Create Your Best Painting: From Intent to Impact with Liz Haywood-Sullivan

This workshop by Liz Haywood-Sullivan is designed to guide artists to the next level in their painting. This intensive three-day experience encourages a more deliberate and thoughtful approach by focusing on essential building blocks that are often overlooked. We begin with the concept of intent, the “why” behind what you choose to paint. Intent influences every aspect of your work, from materials and technique to composition and execution.

Composition and value are often at the heart of painting challenges, and we will address these structural elements through exercises using simplified shapes and clear value patterns. We will also take a deeper dive into reference images, learning how to see more effectively, crop and edit with purpose, and understand the limitations of the camera. Through this process, artists will begin to make stronger, more intentional decisions in their work.

Participants are invited to bring a painting they have struggled with and revisit it using the principles explored in class. Daily demonstrations, individualized instruction, and collaborative discussion will support each artist’s development. Immerse yourself in what makes a painting truly sing.

Materials List: NRAS Build Better Painting.docx

Liz Haywood-Sullivan, IAPS/EP, PSA-MP, has been dedicated to working exclusively in the pastel medium since 1996. Her attraction to the medium is pastel's unique ability to capture light and atmosphere in the landscape. She is a sought-after instructor and judge for pastel societies and arts organizations around the world. Liz authored the popular book Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel (Northlight, 2013). Her award-winning pastel paintings have been featured in numerous books and magazine articles, and have appeared in national, international and museum exhibitions worldwide. Liz is a President Emerita of the International Association of Pastel Societies (2013-2017) and past president of North River Arts Society (2021-2025). Her online instruction can be found at www.epiphanyfineart.com.

Additional Information:

Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.