Contemporary Landscape Workshop

Weekend Landscape Painting Workshop with Robin Deshayes
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 16–17 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
(One-hour break for lunch each day)

Spend a creative weekend painting landscapes with Southern California artist, Robin Deshayes, known for her contemporary, expressive and bold impressionistic style inspired by the iconic scenery of California and the American West.

Robin’s work focuses on capturing the feeling of a place—its light, atmosphere, and sense of time—rather than getting caught up in tiny details. Much of her practice is rooted in plein air painting, and she brings that same energy, looseness, and immediacy into the studio. Her teaching emphasizes confident brushwork, strong composition, thoughtful color choices, and painting with intention.

Over this two-day workshop, students will dive into essential landscape painting concepts such as composition, value, color harmony, and capturing light and mood. Robin will demonstrate her process, share insights from her professional practice, and offer individualized feedback throughout the weekend. This class is a great fit for painters who want to loosen up, paint more boldly, and deepen their connection to the landscape.

Prerequisite: This workshop is designed for students who have completed one of our 6-week Beginner Acrylic Painting classes. If you haven’t taken that class but are interested, please reach out before registering—we’re happy to help determine if this workshop will be a comfortable and enjoyable fit.

If you’re excited to paint landscapes with more freedom, expression, and confidence, this workshop offers a special opportunity to learn from an accomplished artist who brings both skill and heart to her work.

The workshop is limited to 10 students but will require a minimum of 8 to be conducted. Coffee and pastries will be provided each morning.

Meet Your Instructor:

Robin Deshayes is an award-winning artist whose work has been juried into numerous regional and national exhibitions, including the American Impressionist Society, Laguna Plein Air Painters, Capitola Plein Air, and Prescott Plein Air. She was awarded First Place, Architecture Category at the 2026 Sahuarita Plein Air Festival.

Artist’s Statement

I am a contemporary impressionist painter based in Southern California. My work focuses on iconic scenes of California and the West. I try to convey the sense of being there at that moment, on that day, and share it with the viewer. Much of my work is based on plein air paintings I create outdoors in the essential western landscapes. I grew up looking at the work of the great illustrator-turned-artists of the west – Ed Borein, Maynard Dixon – as well the Northern California impressionists like Selden Connor Gile and the Gang of Six. Above all, I try to convey my deep affection for the region and its natural beauty and the always-evolving landscapes, places, and living beings.

Important Supplies Information

Robin will be teaching using the following acrylic palette, you will get the most out of this class if you bring the following colors:
-Lemon Yellow (can also use Bismuth Yellow, or Cadmium Yellow Light)
-Yellow Ochre or Golden Ochre
-Quinacridone Magenta
-Ultramarine Blue
-Cerulean Blue
-Cadmium Red Light
-Titanium White

Other materials you will need to bring:
-Palette Knife
-Paint Brushes
-Palette or Palette Paper
-Art Spot can provide a standing or sitting easel for you to use, but you are welcome to bring your own if you like
-Art Spot will supply panels for paintings and exercises