Introduction to Plein Air: Two Day Workshop

Step into nature and bring your canvas to life with AGH in the Garden, a plein air workshop series designed to inspire and guide artists of all levels. Set in beautiful historic gardens across Hamilton, each workshop invites participants to explore outdoor painting techniques inspired by the exhibition Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey.

This workshop is ideal for those who have dreamed of getting outside of the studio and painting outdoors but aren’t sure where to start.

This 2-day beginner-friendly workshop introduces students to the basics of plein air painting, inspired by the Impressionist style of Helen McNicoll. In the first session, Artist Instructor Pamela Dey will teach techniques to capture light, color, and texture while painting en plein air. Students will learn how to prepare a simple pallet and the essentials for painting outdoors. The second session will be held on the picturesque grounds of Dundurn Castle.

Open to all skill levels eager to explore outdoor painting with an Impressionist flair.

Materials for the first day in the studio will be provided, and the instructor will share a list of recommended supplies for day two during the class.

Image of the exterior of Dundurn castle in Hamilton

Instructor Bio: Pamela gets her inspiration of painting from nature in and around North America. Her artistic process involves taking notes from nature while visiting lakes, trails and provincial parks and she dedicates a significant amount of time doing plein air painting on location and larger works in her studio using Oil, Acrylic and Watercolor. Pamela likes to experiment and explore various mediums, gels, cold wax, building layers and textures, mixed media, collage, printmaking,

Despite the fact that her formal education and career was in science as a researcher, Pamela found peace and satisfaction in her continuous involvement with painting landscapes from North America as she travelled to various places for her corporate job. Creativity finally took over and she found herself devoting all her time to Painting. Primarily a Self-Taught Artist, Pamela attended various Artist Workshops, has 50 years of Painting and Drawing experience and has a Certificate in Art Fundamentals from Central Technical School, Toronto

Pamela is an art instructor with various continuous general interest programs for adults and taught numerous students over the years. She also teaches Art independently to individuals and corporate groups enabling team building and inspiring creativity. Pamela has painted for charity causes, community building, and uses Art to support social causes. Pamela has won many Art awards and has exhibited her work with many galleries and studios in the York region, Toronto and Niagara region.

AGH Members: $95
General: $105
Plus HST

Registration deadline: May 18, 2025
Spaces are limited. Advance registration required.

Cancellation Policy:
The AGH reserves the right to cancel or combine classes to meet minimum enrolment numbers. If minimum enrolment is not met, a full refund will be provided.

Transfer or full refund requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the program’s start date, subject to a $25 + HST administrative fee. Refund requests made within 2 weeks of the start date will receive a 50% refund of the program fees, minus the $25 + HST administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after the 2-week notice period.