This workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to break free from photo references and create artworks that resonate with the light and atmosphere of plein air painting.

We will move beyond simply copying photographs and instead focus on creating painterly and convincing watercolors that capture the essence of plein air work. The key to this transformation is learning how to paint light rather than just rendering objects as they appear in the photo. As a professional artist, understanding how to paint light is what sets you apart, and Vlad will guide you through this process step-by-step.

You’ll practice essential watercolor techniques such as tonal value studies, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and color mixing. Using Vlad's color theory, we’ll cover how to create vibrant, painterly applications, with a detailed focus on values and color relationships. You will be guided through the entire process, from sketch to final touches, including how to add imaginary details to bring your work to life.

Students will learn how to:

• Choose paintable photos with strong potential for artistic interpretation.

• Break away from photos and adjust composition for the best result.

• Understand and manipulate light in the scene to enhance the focal point.

• Simplify or eliminate elements in the scene to maintain a loose, impressionistic look.

• Rearrange and incorporate figures, vehicles, and other elements into composition efficiently and effectively.