Tuesday 2nd June
Plein Air Session at Hepworth Gallery Gardens:
Weather permitting of course, we will meet at the gardens for a 6pm start, to make best use of the daylight.
There is parking at the Hepworth car park, please note there is 24 hour charges, so you might want to car share? There may be street parking about, if you don’t mind a longer walk to get to the venue. I’m told there are blue badge bays alongside the garden, should that apply to any of you.
The gallery itself closes at 5pm, but we are free to use this public garden space outside their opening hours. As well as the beautifully landscaped gardens, there are sculptures, Tileyard North mill buildings, barges on the river to name a few.
Please bring:
Whatever supplies you want to work with, including water!
A chair/stool, though there are some concrete benches within the garden
Here are a few photos to wet your appetite:
Plein Air Session at Hepworth Gallery Gardens:
Weather permitting of course, we will meet at the gardens for a 6pm start, to make best use of the daylight.
There is parking at the Hepworth car park, please note there is 24 hour charges, so you might want to car share? There may be street parking about, if you don’t mind a longer walk to get to the venue. I’m told there are blue badge bays alongside the garden, should that apply to any of you.
The gallery itself closes at 5pm, but we are free to use this public garden space outside their opening hours. As well as the beautifully landscaped gardens, there are sculptures, Tileyard North mill buildings, barges on the river to name a few.
Please bring:
Whatever supplies you want to work with, including water!
A chair/stool, though there are some concrete benches within the garden
Here are a few photos to wet your appetite:
Tuesday 9th June 2026
Greta Vilidaite – Introduction to oil painting Landscapes
Peak District Oil Paintings - Greta Vilidaite Fine Art
(link to website)
Greta Vilidaite – Introduction to oil painting Landscapes
I am Greta, a Lithuanian-British oil painter and tutor based in Sheffield. I left my job in neuroscience to pursue painting full-time and live closer to the Peak District.
Working both in the studio and directly from life, I paint alla prima (“all in one go”) to capture the immediacy of the moment and respond instinctively to light, form and atmosphere.
Much of my work begins outdoors, where I observe and interpret the shifting moods of the landscape. My aim is not to replicate a scene, but to convey a sense of place and the emotional tone it evokes. Through bold and varied brushwork and a focus on light, I invite you to step into each painting and experience the moment as I felt it.
I run monthly oil painting fundamentals workshops indoors and some plein air workshops in the summer months. I also demonstrate and run workshops for art clubs.
Greta will be running a mini demonstration and workshop to introduce oil painting. She will be bringing a printed reference image for us to paint a landscape together. Focussing on simplification and learning how the paint behaves.
Below is a list of supplies for the course – as a group we have purchased oil paint, solvent and some oil paper, so you do not need to purchase them specifically for this course, although you are welcome to bring your own. We also have limited number of brushes and pallet knives.
I am Greta, a Lithuanian-British oil painter and tutor based in Sheffield. I left my job in neuroscience to pursue painting full-time and live closer to the Peak District.
Working both in the studio and directly from life, I paint alla prima (“all in one go”) to capture the immediacy of the moment and respond instinctively to light, form and atmosphere.
Much of my work begins outdoors, where I observe and interpret the shifting moods of the landscape. My aim is not to replicate a scene, but to convey a sense of place and the emotional tone it evokes. Through bold and varied brushwork and a focus on light, I invite you to step into each painting and experience the moment as I felt it.
I run monthly oil painting fundamentals workshops indoors and some plein air workshops in the summer months. I also demonstrate and run workshops for art clubs.
Greta will be running a mini demonstration and workshop to introduce oil painting. She will be bringing a printed reference image for us to paint a landscape together. Focussing on simplification and learning how the paint behaves.
Below is a list of supplies for the course – as a group we have purchased oil paint, solvent and some oil paper, so you do not need to purchase them specifically for this course, although you are welcome to bring your own. We also have limited number of brushes and pallet knives.
- Good quality artist or student grade oil paints (I recommend Winsor&Newton or Daler&Rowney Georgian)
- Essential colours
- Medium yellow (such as Cadmium yellow, Cadmium-free yellow or Yellow Lake)
- Napthol Red (or Pyrrole red, Cadmium red or similar)
- Ultramarine Blue
- Burnt Sienna
- Titanium White
- Nice to have colours:
- Lemon yellow (or yellow light)
- Orange (there’s many different types)
- Alizarin
- Dioxazine Purple (great for mixing with greens)
- Sap Green
- Studio-safe odourless solvent (please make sure that this is high-quality and low odour, e.g. Gamsol, Sansodor, Zest It or Robersons Orange Solvent)
- A selection of flat and round (or filbert) brushes, between sizes 2 - 14, preferably with long handles
- One stretched canvas or canvas panel, it can be 25 x 30cm, 30 x 40cm, 11 x 14”, A4, A3 size or similar.
- Jar or container for solvent (with lid)
- Palette
- Easel/Table top Easel
- Kitchen roll or blue roll
- Palette knife (optional)
- TABLE PROTECTION
CALENDAR NOTES - ARCHIVES
Tuesday 24th February 2026
Hi members,
The theme for this session is the word ‘serene’. What does this word mean to you and how could you depict it in a painting/artwork? We will talk a little bit about this theme on Tues 18th Nov to help get your creative juices flowing, but have a read through these notes as well beforehand.
You can use whatever materials /medium you prefer to use from pencil /pen, paint, collage, to sculpture.
You can use whatever genre of art you prefer –see the attached photos for different examples.
Think about what colours feel ‘serene’ to you? You can see from my photos that ‘serene’ for me is cool blues and greeney blues, whilst hot colours like bright red and orange, for me, are very shouty, noisy, demanding.
Think about what marks might say ‘serene’ and, for you, what marks say the opposite. If you are struggling to work things out for yourself, start with the opposite to serene and then explore how you might do something different. For example, for me, sharp, darting, stabbing marks are not serene, so what might I do instead to bring that idea of serene into my work?
What shape or size might be ‘serene’ for you?
If you are a portrait artist what expression is serene and can you find that expression in your portrait?
If you are a landscape artist mainly, what sort of landscape is ‘serene’ for you?
If you have an idea developing and want to make a start on your piece of artwork, go for it and then finish it on the 25th to share.
At the end of the session on the 25th, we will give ourselves a chance to have a chat about what we have found out / discovered both about ourselves but also about what we can bring into our paintings going forwards.
Hi members,
The theme for this session is the word ‘serene’. What does this word mean to you and how could you depict it in a painting/artwork? We will talk a little bit about this theme on Tues 18th Nov to help get your creative juices flowing, but have a read through these notes as well beforehand.
You can use whatever materials /medium you prefer to use from pencil /pen, paint, collage, to sculpture.
You can use whatever genre of art you prefer –see the attached photos for different examples.
Think about what colours feel ‘serene’ to you? You can see from my photos that ‘serene’ for me is cool blues and greeney blues, whilst hot colours like bright red and orange, for me, are very shouty, noisy, demanding.
Think about what marks might say ‘serene’ and, for you, what marks say the opposite. If you are struggling to work things out for yourself, start with the opposite to serene and then explore how you might do something different. For example, for me, sharp, darting, stabbing marks are not serene, so what might I do instead to bring that idea of serene into my work?
What shape or size might be ‘serene’ for you?
If you are a portrait artist what expression is serene and can you find that expression in your portrait?
If you are a landscape artist mainly, what sort of landscape is ‘serene’ for you?
If you have an idea developing and want to make a start on your piece of artwork, go for it and then finish it on the 25th to share.
At the end of the session on the 25th, we will give ourselves a chance to have a chat about what we have found out / discovered both about ourselves but also about what we can bring into our paintings going forwards.
Tuesday 3rd March 2026
Watercolour figures study, set against buildings with Sarah Moss- see <www.sarahmoss.art> for further information -
We will be doing 2 small exercises and a larger piece that we may not completely finish on the night but something to add to - I will complete mine in the last 10 mins if anyone needs guidance to remember for them to complete later. We will be looking at flow between colours ( so good for colour mixing)
- Simplification of figures and shape
- Adding background washes - controlling water quantity both on the paper and on the brush
- Wet in wet simplified building structures, adding details, adding figures and reflections
We’ll be using:
- Watercolours
- Flat brush
- Round brush
- Rigger brush
- 200lb watercolour paper
- Palettes
- Water pot
- Table covers
- Feel free to bring your own supplies, but Sarah will be bringing everything, including the the paper.
Tuesday 24th March 2026
Observational drawing of Natural Forms - with Stacy Shaw - Jo will co-ordinate this session.
Observational Drawing of Natural Forms for you.
At the beginning of the session, we will look at basic shapes and understand how light interacts with an object to give a three-dimensional appearance. We will experiment with sketches, observing light directions and shadows. These are crucial to understanding the elements of drawing in three-dimensions. Starting with simple-shaped objects gives us the fundamental skills to springboard into more complex drawing studies. I will then demonstrate how best to achieve shape, form, shadow, and light using a single objectas a study. You will be able to experiment on your own drawing from this given object.
After the break, put your skills to good use by practising drawing from a natural form you have brought. I will also bring a selection of natural forms to study.
Things to bring on the night:
Below are some examples of the artist Duncan Cameron's work using natural forms on various surfaces. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again - Stacey Shaw
Observational drawing of Natural Forms - with Stacy Shaw - Jo will co-ordinate this session.
Observational Drawing of Natural Forms for you.
At the beginning of the session, we will look at basic shapes and understand how light interacts with an object to give a three-dimensional appearance. We will experiment with sketches, observing light directions and shadows. These are crucial to understanding the elements of drawing in three-dimensions. Starting with simple-shaped objects gives us the fundamental skills to springboard into more complex drawing studies. I will then demonstrate how best to achieve shape, form, shadow, and light using a single objectas a study. You will be able to experiment on your own drawing from this given object.
After the break, put your skills to good use by practising drawing from a natural form you have brought. I will also bring a selection of natural forms to study.
Things to bring on the night:
- Graphite pencils of various grades
- Rubber
- Examples of Natural Forms such as: Seed pods, Animal skulls, Feathers, Shells, Wood, plants. No need to bring loads. A couple will be great.
- Sketchbook or cartridge paper. (No need to bring anything larger than A4 as these will be study drawings.)
- You can bring other drawing media to challenge yourself, too! Good old biro is a brilliant medium for drawing studies. The way you apply pressure to the pen can create good shadow toning.
Below are some examples of the artist Duncan Cameron's work using natural forms on various surfaces. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again - Stacey Shaw
Tuesday 14th April 2026
Messy / Experimental Tables
This is just an opportunity to explore, experiment and have a bit of fun with new materials, mediums and processes that you've not tried before or haven't for a long time.
Please come with an open mind that you might not create something you like, although of course you may. It's just about exploring.
You'll need to bring your normal art kit of, table protectors, water pots, brushes, kitchen roll, watercolours if you have them and anything else you think would add to list to below to share. Also your own paper - I'd suggest thick heavyweight cartridge paper, may be pre drawn into separate squares so you can assign each box to a different experiment.
I propose we put groups of tables pushed together tonight, ie 6-8 tables with 6- 8 chairs.
Table Group 1
On this table you'll have:
Table Group 2
On this table you'll have:
Table Group 3
On this table you'll have:
Table Group 4
On this table you'll have:
I'll bring the art I've created on the night, I don't want to share it now as it really is a night to explore and experiment and we all have different genres we enjoy and go to subjects.
Please feel free to bring your knowledge to tonight and anything else you can add.
Thanks Fee.
Please come with an open mind that you might not create something you like, although of course you may. It's just about exploring.
You'll need to bring your normal art kit of, table protectors, water pots, brushes, kitchen roll, watercolours if you have them and anything else you think would add to list to below to share. Also your own paper - I'd suggest thick heavyweight cartridge paper, may be pre drawn into separate squares so you can assign each box to a different experiment.
I propose we put groups of tables pushed together tonight, ie 6-8 tables with 6- 8 chairs.
Table Group 1
On this table you'll have:
- Brusho - link to What Is Brusho with some good demo ideas.
- Water Sprayers
- Dip Pens
- Drawing Inks
- Water brushes
- Reservoir brush
- Clingfilm
Table Group 2
On this table you'll have:
- Yupo paper - very small heavy weight and lightweight sheets. - I'd suggest you Google 'what is Yupo paper'
- Alcohol Inks
- Graphite Pencils
- Posca Pens
- Brusho
- Gouache
Table Group 3
On this table you'll have:
- Exploring the use of Notan for value study. - I have the Value Study App on my Apple phone. Ask your app store for free Notan app's if you wish to add one, but you don't need it for tonight.
- Tracedown Paper
- Some pre-Printed images ready to use for the transfer which are already in value breakdown - or bring your own.
Table Group 4
On this table you'll have:
- Access the use of Gold Gilding Wax
I'll bring the art I've created on the night, I don't want to share it now as it really is a night to explore and experiment and we all have different genres we enjoy and go to subjects.
Please feel free to bring your knowledge to tonight and anything else you can add.
Thanks Fee.
Tuesday 28th April 2026
Inky Adventures - led by member Neil Cooper Smith
This Workshop will explore how inks and water interact.
We will create experimental scenes with minimal brushwork but developing atmosphere using the depth of colour that inks offer. Subjects may include: water; abstract skies/ landscapes; trees/ riversides
ESSENTIAL TIPS:
Wear old clothes
Apron
Protect table tops
Paper towels
Water jar
MATERIALS :
A4/A5 heavy duty watercolour paper if possible
INKS: Acrylic inks, Parker Quink, our art cupboard has some available.
Any colours but a limited earthy palette is recommended:
3 or 4 from Indigo, Ultra M, Prussian Blue
Purple
Alizarin
Antelope Brown
Yellow
White gouache for finishing touches
Yellow gouache/ watercolour for background prep.
3 pipettes to avoid cross contaminating colours
Small water atomiser
Palette
Small brush
Masking tape prepared
Tuesday 19th May 2026 "Pick a Theme"
At the AGM we discussed having a form of inspiration in the cupboard, for use in Open Sessions if you don't have anything you're working on to bring.This workshop is to introduce everyone to the "Pick a Theme" jar, where 60 ideas await! There will be homework after.
Sally & Amelia have made a start on an accompanying file of ideas to go with each theme. We request that following the session everyone does some research and brings (or sends) some images for the theme or themes that they picked on the night to be added into the relevant pocket in the file. The jar and the file will then live in the SAG cupboard to be used by anyone who wants inspiration at Open sessions.
Materials: Any paper, canvas, pencils, pens or paints that you would like to use.
Richard Kitson – Still Life
Richard is returning to SAG following a very successful portrait workshop in 2024. This time we will be working on a still life composition. (table cloth, vase, bowl, bottle, fruit). Richard will be working in oils and his suggested supply list is below. He’s quite happy for people to work with different colours or equivalent colours in acrylics. His list should be taken as a guide, members can work with their preferred materials.
Daler Rowney Georgian Oil Paint (Student Quality).
Colours: Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Titanium White. Add Cadmium Yellow if you want to mix brighter oranges and greens.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/daler-rowney-georgian-oil-paint
Michael Harding Artists Oil Paint – This is what I use for my own work, worth a try if you want to develop your painting further.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/michael-harding-oil-paint
Brushes - Rosemary and Co Classic Hog Brushes
The link below will take you to my choice from the R&Co range. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click add all to cart to buy the full set or buy individual brushes. Please mention at the checkout that you were directed to them by me, thank you!
https://www.rosemaryandco.com/wishlist/shared/index/code/sjalav6MhouBW1hbf4gmj8NupwHCTohk/categoryId/1721736588854_854/?u=RKitsonart
Painting Medium
I use an odourless mineral spirit called Gamsol. It thins paint and cleans brushes, and it doesn’t smell.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/gamblin-gamsol-odourless-mineral-spirit
Disposable Palette https://www.jacksonsart.com/winsor-newton-tear-off-palette-50-sheets-9x12in
Oil Painting Paper https://www.jacksonsart.com/winsor-newton-oil-pad-230gsm-10-sheets-a3
Table Easel https://www.jacksonsart.com/jackson-s-h-frame-table-easel
Sundries - Most sundries can be gathered around the home or from the supermarket.
Old bed sheets for rags.
Glass jars for my painting medium.
Apron.
Drawing board – cut up MDF sheet to accommodate A3 paper.
Masking Tape.
Richard is returning to SAG following a very successful portrait workshop in 2024. This time we will be working on a still life composition. (table cloth, vase, bowl, bottle, fruit). Richard will be working in oils and his suggested supply list is below. He’s quite happy for people to work with different colours or equivalent colours in acrylics. His list should be taken as a guide, members can work with their preferred materials.
Daler Rowney Georgian Oil Paint (Student Quality).
Colours: Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Titanium White. Add Cadmium Yellow if you want to mix brighter oranges and greens.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/daler-rowney-georgian-oil-paint
Michael Harding Artists Oil Paint – This is what I use for my own work, worth a try if you want to develop your painting further.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/michael-harding-oil-paint
Brushes - Rosemary and Co Classic Hog Brushes
The link below will take you to my choice from the R&Co range. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click add all to cart to buy the full set or buy individual brushes. Please mention at the checkout that you were directed to them by me, thank you!
https://www.rosemaryandco.com/wishlist/shared/index/code/sjalav6MhouBW1hbf4gmj8NupwHCTohk/categoryId/1721736588854_854/?u=RKitsonart
Painting Medium
I use an odourless mineral spirit called Gamsol. It thins paint and cleans brushes, and it doesn’t smell.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/gamblin-gamsol-odourless-mineral-spirit
Disposable Palette https://www.jacksonsart.com/winsor-newton-tear-off-palette-50-sheets-9x12in
Oil Painting Paper https://www.jacksonsart.com/winsor-newton-oil-pad-230gsm-10-sheets-a3
Table Easel https://www.jacksonsart.com/jackson-s-h-frame-table-easel
Sundries - Most sundries can be gathered around the home or from the supermarket.
Old bed sheets for rags.
Glass jars for my painting medium.
Apron.
Drawing board – cut up MDF sheet to accommodate A3 paper.
Masking Tape.