Painting Light and Atmosphere in Oils | Zac Moynihan

We're excited to welcome award winning artist Zac Moynihan to Bienarté! In this workshop Zac will guide participants through the process of observing light in the landscape and how to translate that vision into expressive, layered oil paintings that harness the power of transparency!

Zac creates an encouraging environment where painters of all levels can deepen their practice and develop their own voice in response to the world around them.

This workshop will focus on natural views and vistas that highlight depth and atmosphere, as well as learning about different light conditions at different times of day.

What will I learn:

Day 1 — Foundations and Exploration

The first day will focus on developing strong compositional foundations and preparing for a successful painting. Students begin with observational studies, exploring how to simplify the landscape into effective shapes and values.

Students will learn how to handle materials safely and confidently, with a particular focus on transparent paints and layering techniques that bring luminosity to your work. Demonstrations and guided exercises will encourage experimentation while building understanding of how light behaves in nature and how to convey atmosphere in oil.

Day 2 — Personal Painting Practice

Students will spend a full session developing a painting of their own choice, drawing on the principles introduced on Day 1. With Zac’s guidance, students will work through your piece from initial block-in to refinement, with individual feedback along the way. This is an opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, push personal expression and explore their own voice while focusing on the interplay of light, mood and place.

Who is this course suitable for

Students with some basic experience to advanced are welcome.

What do I need to bring?

Zac recommends using oils to truly employ the powers of transparent painting.

Oil Paints

Oil Colours that Zac will use (note that you don’t have to have exactly these colours, as long as you have variations of the 3 primaries plus Burnt Sienna it will be fine)

• Titanium White
• Burnt Sienna
• Burnt Umber
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cobalt Blue
• Alizarin Crimson
• Yellow Ochre
• Indian Yellow

Medium

• Archival Odourless Lean Medium for mixing oil colours (Fastest Drying)

Solvent

• Archival Odourless Solvent for cleaning brushes at the end of the day.

Brushes

• Zac will be using Rosemary and Co Ivory Extra Long Flats.
• You’re most welcome to use your favourite brushes, I would only recommend against using hog bristle brushes as these tend to be a bit stiff for our techniques.

Boards

• Any size MDF Hardboard or Mixed Media Paper, roughly A4 to no bigger than A3 size is perfect.
• We need to make sure our surface has been primed with an oil-based primer. Zac uses basic interior house paint oil-based primer, Dulux or Taubmans are good brands. 1-2 coats with a roller is necessary to ensure a smooth surface.
• Zac will have a variety of sizes and ratios available for you to try but it is recommended you prepare at least 5 of your own.

Other

• Standard palettes are fine, the less absorbent the better as we want to maximise the oil!
• Metal palette knife
• Tissues, paper towels & cotton rags

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge and microwave at the studio for your convenience.

What is provided

• Tables, chairs, easels
• Tea and coffee (bring your own mug)
• A friendly and supportive environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community.

About Zac Moynihan

Zac Moynihan is a Brisbane-based oil painter known for his evocative en plein air landscapes that capture the shifting light and transient moods of the natural world. With a strong emphasis on atmosphere, Zac’s work explores the interplay between light, form and the lived experience of place. A finalist in the Glover Prize (2025), Lethbridge Landscape Prize (2023, 2024, 2025) and winner of the Doyle’s Landscape Award (2022), Zac brings both technical expertise and an intuitive approach to painting.

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