Join us for fun Plein Air painting workshops in 2025 at Tegg’s Nose Country Park. In each workshop, experienced professional painters, Christopher Clements and Kieran Ingram, will help you capture a different aspect of landscape painting.
The workshops are based on the Tonalist approach which focuses on interpretation of the light & dark tones of the landscape, while simplifying the colours. The approach will help you to make sense of what you see. You’ll be able to organise it into a well-structured painting, evoking the simple beauty of your environment.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, these workshops are perfect for anyone looking to improve their Plein Air painting skills. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out of the studio and unleash your creativity in the great outdoors.
The workshops are designed as a set but will also work as stand alone lessons. Check out the Northern Realist blog for a write up and pictures of past workshops.
Book 2025 Workshops
For all the essential information, including an equipment list, what to wear and lunch arrangements, see the bottom of the page.
2025 Northern Realist Plein Air Workshops
Autumn Colour, Friday October 12th 2025
Learn about mixing the warm colours of autumn and capturing its atmosphere in your landscape painting.
As late summer turns to Autumn the richest colours of the year appear in the landscape and this can be one of the most rewarding times to be outside painting your surroundings.
On this workshop you’ll look at how to mix the warm oranges and reds of autumn, contrasting them with the muted greens left over by summer. You’ll learn about underpainting and layering to create vibrant colour in your painting.
You’ll also look at the atmospheric effects associated with this time of year and how they affect colour in the distance.
Plus, as usual we’ll also cover the practical side of working outside with lots of helpful hints and tips to make sure you get the most out of you plein air painting sessions.
- creating vibrant autumn colour through layering
- atmosphere and aerial perspective
- practicalities of plein air painting
Book Now 2025 Workshops
Colour Mixing: Greens, Thursday 11th September 2025
Learn about colour mixing for landscape painting focusing on how to make different greens.
When you’re painting the British landscape you can’t avoid green! If you struggle with green or just want to improve then you’re not alone! If you can get the greens right you’ll really make your painting sing and that’s what you’ll learn about in this workshop.
The exercises you’ll do will teach you how to analyse different shades of green and mix them with confidence. Once you’ve mixed your greens you’ll look at different ways to layer and contrast them to create variety and interest.
You’ll look at individual leaves, greens within trees and fields and the overall effect of lots of subtly competing shades of green.
Plus, as usual we’ll also cover the practical side of working outside with lots of helpful hints and tips to make sure you get the most out of you plein air painting sessions.
- Underpainting and layering greens
- Colour tones and temperature
- Broken colour
- Practicalities of plein air painting
Book Now 2025 Workshops
Features of the Landscape Workshop, Thurs 26th June 2025
Learn about painting the features of the foreground and middle distance to help create a story in your work.
The foreground and middle distance is often where much of the interest lies in a painting. It is also where the features of the landscape are seen most clearly. Getting the character and relationships of these features right is important as characters and relationships create stories.
You’ll look at trees, walls, tracks and buildings and how to use them to create a journey through your work. You’ll also look at how to give them structure and what happens as they recede into the distance.
We’ll cover:
- creating a journey through your painting
- scale and relationships
- simplification of detail
Book Now 2025 Workshops
Sky, Clouds and Aerial Perspective, Thurs 22nd May 2025
Learn how to use the sky to set the mood and aerial perspective to create depth and atmosphere in your Plein Air painting.
The sky is key to landscape painting, it provides a dramatic backdrop for the whole picture. In April’s Workshop we’ll be looking at how to paint the sky and clouds as well as their effect on the far distance in your painting.
You’ll look at types of clouds and their structure, what they’re doing and how they recede into the distance. Combine this with colour shifts as things get further away, and you’ll create great atmosphere and depth in your work.
We’ll cover:
- types and behaviour of clouds
- warm and cool colour
- aerial perspective and atmosphere
Book Now 2025 Workshops
Composition Workshop, Thurs 24th April 2025
Learn about the importance of composition to create balance and focus in your painting.
Learning to draw and paint the form of your subject is important, but it’s not until it’s arranged into a composition that it becomes a work of art. This workshop is all about designing your painting. You’ll look at what’s important and how the overall design knits everything together into a unified piece of work.
You’ll look at ways of arranging line, tone and colour to create balance, harmony in your work. You’ll also study what to emphasise and what to let go to give your work focus.
We’ll cover:
- design of your painting
- balance and harmony
- visual rhythm
Book 2025 Workshops
The Location
Tegg’s Nose is nestled in the hills of East Cheshire, close to Macclesfield. It has a wide variety of panoramas including the Peak District, Macclesfield Forest and the Cheshire Plain, offering a fantastic location for Plain Air Painting.
The terrain is tracks and paths with good access but you’ll need sturdy footwear, windproof clothing and a seat if you prefer to work sitting down.
We are running the workshops with East Cheshire Council Ranger Service. Tegg’s Nose Country Park is easy to access by car or a short taxi ride from Macclesfield station and provides ample parking as well as toilets. The renowned Nose Tea Room offers delicious lunches and hot drinks in the park’s visitor centre.
Are these workshop for me?
Whatever your level of experience this series of workshops will have something for everyone. They are particularly suitable for people who would like an introduction to Plein Air Painting but will suit all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced and want some guided practice, the workshop will offer you the chance to try working at your own level outdoors and develop your existing skills.
The workshops are designed to build your skills from session to session however they all work as stand alone sessions so that they can be done individually.
Places are limited to give you plenty of personal feedback and allow you to work at your own level and pace.
The Tutors
The workshops are led by Kieran Ingram and Christopher Clements, both professional artists. Kieran has featured on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year and Christopher is the director of Northern Realist Drawing & Painting
Essential info:
- Price £85 – Book your place with a £25 deposit via Eventbrite, the remainder will be invoiced and is due before the workshop begins
- Materials and equipment £10, this can be added to your your invoice for the remainder if you’d like us to provide them
- Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm
- Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
- Leaders: Artists Chris Clements and Kieran Ingram
Workshop Dates
- Thursday 24th April 2023, Composition: Book Now
- Thursday 22nd May, Sky, Clouds and Aerial Perspective: Book Now
- Thursday 26th June 2025: Features of the Landscape: Book Now
- Thursday 11th September 2025: Mixing Greens – Book Now
- Friday 10th October 2025: Autumn Colour – Book Now
What you’ll need
- Easels are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- We can provide the paint, paper and equipment for £10, just let us know in advance.
- If you’d prefer to bring your own kit see the bottom of the page for a list.
You will however, definitely need to bring:
- Sturdy footwear
- Suncream & Hat
- Waterproof/Windproof jacket
- Layers of clothing to keep warm or cool depending on the weather
- Insect repellent, depending on the weather, but they don’t tend to be a problem
- Water and snacks
Lunch
The Nose Tearoom has a great lunch menu however you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch.
How to Book
Bookings are made via Eventbrite, just follow the Book Now links on this page to pay a £25 deposit.
The remainder will be invoiced beforehand and is due before the workshop begins.
Materials & Equipment List
- Easels are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- We can provide everything you’ll need including water mixable oil paint for £10, just let us know in advance.
If you’d prefer to use your own kit you’ll need:
Paint
Bring oil or acrylic paint depending on your preference.
Colours
- White
- Paynes Grey
- Yellow Ochre
- Burnt Umber
- Raw Umber
- Lemon Yellow
- Viridian
- Sap Green
- Cobalt Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Alizarin Crimson
- Cadmium Red
Support
Canvas paper or board. Stretched canvas is not so good because light tends to shine through it.
Equipment
- Sketchbook and drawing media, pencil, pens and ink
- Easel or Pochade box
- Drawing board and clips or masking tape
- Palette and dipping cup
- Brushes and palette knife
- Container for turps or water
- Rags and Paper Towel
- Bag for rubbish
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
- Train: Macclesfield Station 2.3 Miles away, Taxis available at the station
- Parking: Car Park at Tegg’s Nose: 3 -10 hrs £3
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Chris: info@northernrealist.com
What’s the refund policy?
- Refund excluding Eventbrite fees if you cancel up to two weeks before the workshop.
- Full Refund if the workshop is cancelled in advance.
- 25% refunds if the workshop has to be abandoned on the day due to adverse weather.