The latest plein air news for British Columbia and more

A Guided Outdoor Painting Workshop

June 3, 2025/by pabc

Date: June 29 and July 6 (2 consecutive)

Time: Sunday mornings, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Present Art Studio (map)

Costs: Cost: $150

Description:

This two-session plein air workshop invites participants to explore the urban landscape around Vancouver’s historic Sun Tower through guided painting sessions. Working with gouache — a versatile, opaque water-based medium ideal for layering and quick drying — or the opaque paint medium of their choice (oils or acrylics), participants will develop their skills in composition, color mixing, and working from observation on location. Designed for both beginners and experienced artists, this workshop offers supportive instruction, focused practice, and the opportunity to respond creatively to the unique textures and atmosphere of the downtown core. One week will be more focused on making composition decisions, and the other on matching colours.

We will practice making and using view-finders to plan a compelling composition. Participants will learn how to go from small sketch to bigger painting, mix accurate colours using a limited palette, and adapt to changing light outdoors.
Participants who already have a painting set-up appropriate for outdoors are invited to bring that.
For participants who do not have their own materials, gouache paint and all materials necessary for working with gouache will be provided.

Materials provided:

Gouache
Easels, boards, and brushes
Plastic palettes and spray bottles
Toned paper and watercolour paper
Binder clips
Paper towels
Masking tape

Registration:

For more info, visit Eventbrite.

16th Annual Grand Prix Plein Air Challenge

June 2, 2025/by pabc

Date: August 9th, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Along the Ambleside waterfront between 13th and 18th Streets

Costs: $45 (ages 19+); $20 (ages under 19)

Description:

In this time-honoured traditional painting competition, participants must compose, paint, complete and frame (or finish) a piece of art that has been created outdoors in under four hours.

Works will be judged and prizes donated by Opus Art Supplies will be awarded. Participants may exhibit and sell their pieces on-site from 4–5 p.m. on the day of the challenge. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their pieces in the Artspeaks Tent until 5 p.m. on the day of the competition. The District of West Vancouver/Ferry Building Gallery will process artwork sales and take a 30% commission.

Participation Guidelines:

Participants must be on-site at the ArtSpeaks tent (west of the Ferry Building Gallery) by 9:30 am. Late arrivals will not be accepted.
All participating artists are expected to create a piece that reflects this year’s theme.
Artists must supply their own surface and materials for creating their piece. Easels are not provided.
Finished artwork must not exceed 20″ x 20″ (not including frame).
All mediums are accepted as long as they are created on site in the time frame allocated.
Once submitted for judging, artwork must be exhibition ready with edges painted or taped (if applicable).
Watercolour: please provide a mat board or frame to display your work during judging. No glass please.
Oil / Acrylics on board: please provide a frame to display your piece for judging.
Canvas: no frame is required but the art should look finished at the time of judging.
Do not sign the canvas before the judging is completed, as participating artists’ names are kept confidential during the judging process. The names of the members of the judging panel will also be kept confidential during the competition.