Plein Air Watercolor with Robert O’Brien

LOCATION: The Smiley Manse, Springfield, VT
DATES: September 3-4, 2025
FEE: $450

This course will explore the art of landscape and plein air painting in watercolor. Students will learn basic concepts and techniques of landscape painting in the classroom and in an outdoor setting (weather permitting). The class will start with a demonstration by the instructor followed by class painting. The instructor will provide hands on assistance to each student. There will be a critique at the end of class.

The course will emphasize composition, color mixing, values, and painting light and shadow. Drybrush technique and others will also be introduced. It is open to ALL levels. Some drawing experience is recommended.

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$450.00
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Workshop Materials List

Please bring these items with you for the workshop.

    • A block of good quality Watercolor Paper. I recommend Arches 140 lb. cold pressed: 9 x 12, 10 x 14 or 11 x 14in. or smaller.

    • Small to medium sized palette w/ cover

    • Plein Air Pro Easel or Guerilla Paint Box with tripod

  • Good synthetic, blend or natural bristle brushes in the following sizes:

    • # 10 round

    • # 12 round, or larger if preferable

    • 1 inch flat, or larger if preferable

    • # 6 round

    • # 8 round

    • ½ inch flat

    • ¼ inch flat

  • Suggested colors I use (Winsor Newton unless otherwise noted):

    Cadmium Red Light (M Graham)
    Quinacridone Rose (M Graham)
    LemonYellow
    Naples Yellow
    Perylene Green
    French Ultramarine
    Cadmium Yellow
    Sepia
    Permanent Sap Green
    Green Gold
    Indanthrene Blue
    Manganese Blue or Cerulean Blue
    Burnt Umber
    Cobalt Blue
    Yellow Ochre
    New Gamboge
    Brilliant Orange (Holbein)
    Burnt Sienna
    Neutral Tint or Payne’s Gray
    Winsor Violet

    • Spray bottle

    • Water container

    • Water bottle

    • View finder

    • Small ruler

    • Paper towels or sponge

    • Pencils

    • Erasure

    • Folding chair or stool (optional)

    • Umbrella (optional)

About Robert O’Brien AWS NWS

Born 1954, in Rochester, NY, Robert O’Brien has been painting in the watercolor medium for over fifty years. Since moving to Vermont in 1977, he has focused his work on landscape and architectural studies. Vermont, with its distinct four season climate, provides the artist with a wealth of subject matter and ever changing light effects.

The artist finds beauty in the ordinary, subtle reminders of everyday life in rural New England. In his own words, he is driven “to capture the vanishing landscape in my paintings” before they disappear forever as a result of the steady hand of “progress”.

Since 1998, Robert O’Brien has traveled often to Southern France where he now has a home. The region’s sun-splashed landscape and timeless quality of light has added a new dimension to the artist’s paintings.

Join us for a chance to unwind and create in an idyllic setting.

Your Workshop Includes:

  • Custom designed art curriculum by Rob

  • 2 days of creative instruction

  • Extra studio access before/after each full day

  • 2 lunches

  • Fresh water, tea and coffee always available in the barn

What’s Not Included:

  • Accommodations – there are several great options nearby!

  • Transportation to/from The Smiley

  • Meals other than lunch