Step into the rugged beauty of Algonquin Park and learn to capture the mood, light, and energy of the Canadian landscape on natural wood. Guided by artist Julieanne (Atelier JuJu) and inspired by the bold, expressive brushwork of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, this hands-on workshop walks you through transforming a raw wood panel into a finished landscape. Rather than covering up the wood, you will learn how to let natural grain lines, knots and warm undertones work as an integral part of your composition.

Explore the history and lore behind iconic northern landscape paintings, break down practical methods for mixing rich, believable greens and earthy palettes and explore loose mark-making techniques. Whether you paint from a provided Canadian wilderness reference or bring a personal photo from your own outdoor adventures, you will leave with a completed, ready-to-hang piece of original art.

Workshop Schedule (4 Hours)

Hour 1: The Canadian Landscape, Tom Thomson & Surface Prep

• Reviewing Tom Thomson's field sketches, composition rules and colour palettes.
• Inspecting kiln-dried wood slabs to identify grain flow, knots and natural highlights.
• Mapping out a tonal sketch on paper or directly onto the wood surface using pencil and charcoal.

Hour 2: Colour Theory & Base Layers

• Demonstrating custom colour mixing for skies, foliage, water reflections and rock formations.
• Blocking in backgrounds and midgrounds with fluid acrylic washes that let the wood grain show through.

Hour 3: Texture, Light & Foreground Structure

• Building opaque layers, foreground trees, shoreline silhouettes and water ripples.
• Receiving one-on-one feedback on composition, values and edge control in the studio.

Hour 4: Fine Details, Top Coats & Group Showcase

• Adding focal accents, high-contrast highlights and delicate branch work.
• Applying protective matte or satin sealers to preserve the wood and paint.
• Reviewing finished landscapes in an informal group showcase.

By The End Of This Workshop, You Will

• Work with natural wood as a painting surface, using grain patterns as skies, water or rock formations.
• Master mixing believable greens, slate greys, mossy tones and earthy palettes from scratch.
• Use contrast, tonal values and aerial perspective to create depth in forest scenes.
• Apply expressive brushwork, palette-knife textures, and dry-brush details with confidence.
• Complete a finished, sealed landscape painting on wood ready to hang at home.

What We Provide

• Wood Panels & Paints: Kiln-dried natural wood slabs, heavy-body acrylics and fluid acrylic paints.
• Brushes & Tools: Flat, filbert, round and detail brushes, palette knives, mixing palettes and charcoal.
• Finishes & Facilities: Protective clear matte or satin topcoat varnish, studio easel setups and clean workstations.

What To Bring & Requirements

• Reference Images: Reference photos of Algonquin Park or a favourite Canadian outdoor memory (printed or on a phone/tablet).
• Apparel: Wear clothes and footwear that can handle paint.
• Skill Level: All levels welcome. No prior painting experience required.

Event Details

• Dates: To be announced
• Format: 1 single session (4 hours)
• Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
• Instructor: Julieanne (Atelier JuJu)
• Level & Audience: All Levels (beginners and intermediate painters interested in landscape painting and natural wood surfaces).
• Maximum Capacity: 12 attendees
• Minimum Enrolment: 6 attendees required