
Instructor Shawn Cornell and class at Kirkwood Park
On October 5th and 6th, 2024, Heartland Art Club had the pleasure of hosting a sold-out plein air workshop with Shawn Cornell. Shawn’s workshops are always highly anticipated, and this one was no exception. With perfect weather and the picturesque backdrop of Kirkwood Park, participants spent two days honing their outdoor painting skills under Shawn’s expert guidance. Plein air painting is about more than just creating art; it’s about being immersed in nature and learning to capture its fleeting beauty. Guided by Shawn, attendees were encouraged to think deeply, paint boldly, and push their creativity to new heights.
The workshop kicked off on a crisp Saturday morning with eager participants gathering in Kirkwood Park, ready to paint and learn. Shawn Cornell, known for his vibrant plein air landscapes and engaging teaching style, quickly got everyone into the spirit of thinking more before painting. His approach to elevating imagination and challenging participants to question their artistic choices made the experience unique. The day was filled with sketching, painting, and plenty of thoughtful discussions. Artists were encouraged to reflect on their compositions, constantly asking themselves, “What is the purpose of this painting?” and “How can I make it more compelling?”
The second day brought even more opportunities to put these lessons into practice. Participants spent the morning working on their pieces, applying Shawn’s tips for dealing with the changing outdoor conditions and focusing on capturing the essence of the scene in front of them. By the afternoon, everyone had created works they could be proud of. The final hours were spent back at The Galleries of Heartland Art Club, where each artist received valuable feedback during an insightful critique session.
Shawn’s ability to balance technical instruction with creative freedom allowed each participant to find their own voice on the canvas. His personal demonstrations throughout the weekend gave everyone a chance to see his thought process in action.
Workshops like this are at the heart of Heartland Art Club’s mission—to inspire, educate, and support representational artists in our community. The camaraderie, the growth, and the chance to paint under the guidance of such a skilled instructor make these events incredibly special. Shawn Cornell’s workshop was a true highlight, leaving everyone who attended with new skills, lasting memories, and a renewed passion for painting outdoors.
If you missed out on Shawn Cornell’s sold-out workshop, don’t worry! We still have two incredible opportunities left this year to sharpen your landscape painting skills. Join us for our upcoming workshops with Lee Copen and Farley Lewis, both renowned landscape painters who bring their unique approaches to capturing nature on canvas. Whether you’re a seasoned plein air artist or just getting started, these workshops are designed to inspire and elevate your artistic journey.
Spaces are limited and these workshops will fill up quickly—don’t miss your chance! Sign up today by clicking the button below.