2026 Painting Demonstrations

The 2026 Winter Park Paint Out will feature live demonstrations led by Plein Air artists.

All painting demonstrations are FREE and take place at the Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens unless otherwise noted.

Monday, April 20, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm

“Loose Realism: Freedom Through Structure” – Oil Painting Demonstration with Rachel Dowd

Painting loosely does not mean painting without control or intention. Rachel Dowd will demonstrate how a clear plan—built on strong value structure, simple shapes, and visual hierarchy—creates freedom in brushwork and decision-making. Committing early allows painters to stay expressive without losing clarity, prevents overworking and results in paintings that feel confident, fresh, and resolved.

Monday, April 20, 2026 1:30-3:30pm

“Travel Light & Sketch Often” – Gouache Demonstration with Michelle Held

Join us for this gouache demonstration led by Michelle Held focusing on sketchbook journaling for artists on the go. She will explore fun ways to document your travels and quickly capture impressions. Later these sketches will serve as inspiration for big, beautiful oil paintings completed back in the studio.

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm

“Demystifying Color” – Oil Painting Demonstration with Manon Sander

In this demonstration, Manon Sander will focus on the complexities of color selection and mixing. She will outline four essential aspects of color that transform the process from guesswork to intentional decision-making. Manon will demonstrate how to mix accurately and use color creatively, resulting in greater harmony in one’s paintings.

Tuesday April 21, 2026 1:30-3:30pm

“Secrets of the Sun” – Oil Painting Demonstration with Robin Popp

Robin Popp will explore how the angle and quality of sunlight influences colors in paintings. From bright, sunny conditions to overcast and rainy days, she will examine how both light and shadow are affected. Emphasizing value, intensity, and temperature, Robin will reveal how each of these elements leads to realistic luminous paintings.

Wednesday April 22, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm

“Elements of Design” – Watercolor Demonstration with Stewart Jones

Watercolor artist Stewart Jones will explore the fundamental elements of design—size, shape, color, line, direction, value, and texture—and their role in creating movement within a composition. He will show how thoughtful use of these elements guides the viewer’s eye, establishes mood, and evokes an emotional response through purposeful design.

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:30-3:30pm

“Look-Think-Paint” – Oil Painting Demonstration with John Guernsey

Working from a photographic reference, John Guernsey will share his thoughtful approach to painting. Emphasizing careful observation before execution, he will begin by identifying major shapes and value relationships, avoiding early detail. By simplifying and organizing the scene first, he will show how clarity, structure, and unity naturally develop into a strong, resolved painting.

Thursday April 23, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm

“Expressive Pastel Painting” – Pastel Demonstration with Joyce Shelton

Inspired by Florida’s landscape, pastel artist Joyce Shelton will share her interpretive approach to painting nature. Moving beyond traditional viewpoints, she will emphasize expressive color and strong design while creating a vibrant orchid. Through thoughtful composition, Joyce will demonstrate how creative choices result in an expressive work of art.

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30-3:30pm

“The Positive Aspects of Negative Space in Painting” – Oil Painting Demonstration with Cory Wright

NOTE:This demonstration will be held at Westminster Winter Park, 1111 S. Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792. PUBLIC IS WELCOME – on-site parking and restrooms available.

Cory Wright will demonstrate how negative space can be as powerful as the subject itself, and simplifying complex scenes through strong negative shapes strengthens composition and creates greater clarity. By thoughtfully considering value, color temperature, and edges, Cory will reveal how “empty” space directs the eye, enhances contrast, and brings harmony and mood—revealing how what you leave “empty” can make a painting come alive.

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm

“Why Edges Matter!” – Oil Painting Demonstration with Morgan Samuel Price

Don’t miss this demonstration led by master artist Morgan Samuel Price, focusing on the significance and expressive role of “edges” in painting. Focusing on this fundamental yet often overlooked element of painting, Morgan will explore how controlling hard, soft, and lost edges shapes composition, creates depth and atmosphere, and guides the viewer’s eye. She will show how thoughtful edge control brings clarity, harmony, and emotional impact to her work.