Plein Air in the Gardens: The Botanical Landscape

Experience the rewards of working from life in the stunning surroundings of the Toronto Botanical Gardens. This one-day workshop, led by acclaimed plein air artist Sam Paonessa, focuses on the specific characteristics of early summer; capturing the saturated colours of the landscape and the intricate textures of the June bloom. Sam will guide you through the professional techniques required to simplify a busy botanical scene. Through group demonstrations and one-on-one guidance, you will learn to manage the logistics of an outdoor site, from selecting a compelling vantage point to executing a finished piece. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your observational and painting skills in the beautiful backdrop of Toronto Botanical Gardens.

Define and apply effective strategies for plein air composition in varied outdoor settings.

Analyze and interpret natural light and atmospheric conditions for expressive painting.

Develop an intuitive process for observation and response to changing environments.

Cultivate techniques for capturing the unique colours and textures of a spring landscape.

Build confidence in working directly from nature to create dynamic and evocative paintings.

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, 9×12, 11 X 14 12×16, 12×12 (no larger than 16×20)
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.

FAQs