Workshop Descriptions

Robbie has a reputation for encouraging her students whatever their level of
accomplishment, to breakthrough to new levels of freedom and confidence. Through
studio time and individual critiques Robbie guides her students to discover the
techniques and design fundamentals that contribute most to making
their own paintings stronger while more spontaneous and personal, whether they
are doing realistic or abstract painting.  

For more information about workshops or travel workshops, or to register, please use the contact information specified on the workshop schedule page.

If you would like to sponsor a workshop for your group, please contact Robbie Laird by phone at 530-259-2100 or email at robbie@robbielaird.com

Click here for a short video of some workshops.

Below are descriptions of some workshops I am currently offering in various locations:
DISCOVER THE ABSTRACT NATURE OF NATURE
                 
Make stronger and more personal paintings based on design, and on the underlying abstraction found in all of nature. Students select their own subject(s) of inspiration and Robbie will guide you through a series of exercises and studies that enable you to transition from a literal depiction to a uniquely personal painting. Your paintings will be based on strong design basics combined with a variety of exciting personalized techniques and media. The result is a new and expanded way to use the abstract nature of nature in your own unique painting expression. Realistic and Abstract interpretation are equally encouraged.  Individual instruction given in the afternoons will be adapted to each person’s needs. This workshop includes studio instruction and painting, and “on location” sketching when
possible.
FLOW AND FORM Layered Watermedia Paintings-The Synergy of Ebb and Flow Painting!

This workshop is based on Laird’s inspiring premise about “Informed Intuitive” painting.  Working from
their own sketchbooks, photos and other resources: Robbie guides students in thoughtful exploration of a subject to become informed. Students are then guided to make intuitive choices while painting.  They will have opportunities to experiment, layering and combining media such as gouache, watercolor crayons, acrylics paint and mediums  for a variety of effects. The ebb and flow of the process is first hand experience of "Informed Intuitive" Painting. Each painter will be encouraged to identify and
capitalize on his or her own painting strengths and personal style.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING WITH SPONTANEITY AND CONTROL
 
This workshop is the perfect opportunity to become more spontaneous in your watercolor expression
without being out of control! Through painting demonstrations and lectures, Robbie shares unique
techniques for controlling large wet into wet areas as well as a variety of other water media effects used in her own work.  She demonstrates how she extends her personal vision by exploring a subject, then experimenting with various media effects.  This enables her to havemore control while remaining spontaneous. She will demonstrate how she uses the strength of design to allow the most freedom while painting.
Picture
        CAPTURING COSTA RICA IN COLOR!

     Travel and Painting with Robbie in Costa Rica, Mar 24 - 30, 2019

      As we soak in the natural beauty and essence of Costa Rica, we will be capturing, in our sketch 
      journals, the spirit of the natural connections in this beach setting embraced by warm Pacific Ocean.
      Before traveling, you will learn how to select the most important art materials to take for easy travel 
      and creative options.  You will learn how to select what to sketch, where to begin and when to move
      on to the next.  Robbie will demonstrate multiple ways to capture information in quick color studies
​      and sketches.    For more class info click Description
      
       For more details see website:  Costa Rica