Painting the Impressionist Scene: Through Tom Thompson Lens

Beginner

Intermediate

Adults

Painting

Workshop

Fall 2026

Schedule

Thursday October 15
11am - 4pm

Location

Course Fee

$225 + HST

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About this course

Painting the Impressionist Scene is a one-day masterclass that brings together historical tradition with hands-on guidance and outdoor practice. Martha Johnson brings an extensive amount of experience as a plein air painter and a profound personal link to the lineage of Tom Thomson to lead this intensive session through the Impressionist lens. Throughout the day, Martha will break down her personal approach to working on-site: how to interpret immediate light, capture movement, and translate nature’s energy into a dynamic, impressionistic painting. You will explore the technicalities of colour mixing, value mapping, and expressive mark-making while discovering how the great outdoor painters captured the spirit of the Canadian wilderness. With live demonstrations, historical insights, and direct one-on-one support, this workshop will open how you perceive light, colour, and subject matter when painting en plein air.

What you'll learn

On-Site Efficiency: Learn practical strategies for setting up, simplifying a complex view, and painting quickly before the light shifts.
Harness Impressionist Brushwork: Discover how to use bold, gestural strokes to create movement, texture, and energy on your panel.
Understand High-Key Colour & Light: Learn to mix clean, luminous colours that accurately reflect natural daylight and shadow.
Draw from Canadian Art History: Gain rare insight into the working methods and philosophy of Tom Thomson and early Canadian plein air tradition.
Build Strong Value Maps: Practice establishing quick thumbnail sketches and tonal underpaintings to lock in your composition early.
Develop Intuitive Decision-Making: Build the confidence to make bold, spontaneous choices that elevate a scene from a photo-like copy to an evocative work of art.

What students say

They didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."

Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour

"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."

Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively

"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."

Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively

"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."

Adult student · Acrylic Art 101

"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."

Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101

"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."

Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners

"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."

S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

Martha Johnson

BFA Honours · Listed Canadian Artist

Martha received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honours, from the University of Guelph, and was mentored by Tom Hodgson (Painter's 11). Known for figurative and landscape painting, her work is held in public, corporate and private collections worldwide. Visit marthajohnson.ca

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com