throughout the day.
The workshop includes a midday break to recharge, followed by a group critique session, where Sam will offer valuable insights to help you grow as an artist. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a master, elevate your plein air painting, and connect with a community of dedicated artists in one of Toronto’s most inspiring outdoor spaces.
This workshop is open to both new and returning students.
Please note, artists are required to be able to carry their plein air materials and be aware that there is some walking and stairs to our painting location. A wheeled cart or wagon may be useful.
- Students please bring:
- Outdoor easel
Sketch pad (Approx. 9 x 12)
Pencils/willow charcoal/sharpener
Paper towels or rags
Palette (Disposable or reusable surface) Recommended- Sta-Wet Masterson Palette
OPTIONAL *FOR ACRYLIC Painters Plastic container with lid and small compartments - (Sample shown Approx. Size – 4.5 X 6.5 inches) .Can be purchased at Dollar store or Home Hardware
- Paint can be put into wells with a drop of medium so paint doesn’t dry out so quickly
- Canvas or masonite or canvas panels or something close (sizes8 X 10, 9x12, 11 X 14 12x16, 12x12 (no larger than 16x20)
Panoramic shape such as 8 X 16 or 10 X 20 can also useful for landscape
Brushes- (Recommended) Filberts 3, 4, 8, 10 (Even Larger if budget allows) Flats - 6, 8 Rounds - 2, 4
Have some flat and round soft hair synthetic brushes also
Palette Knife (Shape of blade should be medium length that goes to an arrow shape) Metal recommended
Silicone Shapers- Angled heads are very useful. Strongly Suggested*Princeton Catalyst Mini No. 4
Hand Held Shaper No. 1 or No. 6
Brayer(soft rubber) 2” or 4” Speedball is a brand I use
Bug repellant
Rain gear (just in case) - Oil or Acrylic Paints (RECOMMENDED)
- Titanium White (large tube) Ultramarine blue, Phthalo blue Cad. Yellow light or pale, Yellow Ochre, Cad. Red light, Cad Orang, Cad. Red Deep or Alizarin Crimson, Sap Green Phthalo Green, Raw Umber Deep Violet or Dioxazine Purple, Paynes Gray or Ivory Black, Medium Magenta
- OPTIONAL (Useful): Quinacridone Magenta or Permanent Rose, Manganese Blue or (Brilliant Blue in Acrylics), Perm. Green Light
- *For acrylic artists- you can use acrylic gesso as white
- FOR OIL PAINTERS-
- Painting medium- Solvent free Gel Alkyd Medium (Gamblin) *RECOMMENDED
- Odourless mineral spirits and container
Acrylic Gesso
2-3” house painting brush
Apron
Surgical gloves - optional
Tins or sealable jars for used mineral spirit and medium
Soap (Or Baby Oil) for cleaning brushes
Storage box for wet paintings - FOR ACRYLIC PAINTERS-
- Acrylic Painting Medium
Matte Medium
Painting Gel (Matte or Gloss)
water container - PREPARING SURFACES for OIL or ACRYLIC PAINTING
- **Please prepare several various sized panels or canvas with a tone using acrylic gesso and burnt umber acrylic to achieve a midtone. Also prepare a few surfaces using a gesso and cool grey and 2 or 3 for example- pale yellow and yellow ochre, Burnt Umber and White. For experienced artists, feel free to use a colour if you have a preference for tinting.
Acrylic is recommended for drying time convenience.
If oil paint is desired to tint the surfaces just make sure the surface will be dry when ready to paint. - Please note: you cannot mix Acrylic Gesso with oil paint.
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Details
Fee: $275 & HST
Friday, June 20 | 10am - 4pm (1 day)
Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave,
Toronto ON
M4W 3X8
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