Ann Larsen Workshop (Plein Air)
Capturing the Moment in Light & Color
Instructor: Ann Larsen
Dates: October 3–5, 2025
Class times: 9:00–4:00
Medium: Oil (Any)
Class Limit: 16 students
Tuition: $595.00
Level: All Levels
Impressionism: “A style or movement in painting characterized by a concern with depicting the visual impression of the moment, especially in terms of the shifting effect of light and color. Seeking to capture a feeling or experience rather than to achieve accurate depiction.”
Ann says “I believe painters can improve their work if they understand that it is a painting they are creating and not just rendering a scene. Creativity is a mixture of intuition and permission! I stress bold and fearless in painting to move past the hesitation that so many painters face.”
The workshop is designed to help students do just that and to loosen their style and capture the emotional moment in their paintings. Emphasis will be placed on concept, composition, value, color and edges. We will focus on building texture, large mass simplification, seeing color and color temperature, and how to mix the right color and value to convey that. The use of thick paint and brushwork to make a dynamic statement will be practiced and reinforced.
Ann will do demonstrations that cover the concepts for each day. Also, any questions students have will be addressed as well as viewing work by historical and contemporary artists, to help inspire and energize us for the day ahead, will be discussed. Each afternoon will end with a critique of the day’s paintings.
“Students always bring a wealth of information to my workshops, and we always enjoy lively exchanges of ideas and knowledge about painting, art history, and the art life in general.”
The beginning painter, as well as the more advanced painter, will benefit from the understanding of how light, color, edges, and brushwork are used in creating the paintings that speak to you and your viewers.
Northlight Gallery in Kennebunkport, ME states, “Ann’s work exhibits the careful, thoughtful hand of an artist deeply committed to both her medium and her environment. Ann is able to suggest the power, grace, and mood of her subject as she captures the essence of New England in her landscapes and seascapes.”
Ann is an award-winning artist living in upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Ann began traveling and living throughout the United States at the age of 18. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, she and her family moved to Denver, CO where Ann began to focus on her painting and fell in love with the western landscape. Even though she lives in a beautiful part of the country, where plein air painting is a challenge almost any time of year, Ann also spends time painting on the coast of Maine and throughout the Southwest.
Ann’s approach to the landscape is to simplify as much as possible to create the strongest paintings. She says, “I want my viewers to know how I felt about a place when I painted it. I’m not trying to copy what I see nor am I interested in lots of detail. I want to suggest a subject with the buildup of paint and exciting brushstrokes.”
- Signature Member, Oil Painters of America
- Signature Member, American Impressionist Society
- Signature Member, Plein Air Painters of Colorado
- Signature Member, Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters
Student comments:
“I have taken numerous art workshops(… ). Without a doubt, this was the BEST workshop I have attended. Ann was a spectacular teacher. For one who is trying to transition from watercolor to oil, she couldn’t have been more encouraging or helpful. I will be taking more classes from her. She didn’t mince words…one day she told me to take my pallet knife and scrape everything I had done off the canvas. I LOVED THAT! I want honesty and not shallow praise. She delivered!!” Jim
“I recently had the pleasure of taking a plein air workshop with Ann Larsen. It was held in a lovely setting (…). What a great experience her class was for me, not only did I enjoy myself thoroughly but learned so much in 2 days. Anyone looking to grow as an Artist should take [ her] class. I was extremely pleased and am looking forward to the next workshop.” Cynthia
“Your time, energy, knowledge, and instruction were appreciated more than you could know. Your passion and drive make each of us a better artist. I can’t wait for your next workshop!” Beth
