EXPRESSIVE LANDSCAPES FROM LIFE | EMILIANO MARINI
Dates: Monday 17th - Friday 21st August 2026
Times: 10am - 4.30pm
Location: Enniskerry
Skill Level: all levels welcome
Please see detailed workshop information below
If this course is fully booked or not currently scheduled, go ahead add your name to the waiting list HERE
Payment plans available contact us directly
aBOUT THE WORKSHOP
In this workshop, you will develop the skills needed to paint expressive landscapes from life. Emiliano will begin each morning with a step-by-step demonstration, showing you how to block in a painting and focus on the big shapes. In the afternoons, you will paint a different scene.
Throughout this five day workshop, you will discover how to simplify the scene in front of you, how to create a strong composition, and how to build an effective design. You will also learn colour mixing and how to balance warm and cool tones.
Emiliano will then show you how to master edge hierarchy and how to paint the essential details. This workshop is mainly working outdoors in close proximity to the Schoolhouse in Enniskerry Village.
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1. Values and blocking-in
How to create a strong value foundation using a small black-and-white study
How to block the painting at the beginning
How to separate values effectively between the four landscape planes to create depth
2. Simplified colour mixing and colour temperature
How to limit mixtures to 2/3 colours to avoid muddy results
How to intensify warm lights and cool shadows to enhance the sense of light
How to interpret photographic references and increase temperature contrast beyond what a photo shows
4. Composition and Design
How to choose and frame your subject
How to guide the viewer’s eye through your painting
How to achieve harmony and balance
The different types of compositions
How to achieve a strong design
How to simplify shapes and avoid unnecessary detail that weakens the composition
How to strengthen drama through big, decisive value and colour masses rather than small details
5. Confident Paint Application
How to use fewer, more intentional brushstrokes for clean, crisp colour
How to apply thicker paint in the sunlit areas to intensify light
6. Materials
How to clean your brushes effectively
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Painting Materials
Brushes
Filberts, flats of varying sizes. Avoid soft, floppy synthetic brushes and brights.It’s preferible to bring stiff synthetics.
For a natural bristle, any good quality manufacturer will do. (Cornelissen, Rosemary etc.)
NOTE: Bring at least 2 brushes which are 3⁄4” and 1” wide and smaller.
Palette knife
Not a tiny one. At least 6 cm.Please note: I only use linseed oil, but if you want to make your paintings dry faster, you can try Gamblin's Galkyd Gel. (NO STAND OIL, NO LIQUIN)
Palette
AT LEAST 11 x 14” or bigger. Emiliano uses a natural wooden palette.Surfaces
A pad of Arches oil paper or canvas paper 8.5” x 11” / 9” x 12”. (20x30 cm/ 25x35 cm).Board canvas or panels: panel/canvas size range (8” x 10”/ 8.5” x 11”/ 9” x12”) inches, (20x30 cm / 25x35 cm).
Emiliano applies two coats of white acrylic gesso to both the paper, the panels and canvas.
Students need 2 canvases/panels for each day of the workshop. We plan to paint every day for 5 days.
Oil Colors
Titanium white - fast drying white such as M. Graham or Gamblin fastmatte is recommended/ Other option any brand of Titanium white
Cadmium red medium
Cadmium orange
Alizarin crimson
Cadmium yellow medium
Cadmium yellow lemon
Yellow ochre
Ultramarine blue deep
Cerulean blue
Emiliano uses Rembrandt and Michael Harding. Bring whatever you have; color substitutions are okay!
Other
· Sketchbook
· Pencil
· Plein air Easel or pochade box and tripod
Cleanup
Emiliano uses sunflower seed oil to clean his brushes, but you can also use mineral spirits or solvent.
Odorless mineral spirits
Glass jars for solvent
Masking tape
Paper towels
Baby wipes
Gloves
Trash bags
