Painting Light and Atmosphere in Oils | Zac Moynihan

10 students max
when -saturday 1st of august 2026 - 9am - 4pm
where -royal qld art society - upstairs - 3/162 petrie tce, brisbane.
cost - $250

In this workshop Zac will guide participants through the process of observing light in the landscape and how to translate that vision into expressive, layered oil paintings that harness the power of transparency!
Zac creates an encouraging environment where painters of all levels can deepen their practice and develop their own voice in response to the world around them.
This workshop will focus on natural views and vistas that highlight depth and atmosphere, as well as learning about different light conditions at different times of day.

What will I learn:

Foundations and Exploration

students will dive in to developing strong compositional foundations and preparing for a successful painting. an explanation of the understanding of how light and colour work in the landscape will provide fundamental tools for the student to confidently create depth and believable structure.

Students will learn how to handle materials safely and confidently, with a particular focus on transparent paints and layering techniques that bring luminosity to your work. Demonstrations and guidance will encourage experimentation while building towards a finished landscape painting.

Who is this course suitable for

Students with some basic experience to advanced are welcome.

what past students have said:

“Zac's workshop was a fantastic deep-dive into landscape painting. It forced me to challenge myself, and even as an experienced painter it gave me a range of new tools to apply within my own practice. Zac is a highly talented and experienced painter and he was generous with his guidance and advice. It was a fantastic experience to be a part of. I definitely recommend his workshop for anyone looking to level up their landscape game.”

“10/10 workshop. Would recommend. Zac was extremely knowledgeable and very generous with his sharing of all his tips and tricks and resources. Super chilled vibes. Zac was very attentive and helpful.”

What do I need to bring?

all materials provided except for brushes

this workshop will provide all materials for you except for brushes. if you wish to purchase your own materials, please see below what is recommended.

Zac recommends using oils to truly employ the powers of transparent painting. there will be extra paint, solvent/medium and paper towels available for you to use if you aren’t able to acquire these materials.

Oil Paints

Oil Colours that Zac will use (note that you don’t have to have exactly these colours, as long as you have variations of the 3 primaries plus Burnt Sienna it will be fine)

Titanium White

Burnt Sienna

Burnt Umber

Ultramarine Blue

Cobalt Blue

Alizarin Crimson

Yellow Ochre

Indian Yellow

Medium

Archival Odourless Lean Medium for mixing oil colours (Fastest Drying) - zac will have his own mixture for you to use if you can’t get this.

Solvent

Archival Odourless Solvent for cleaning brushes at the end of the day. - zac will have plenty of extra solvent for use by students.

Brushes

Zac will be using Rosemary and Co Ivory Extra Long Flats.

You’re most welcome to use your favourite brushes, I would only recommend against using hog bristle brushes as these tend to be a bit stiff for our techniques.

Boards

Any size MDF Hardboard or Mixed Media Paper, roughly A4 to no bigger than A3 size is perfect.

We need to make sure our surface has been primed with an oil-based primer. Zac uses basic interior house paint oil-based primer, Dulux or Taubmans are good brands. 1-2 coats with a roller is necessary to ensure a smooth surface.

Zac will have a variety of sizes and ratios available for you to try but it is recommended you prepare at least 5 of your own.

pre-prepared boards can be purchased from art shed - ampersand are a trusted and reliable brand.

Other

Standard palettes are fine, the less absorbent the better as we want to maximise the oil!

Metal palette knife (optional)

Tissues, paper towels & cotton rags

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge at the studio for your convenience.

about the artist

zac has been painting with obsession since he first picked up a brush 10 years ago. always having a love for landscape, his practice has taken him across the country to many locations in search of new and inspiring subject matter. drawn to space and light, he holds a great deal of inspiration, respect and reverence for the painters of history, particularly our beloved 18/19thc impressionists who first brought the unique light and colours of our australian landscape to the world. it is these traditional techniques that zac hopes to continue and revive in his practice - plein air painting, design and compositional study, good drawing and above all a feeling and reverence for this great place we call home.

zac has been honoured as finalist in the glover prize (2025), the lethbridge/tattersall’s landscape prize (2023-2026) and the doyle’s award (2023 winner).