Plein Air Painting on the Peninsula with artist John Barrows, SWA

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Art Bias is excited to offer a once-a-month plein air landscape painting class, alternating different mediums and artists.

Capture the Light: Plein Air Painting on the Peninsula with artist John Barrows, SWA

Ready to take your outdoor painting to the next level without getting overwhelmed by the elements? Join award-winning artist John Barrows SWA for an immersive, three-day weekend workshop designed to simplify the landscape and bring your unique artistic vision to life.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Crystal Springs reservoir, this intensive workshop cuts through the noise of painting outdoors. Nature moves fast, but you will learn a highly actionable, step-by-step approach to master changing light and shifting conditions without losing yourself in the details.

What you will experience:

• Exclusive, Small-Group Coaching: Limited to just 8 students to ensure you get dedicated, one-on-one guidance tailored to your specific goals.
• Live Demonstration: Watch John break down his process from start to finish with a live oil painting demo on Saturday morning.
• The Power of the Notan: Master the critical skill of the quick Notan sketch to nail your value structure and composition before your brush even hits the canvas.
• Take-Home Resources: Walk away with a practical reference booklet packed with actionable advice to guide your studio or outdoor practice long after the weekend ends.

FEE: $375.00

SCHEDULE:

9/11/26, 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Orientation and dynamic intro at Art Bias - 1700 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA (Studio 114). Get aligned, meet your cohort, and prep for the field.

9/12/26, 8:30 AM – 4:30PM: On location, Crystal Springs Reservoir

9/13/26, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM: On location, Crystal Springs Reservoir

MORE DETAILS
Class Size: Limited to 8 students, beginning to intermediate level welcome Age: 18 years and older

MATERIALS FOR CLASS

For plein air painting, the idea is to carry as few materials as possible, so that you can easily hike a short distance to your painting spot. Art Bias recommends materials to be purchased through California Art Supply in San Mateo at 3600 S. El Camino Real. Materials can also be purchased online at Jerry’s Artarama or Dick Blick.

Materials list: Portable light (Plein Air) easel, container for carrying your materials, water-mixable oil paints (Winsor&Newton), water-mixable linseed oil, palette knife for mixing, (4) 8”x 10” canvas/ boards, small sketch pad and black & gray marker or 5B pencil for doing a two value Notan, wet panel carrier (Raymar), clear plastic water container with lid (filled with water), paper towels, plastic bags for soiled paper towels, Handy wipes, wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks. I recommend getting the W&N starter box at CA Art Supplies. To save expense you may be able to use what you already have, especially if you have at least the primary and secondary colors and a large tube of white. Black can be substituted with the admixture of two dark complimentary colors.

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFO

John Barrows: john@barrowsart.com

barrowsart.com

Art Bias contact: suyin.nichols@artbias.org

No refunds, thank you for understanding!