Andrew Cheddie Sookrah

Painting a Vibrant Plein Air Landscape In Acrylics

Join acclaimed artist and art instructor Andrew Cheddie Sookrah for an exciting exploration of the interconnections between colour, form, structure, depth and texture found in the Ontario landscape.

Leveraging the versatility of acrylics while working en plein air on the beautiful grounds of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, begin or continue your exploration of how to observe and interpret the landscape to develop a vibrant painting in your own voice.

The following is a suggested itinerary for the two-day workshop; this outline could be changed to accommodate participants’ wishes for individual outcomes.

Program Schedule

9.30 am – Participants will gather and participate in a meet and greet with instructor Andrew Sookrah. Review of experience levels and desired outcomes.

Andrew will begin the program with a short talk plein air painting, including a brief discussion on drawing techniques, perspective, composition, colour, texture, and the use of materials. Andrew will also touch on the different approaches needed when working en plein air.

10 am – Andrew will lead a demonstration of en plein air painting at a suitable location. The demonstration will focus on constructing a landscape using a layered technique beginning with a wet blocking in of all shapes.

10:45 am – Artists select a spot, set up their canvases and begin to paint Andrew will provide participants with regular feedback on their respective projects.

12:30 pm – Lunch break. Please note that snacks, beverages and light refreshments are available from the McMichael’s restaurant, CABIN. Please click here for the menu. 

1 pm – Andrew will share a second demonstration session with participants, continuing from the piece that was started in the morning. 

3:30 pm – Participants will paint with one-regular on-one guidance on their progress. 

The first day of the program will conclude at 4 pm.

10 am – Andrew will begin the second day of the program with a demonstration piece at a suitable location, using palette knives and found objects.

10:45 am – Artists select a spot, set up their canvases and begin to paint. Andrew will provide participants with regular feedback on their respective projects.

12.30 pm – Lunch break. Please note that snacks, beverages and light refreshments are available from the McMichael’s restaurant, CABIN. Please click here for the menu.

1 pm – Andrew will share a second demonstration session with participants continuing from the piece that was started in morning. 

1:45 pm – Participants will paint with one-on-one guidance on progress. 

2:30 pm – Gathering for critique and constructive feedback 

The workshop will conclude at 3 pm.

Date & Time

Saturday July 26 and
Sunday July 27, 2025
10 am – 4 pm

Program Cost

$192 McMichael members
$240 General public

Location

McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Founder’s Lounge (capacity 60)
10365 Islington Ave,
Kleinburg, ON L0J 1C0

Materials List

Acrylics: Not included.
View a list of suggested materials.

Ticket sales are non-refundable.

2025 Schedule

En Plein Air Weekend

Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27, 2025 | 10 am – 4 pm

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About the Instructor

Andrew Cheddie Sookrah is a professional artist and an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, the Society of Canadian Artists, the Ontario Society of Artists, and the Portrait Society of Canada. He was a runner up contestant in Landscape Artist of the Year Canada 2020. Sookrah uses a combination of painting demonstrations and individual guidance to create a fun, supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

“Andrew Sookrah is that rare combination of an accomplished artist who is also a gifted teacher.  He clearly explains and demonstrates his process, while also giving ample individual attention to each student in the class.  Andrew always strikes the right balance between making class challenging and making it fun.”  – Peter Fairweather 

Works by Previous Participants

Artist: Hazel Hartley
Title: The Elder, acrylics
@hazeqart

Artist: Peter Fairweather
Title: Local, acrylics peterfairweather.com

Artist: Kerrie Curran
Title: Woodland Stream, acrylics