Capturing Light with Watercolour - Plein Air and in studio
There is something truly magical about painting where the landscape itself becomes your classroom.
A Two Day Plein Air & Studio Workshop with Herman Pekel
Experience the joy of painting outdoors and learn to capture the beauty of light with confidence.
Join acclaimed Australian artist Herman Pekel for a unique two day watercolour workshop that combines the inspiration of painting en plein air in the stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland with the comfort of the Bienarte Landsborough Studio.
Each morning begins at the Bienarte Landsborough Studio before we head out on location to paint together. There is the option to carpool from the studio to the painting site, making the experience relaxed and enjoyable from the very beginning.
Herman is passionate about painting outdoors, embracing the freedom of spontaneity and the challenge of capturing the fleeting glow and subtle shifts of light before they disappear. Surrounded by the beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you’ll immerse yourself in the landscape while learning to observe, simplify and paint with confidence.
Over the two days, the balance between outdoor painting and studio time will be guided by the weather. In the afternoons or whenever conditions are best. You will return to the Bienarte Landsborough Studio, where Herman will help you refine your paintings, discuss colour, composition and tonal values, and demonstrate the decisions that transform a good painting into a memorable one. This flexible format has been thoughtfully developed by Herman and Bienarte to maximise the learning experience while making the most of the beautiful surroundings.
Working in watercolour, Herman will share the principles that underpin all of his paintings, strong tonal values, confident brushwork and thoughtful simplification. You will discover how to interpret the landscape rather than simply copy it, creating paintings filled with light, atmosphere and life.
Useful Information
What You Will Learn
- How to confidently paint outdoors using watercolour.
- Finding strong subjects and simplifying them for maximum visual impact.
- Capturing the fleeting effects of natural light and atmosphere.
- Understanding tonal values and their importance in creating depth and impact.
- Making confident, brushstrokes that retain the freshness of watercolour.
- Strengthening your composition and visual storytelling.
- Refining your plein air studies back in the studio without losing their spontaneity.
Who This Workshop Is for?
This workshop is ideal for artists with some experience in watercolour who would like to gain confidence painting outdoors and develop a stronger understanding of light, tone and atmosphere.
It is also perfect for painters who have been working in watercolour for many years but feel their work needs a fresh direction. Herman’s practical demonstrations, relaxed teaching style and personalised guidance will inspire you to paint with greater freedom, confidence and expression.
Why Learn from Herman?
Herman Pekel is one of Australia’s most respected landscape painters and educators. A tonal realist with an impressionistic approach, he is renowned for his ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of a scene with confidence.
His relaxed, encouraging teaching style helps artists simplify what they see, trust their observations and embrace the expressive nature of watercolour. Painting alongside Herman in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland is an experience that is as inspiring as it is educational.
Students will meet at the Landsborough studio for a welcome chat and introduction to the workshop by Herman. You will then head out together to paint en plein air in the surrounding area.
Over the 2 days we will be outdoors and dependant on weather, we will decide each day how much time we will dedicate painting in the studio.
This is a unique workshop that has been put together with Herman and Bienarte to maximise the student experience.
There is the option to carpool from the studio to the painting site and back to the studio.
Herman will show you how to find a good subject when you are painting outdoors and then how to simplify it for maximum effect.
Through Herman's relaxed approach to en plein air painting, you will be guided in how to set up for outdoor painting in all types of locations. Herman will show you how limited materials can be used in different ways to create your final work.
Students with some experience in watercolour will get the most out of this workshop, but people who have been painting for years but feel their work needs a new direction will also love it!
Watercolour Paper:
Your choice of any rough rag paper
Quarter or half sheets.
Bring enough to do 2 paintings a day.
Pre orders available from Bienarte - Saunders 300gsm Rough – 2 sheets, sized 76cms x 56cms for $18.
Please email team@bienarte.com.au by 10 August
We can precut the sheets for you and have them ready to go.
Brushes
The 5 essentials:
*1" Hake
Good idea to have 2 hakes so you don't waste paint. (1 for warm and one for cool colours.)
*Sawed OR Dagger liner
*Fan brush (stiff)
*Square, nylon (best for buildings and water ripping)
*Mop (holds lots of paint, good for reflections)
AND OR Chinese Brush
Bring along any other's you may have.
Watercolours:
All brands are ok but preferred to use a tube rather than the tubs
Bring your favourite watercolours, but please ensure you have the 5 essentials:
* Ultramarine Deep
*Yellow Ochre OR Raw Sienna
*Burnt Sienna OR Burnt Umber
*Phthalo Green OR Viridian Hue
*Alizarin
Optional extras:
Lemon yellow or Cadmium Yellow
Indigo
Lavender
Chinese White.
To ensure you are comfortable while painting outdoors each morning, please bring:
- A portable light easel suitable for plein air painting, easy to carry.
- A comfortable folding chair or stool.
- A hat, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated.
- A thermos with your favourite hot drink (tea or coffee) for the morning session.
Please note that mornings will generally be spent painting on location in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland before returning to the comfort of the Bienarte Landsborough Studio. The exact schedule may vary depending on the weather, ensuring the best possible experience across the weekend.
Other Items:
*Small Spray Bottle
An iPad/tablet and charger Is useful for studio painting
Pencil
Palette
A Plastic/Perspex or (ply painted or varnished) painting board to suit paper size.
2 x Bulldog Clips
Paper towel or rags to clean brushes and palette
Tissues
Small water container
Masking tape
Folding chair, Sunscreen, a hat and some drinking water. A bag for your used tissues and any rubbish.
Useful but not essential:
Small Container of Salt
Old Credit Card or similar type card
A Magic White Cleaner
Old Towel
Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from places close by.
You may like to bring snacks and a flask with a hot drink
- Tea and coffee at the studio.
- A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
- Connection to the Bienarté art community
For Visitors FAQs
Herman is a tonal realist who paints in impressionist style. He paints in oils, watercolour, and acrylic media.
He particularly loves painting on location and his passion for the “freedom of spontaneity” and the rigour of speedily capturing the fleeting glow and illuminating impact of subtle shifts of light across the landscape.
