Painting in Nature: Plein Air at Fish Creek Park





Step beyond the studio—let the landscape inspire your brush!
Level: beginner/intermediate
Ages: 14 and up
The experience
Leave the studio behind and immerse yourself in the natural world. Led by representational artist Todd Lachance, this intimate plein air oil painting workshop is designed to help you paint with spontaneity, bold expression, and growing confidence.
In a small group of just 4–6 participants, you’ll enjoy focused, one-on-one mentorship tailored to your unique artistic voice. Whether capturing the soft, shifting light of a city park or the rugged beauty of the Rockies, Todd will guide you in simplifying nature’s complexity into striking, harmonious compositions.
All professional-grade art materials are provided—just arrive ready to observe, explore, and paint. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with your own hand-painted masterpiece and memories of an inspiring outdoor experience.
The day’s flow:
The workshop is split into two sessions with a mid-day lunch break. Todd begins with a live demonstration, revealing his process for blocking in shapes and capturing the “soul” of a location. Throughout the day, Todd works alongside you, moving between easels to provide real-time feedback as your painting evolves.

Who is this for:
Whether you’re new to painting or just looking to build your confidence, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore painting in nature with personalized guidance. If you love creativity, fresh air, and hands-on learning—or simply want to try something new in an inspiring outdoor setting—this experience is for you.
What to bring: While all art supplies are included, please come prepared with
- Packed lunch and water bottle
- Sturdy walking shoes suitable for a short, mild hike
- Layered clothing to stay comfortable in changing outdoor conditions
- Brimmed hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
Meeting point: Fish Creek – Mallard Point (parking lot). Further details will be emailed to registrants prior to the day of the event.
*Disclaimer – Weather Rescheduling: In the event of rain or severe weather, the workshop may be canceled or rescheduled to ensure safety and comfort of participants. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please check the weather forecast and your inbox before and on the day of the event for any updates regarding your booking.
About the artist: Todd Lachance is a representational fine artist based in Calgary, Alberta, known for his en plein air work. He captures landscapes, figures, and portraits with a focus on light, color, and the essence of his subjects. A lifelong artist, Todd studied at ACAD and refined his practice through mentorship, master study, and hands-on experience. Spending much of his time outdoors, he works directly from life, often developing larger studio paintings from smaller outdoor sketches. Todd is currently represented by Mountain Galleries across Canada.
This experience is offered on multiple dates. To find alternative dates, please click [here].
Private Booking Available!
You can inquire about a private booking of this workshop via our [Private Booking Form], and we’ll arrange a personalized experience just for you!