Paint Local: Plein Air Landscapes in Oil

This is the perfect opportunity to learn to create light-filled landscape paintings from an award-winning artist, enjoy the outdoor beauty of the natural California landscape, and make new friends.

Susan Grabowski’s workshop will concentrate on the basics for successful plein air painting in oil and include instruction on materials, composition, values (light and shadow patterns), color using a limited palette, and color temperature (warm and cool). On Friday evening, a 2-hour meet and greet session will be held in the classroom at Art Bias, including discussion of materials, painting concepts and best practices, and examples of plein air paintings. On Day Two, Susan will do a quick demo at the location before students paint.

June 12, 2026

6:00 – 8:00 PM, Introduction and instruction at Art Bias, Studio 114, 1700 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA.

June 13, 2026

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 – 6:30 PM, paint at location TBD.

June 14, 2026

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 – 6:30 PM, paint at location TBD.

$375 for the 3-day series

This workshop is designed for both beginners and more seasoned artists interested in outdoor painting.

The class will include critique and one-on-one instruction, and time for students to paint on location on the local Peninsula.

Above: Pillar Point, Oil on Panel, 9"x 12."

Material List:

For plein air painting, the idea is to carry as few materials as possible, so that you can easily hike a short distance to your painting spot. Materials can be purchased through California Art Supply in San Mateo, and online at Jerry’s Artarama or Dick Blick. A full list of all materials will be sent to students upon enrollment.

Materials include: Plein air easel (pochade box) or French easel, paints, brushes, odorless thinner, palette, painting panels or canvas pad, paper towels/rags, plastic bags for soiled paper towels/rags, sketch pad and pencils or markers, wet panel carrier, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, optional palette knife for mixing or applying paint, optional easel umbrella. Students are encouraged to set up their equipment at home to become familiar with the process.

Instructor Contact Info:

Susan Grabowski: [email protected]

www.SusanGrabowski.com

Art Bias Contact Info:

Executive Director, Terra Fuller: [email protected]

More Details:

Class Size: Limited to 5–8 students, beginning to intermediate level welcome

Age: 18 years and older

Above: Ice Plants, Poplar Beach, Oil on Panel, 9" x 12."

Above: Plumbago, Oil on Panel, 9" x 12."

Above: Susan Grabowski painting at the Grand Canyon.

Susan Grabowski, a New Jersey native, spent 22 years on Cape Cod before relocating to the Bay Area in 1998. She discovered that the beauty, light and atmosphere of the Bay Area landscape changed her artist’s eye, resulting in a more colorful, “California Impressionistic” style.

Susan paints outdoors and in her home studio. She has taken her gear along to many destinations, including Belize, France, Italy, Amsterdam, Brazil, the Grand Canyon, and the islands north of Vancouver. Her exhibition history reaches back many years and she has been painting since high school. Susan studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and subsequently enrolled in workshops and classes to hone her skills. She has taught painting and given painting demonstrations.

Susan currently resides in San Mateo, CA with her husband Larry. Recently retired after a career in graphic design, Susan divides her time between painting, knitting, sewing, gardening, and cooking. Susan is a resident artist at Art Bias.

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