Introduction to Oil Painting Workshop
w/ artist Eric MacDonald
Sunday, August 23
1pm - 5pm
Registration + supplies fee: Member $140 / Non-Member $175
Ages 16+

Join as for an introduction to oil painting workshop led by artist Eric MacDonald, exploring the timeless beauty and depth of this rich medium. This supportive, hands-on environment encourages experimentation, growth, and the joy of creating in oils.

Eric will share his personal philosophy on visual arts, with emphasis on how painting is as much about perception and intention as it is about technique. He'll cover the proper way to "see" a subject by observing light, form, color relationships, and subtle nuances that often go unnoticed, and how to thoughtfully construct a painting from initial concept to finished piece.

Whether you're a beginner seeking structure or an experienced painter looking to refine your vision, this foundational conversation sets the stage for approaching work with greater awareness and confidence.

Eric will then present a short, focused demonstration of his process step by step, starting with composition and blocking in shapes, establishing values and edges, and layering color to build form and atmosphere. The live demo allows participants to observe decision-making in real time, ask questions, and gain practical insights into brushwork, mixing, and the unique handling qualities of oil paints. It's designed to inspire and equip you with actionable tools before transitioning to your creative exploration.

For the remainder of the workshop, participants will dive into individual painting, applying what we've covered while receiving personalized guidance and feedback.

Materials/What to bring:

• High-quality reference images will be available for you to choose from, but participants may also work from your own photos.
• Participants are responsible for bringing their own brushes. A link to purchase will be provided upon registering.
• All other materials are provided, including paints, panels mediums, palettes, and easels. (Please request a complete materials list if you'd prefer to bring your own supplies.)

About Eric MacDonald:

Born and raised in New Hampshire, I earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and spent the first part of my career developing technology and building communications systems. After 15 years in the tech world, I gradually shifted gears toward a lifelong interest in art—a passion first sparked when I bought my first original painting (a watercolor by a street artist in New Orleans) at the age of 17.

Around 20 years ago, I decided to explore creating art myself and reached out to watercolorist Doris Rice in Hampton, NH. That first hour with a brush launched a journey that would evolve over decades. I dabbled in watercolor while continuing to work in technology, attending workshops and gradually deepening my skills. Eventually, I realized that no amount of paint could compensate for poor drawing fundamentals, so I focused intensively on drawing—strengthening my understanding of proportion, value, and design.

In 2020, I committed fully to being an artist. I now work primarily in oil and charcoal, occasionally returning to watercolor. My artistic influences include modern representational masters such as Richard Schmid, Stephen Scott Young, Robert Liberace, Casey Baugh, Shane Wolf and Mary Whyte.I currently split my time between NH and Maine. I’m inspired by the beauty and energy of the NH seacoast and lakes of Maine — the architecture, landscape, and people. My goal is to express the essence of a subject with restraint and clarity, using as few marks as possible. I think of a good painting more as a poem than an essay: brief, distilled, and emotionally resonant.

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3S Artspace is supported in part by grants from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and NHCF's Geoffrey E. Clark and Martha Fuller Clark Fund; and Little Bay Fund.

Thank you to our lead sponsors: AC Hotel Portsmouth, The Brook, The Kane Company/Tidemark, Katzman Contemporary Projects, Raka, Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel and Stirling Brandworks.