Oil Painting Workshop with Bob Saxon

Join Newcastle-based oil painter Bob Saxon for a two-day workshop designed to help you take control of your oil paints. Bob’s alla prima (wet-on-wet) technique is expressive, intuitive, and deeply satisfying — especially when the paint responds to you, not the other way around.

Whether you’re refining your studio skills or stepping into the world of plein air painting, this workshop offers a hands-on, supportive environment to explore composition, colour, and technique.

Dates & Locations

Saturday, 11 October 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Scone Arts and Crafts, 63 Kingdon Street, Scone Studio-based session with demonstrations and guided painting.

Sunday, 12 October Meet at 9:00 AM at Scone Arts and Crafts Plein air painting at The Washpools (approx. 20 minutes from Scone) We’ll carpool from the arts and crafts building to ensure no one gets lost. Expect a relaxed finish after lunch.

Cost

• $170 for members

• $195 for non-members

• Limited to 12 participants

Materials List

Bob’s goal is to help you master the flow and feel of oil paint.


Here’s what to bring:

Painting Surfaces

• Two or more boards or surfaces each day — as large as you can comfortably manage

• Suggested: 3 mm MDF sheets (120×90 cm) with melamine on one side (available at Bunnings or Home Hardware). Cut to size and seal the raw side with two coats of light-coloured interior house paint

• Alternatively: primed canvas taped to a backing board

Oil Paints

• Your usual oil paints, with at least: red or crimson, yellow, ultramarine blue, and white

• Bob uses Art Spectrum, but any brand is fine

• Note: Water-based oils are not supported

Brushes

• Bob prefers Taklon long flat brushes for their versatility

• Bring your regular brushes — we’ll work with what you’re comfortable using

Mediums

• Bob uses Archival odourless lean medium (fast-drying, matte finish — ideal for plein air)

• Bring your usual medium and a small container if you’d like to try Bob’s

Solvents & Clean-Up

• Saturday: No turps or solvents allowed — even odourless ones — due to sensitivity concerns

• Use paper towel to clean brushes during the day; bring a plastic bag for disposal

• Sunday: Solvents are permitted outdoors

Additional Essentials

• Your own easel, stool, hat, and anything else for a comfortable plein air setup

• Lunch and water (all drinking water must be boiled)

• Sturdy shoes — no high heels, as Sunday’s site includes stairs and uneven terrain

Food & Refreshments

• Saturday: Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided

• Sunday: No food or drinks available onsite — please bring everything you’ll need

Registration is Essential!

Due to limited availability, only 12 spots are open. Secure your place now to avoid disappointment!