Plein Air Essentials – Painting with Oils Workshop
Tutor Sylvie Carter
Have you ever wanted to learn more about how to set up and paint using oils? Now is your chance to unleash your creativity stepping into the hinterland’s breathtaking natural landscape to discover the transformative power of ‘En Plein Air’ painting with local artist Sylvie Carter.
Australian portraiture and landscape artist, Sylvie brings over 18 years’ experience in chasing the light while capturing the ever-changing beauty of the natural world. Now, Sylvie invites you to discover the power of outdoor painting through her immersive workshop, set on a private and tranquil property with stunning views in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast of Australia.
Sylvie says, “nothing beats the experience of painting while immersed in nature, it allows you to tune into the atmosphere of a place and then aim to capture that in your work”. Sylvie’s says Paul Cezanne describes this perfectly when he said,
Painting from nature is not copying the object;
it is realizing one’s sensations.” – Paul Cézanne
Sylvie’s comprehensive workshop will have you up and painting with increased confidence, as you explore the fundamentals of oil painting. You will learn how to capture the essence of the light, mood and place, plus some breakthrough techniques that will elevate your painting practice.
What you will learn
= What materials and equipment are easiest to use when painting outdoors.
= How to paint ‘wet on wet’ technique, for loose brush stroke impressions.
= How to choose a compelling subject and composition, considering aesthetic design, atmosphere and story.
= How to unlock more believable landscape paintings by mastering tonal values.
= Explore effective colour mixing techniques
= Creating texture using different surfaces and tools.
= Understanding how to create soft and hard edges.
= Study the concept of linear perspective and how to create the illusion of distance.
= How to self-critic your work and problem solve in the field.
Figure and Portrait Oil Painting Workshop
Tutor : Artist Sylvie Carter
14-15 & 20-21 March, 2026.
NSACA Members : $450.00
Non Members: $480.00
Day 1 : 10:30am to 4:00pm – with Model
Day 2 : 10:30am to 4.00pm – using reference sketches and photos
Day 3 : 10.30am to 4.00pm – with Model
Day 4 : 10.30am to 4.00PM – using reference sketches and photos
This intensive, hands-on workshop guides you through the professional oil painting techniques for creating depth and realism in portraiture. Working with a life model you will learn how master the complete painting process from initial concept to finished work. The workshop opens with direct canvas sketching techniques, progressing to strategic acrylic underpainting applications. Participants will then master systematic oil paint layering methods to achieve luminosity and dimensional depth.
Sylvie’s personalized approach meets you exactly where you are in your artistic journey, ensuring you develop a comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in figure and portrait painting techniques, while building the confidence necessary to make informed artistic decisions throughout your creative practice.
Key learning outcomes include:
– Introduction to the range of materials you need for painting with oils.
= Advanced understanding of facial anatomy and proportional structure
= Colour theory and mixing for skin tones
= Atmospheric perspective techniques for narrative depth
– Tonal realism and value control
= Professional glazing methods for shadow work
= Impasto application for luminous highlights
= Sylvie will also provide one-on-one feedback, giving you personalized guidance to refine your ideas and creative work
Suits those who are beginning their painting journey as well as those seeking to refine their existing skills painting with oils.
Investment
Noosa Arts and Crafts Association Members : $450.00
Non Members: $480.00
Life Drawing Long Pose
for members of the Noosa Arts and Crafts Association – Wallace House, Noosa.
Dates : Term 1 2026
28 Jan
4, 11, 18 and 25 Feb
4,11,18 and 25 March
1 April 2026
(Easels and back boards supplied)
This friendly, encouraging group that meets weekly to sketch and enjoy an immersive life drawing session with an (‘unclothed’) model. Long-Pose sessions are relaxed, slow-paced where participants work with one model holding the same pose for the entire afternoon and usually over several weeks. Time is allowed for a number of breaks for both the model and the participants, where artists can look around and share their work, including a longer afternoon tea break to swap ideas or just have a chat.
Artists of all levels are welcome. Numbers are strictly limited.
Inquiries from life drawing models are welcome.
To LEARN MORE or REGISTER contact Noosa Arts and Crafts Association at Wallace House Noosa – T. (07) 5474 1211