Selu Scenery: Plein Air Workshop 2025 Logo

  • Selu Scenery : Plein Air Workshop

    Join Radford University Art Museum at the Selu Conservancy! Take advantage of this incredible opportunity—Selu Scenery—where you can sign up for various sessions with different artists and immerse yourself in a plein air painting experience. Draw inspiration from the breathtaking natural beauty of Selu and create art in a stunning outdoor setting. (See bottom of form for more information on individual artists/ sessions.)

  • Rules & Check-In:

    • You must sign in/out each day at the Selu Barn.
    • The Barn closes at 5:00 p.m. If leaving after that, text Linda Correll (540) 599-7376.
    • If Linda has not heard from you by 7:30 p.m., she will contact you to confirm you have exited the conservancy.
    • The VWS workshop with Iain Stewart will also be held in the Barn (Tue–Fri). The workshop is separate; only registered workshop participants may enter the Barn.
    • Painting/photography is only permitted on Selu Conservancy property.
    • Parking is allowed only in designated “P” areas (see map provided after registration).
    • Picnic tables and restrooms are available at the Bathhouse.

  • Radford University Selu Conservancy 

    Waiver of Liability and Release 

     

    Participant Signature at the end of this Registration Form indicates that you have read and agree to the following Waiver of Liability and Release.



    Please read this document carefully.

    I, (this Registrant), hereby acknowledge that voluntary participation in Selu Scenery: Plein Air Worksop located at the Selu Conservancy involves potential risk of personal injury and the undersigned assumes all such risk. The undersigned hereby agrees that for and in consideration of Radford University (RU) allowing the undersigned to participate in this activity which or in connection with which RU has made has made available any funding, equipment, facilities or personnel for such [event], the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge RU and its agents, officers, and employees any claims, demands, rights of any kinds of an and all known or unknown, foreseen and unforeseen, bodily and personal injuries, damage to property, and the consequences thereof, resulting in or my connection with [event].

     

    _______________________________________________________________

    *This portion for office use:

    Group Organizer's Name: Theresa Rykaczewski

     _______________________

     Signature

     

    __________________________Date________

    Parent Guardian Signature (if participant is under 18 years of age) 

     

     

    _______________________________________________________________

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    • Click to See Artist and Session Information 

    • David Pearce: Perspective for Artists

      Materials:

      Yardstick/Long ruler
      Large sketch/newsprint pad (18x24 suggested) & pad support
      Soft pencils or felt-tip marker
      Painting supplies of choice (if planning to paint along with exercises)

      Description:
      This session explores how perspective applies to three-dimensional objects—primarily buildings and landscapes—allowing them to be rendered on a two-dimensional surface. Demonstration drawings will be presented, along with practice exercises for participants.

      Bio:
      "Life is dull without art." David Pearce focuses on transforming graphical concepts and photographs into impactful visual pieces. His photography allows others to experience places they may never visit, capturing the beauty of nature in both vast landscapes and minute details. He particularly enjoys the challenge of translating a photograph into a painting.


      Katy Dryman Machingo: Artistic Field Study

      Materials:

      Sketchbook, pen, pencil, small ruler
      Baggies for collecting samples for further study
      Painting materials of choice
      Digital tablets (prepare for glare and bring extra charging packs)
      All artistic mediums welcome, including textiles and photography

      Description:
      A fun-filled day for artists of all mediums! Learn plein air techniques, field study possibilities, and methods for collecting and storing visual data and samples in the field.

      Bio:
      Katy Dryman Machingo is a local artist and educator specializing in nature studies and a diverse range of artistic media.


      Brett LaGue: Getting the Most from One Location

      Materials:

      Oil, acrylic, or watercolor paint
      Bright red, medium yellow, ultramarine blue, and white (if using oils/acrylics)
      Six to eight 5x7” painting panels or papers
      Small sketchbook and pencil

      Description:
      A location may seem perfect, but is it the right composition? The first choice may be the most obvious, yet not the best. With six 5x7” panels or papers, explore one location fully through observation—and a bit of paint.

      Bio:
      Based in Fincastle, Virginia, Brett LaGue left a career in advertising in 2007 to become a full-time artist. His work has been exhibited in solo/group presentations, galleries, plein air competitions, and collections across the U.S., England, and France. He is a past recipient of a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts professional fellowship grant. Brett holds a degree in graphic design & illustration from Ringling College of Art + Design.


      Machele Walter: Simply Landscapes

      Materials:

      Good quality paints and preferred palette
      Sketchbook (5x7”, 90-140 lb paper) for sketching and watercolor value studies
      9x12” watercolor pad (140 lb)
      Brushes: Large flat, 10-12 round, small round for details
      #2 pencil, kneaded eraser
      Water container, artist tape, paper towels/cloth, spray bottle
      Bug spray, sunscreen, hat

      Description:
      Nature provides an overwhelming amount of visual information—this session will teach how to simplify and focus on storytelling. The goal is to emphasize shapes first, then use value to enhance impact.


      Lois Stephens: Capturing the Colors of Fall

      Materials:

      Oil or acrylic paint: Quinacridone or medium red, ultramarine blue, medium yellow, white (optional: raw umber, yellow ochre, Payne's gray)
      Painting panels or preferred surfaces
      Filbert and flat bristle brushes, plus one soft brush for blending
      Palette/painting knife
      Easel (preferably with a surface for holding paints and palette)
      Paper towels/rags, plastic bag for disposal
      Odorless solvent (or water for acrylic painters) in a leakproof container
      Pencil and sketchbook
      Box lid or container for transporting wet paintings

      "Important: Bring your sense of humor!"

      Description:
      Following an oil painting demo by the instructor, participants will paint the scene of their choice. The group will reconvene in the final 45 minutes to share observations and insights.
       

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