REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 15, 2026
WORKSHOP: MAY 9, 2026 FROM 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Pacific)

NOTICE TO WA STATE RESIDENTS: Effective Oct. 1, 2025, NWWS is obligated to charge WA state residents sales tax on our online workshops. This does NOT apply to anyone residing outside of WA state. 

Irish Greens & Rolling Hills: Painting Depth and Light in County Galway

About Sebastian:
Sebastian Thommen resides in Ireland. He discovered a love for watercolor in his youth, keeping it as a personal passion while pursuing acting. After later transitioning to painting professionally, he quickly gained recognition, winning the Silver Award and Artists’ Choice Award at Art in the Open in 2023. In 2025, he was invited to serve as one of the three judges at Europe’s biggest plein-air festival, featured in Artists & Illustrators magazine, and awarded Best Urban Scene at the Watercolour Society of Ireland Annual Exhibition.

About the Workshop, Sebastian’s Description:
“In this three-hour workshop, I’ll take you through my full process for painting a classic Irish landscape — rolling hills, a sunlit cottage, long tree shadows, and of course, a few sheep to bring the scene to life.

We’ll begin with a quick 10-minute study. This isn’t a separate exercise — it’s my way of thinking on paper before starting the main painting. I’ll show you exactly how I approach composition: what I move, what I simplify, and how I decide on a design that feels pleasing and strong. You’ll see my reasoning as I shape the scene the way I want to paint it.

Next, I’ll spend about 10 minutes demonstrating how I mix my greens. Not everyone loves working with green, but I have a way of making them interesting, lively, and harmonious. I’ll explain the logic behind the colour choices so you can apply the same ideas in your own landscapes.

From there, we’ll dive into the main painting — rolling hills in County Galway. I’ll guide you through creating depth, layering washes, and building a strong sense of distance. We’ll work from the large shapes first and gradually refine the cottage, trees, stone walls, and finishing touches. And yes — we’ll add sheep! They’re simple, fun, and they instantly give the landscape an unmistakably Irish feel.

By the end, you’ll have a complete painting, a better understanding of greens, and a clear roadmap you can use for future scenes.

I reckon that I will have ample time to create the two, 10 min lessons before the actual painting. It’s a good way to warm up too!”

Supply List