Start 2025 Off Right: Competition Painting Workshop with Steve Puttrich
Session | Available
Kick off the new year by leveling up your painting skills with master artist and experienced plein air competition judge, Steve Puttrich. This two-day intensive workshop at Chicago’s Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art will focus on what it takes to create award-winning paintings.
Through personalized instruction, live demonstrations, and hands-on painting sessions, you’ll gain valuable insight into the elements that elevate your work, including design, storytelling, and the confident use of light and contrast. Steve will also share his perspective as a judge, giving you an inside look at what makes paintings stand out in competitions.
Whether you’re preparing for upcoming events or simply looking to strengthen your skills, this workshop will provide practical tools and inspiration to start your artistic journey in 2025 on the right note. Spaces are limited to ensure individual attention—reserve your spot today!
- The workshop will meet in our lower-level studio.
Some students may already have some equipment, so feel free to bring whatever supplies you have.
Palette in which to squeeze out your colors and area to mix your paints.
Tripod and mast for holding your panels. The class has easels already, but feel free to bring your plein air gear.
Paints: Oil Paints: Please bring at least a warm and cool of each primary color.
I recommend the following colors:
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- Oil paints.
Cadmium yellow lightTransparent OrangeQuinacridone red Quinacridone violet Ultramarine blueCobalt BlueViridianSap GreenTransparent Yellow EarthTransparent Red EarthRadiant BlueTitanium White
Oil painting medium
Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS) Gamsol is the bestWalnut oil Alkyd medium
Panels: A few small panels. You can also choose to paint on very affordable gesso primed board. 8x10, 9x12, or 11x14 are all good sizes.
Brushes - A number of flats and filberts are good to have along with a liner or a rigger. A 3/8” Ivory dagger will also be used.
I also use some small ½”, 1, 1.5” throwaway chip brushes from Ace Hardware
Other: Sketchbook for working out your designs and compositions,
Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B), kneaded eraser.
Roll of paper towels. Plastic trash bag.
Steve Puttrich
Phone: 312-339-9178
Email: puttrich@comcast.net
Website: http://www.steveputtrich.com
Steve Puttrich started his studies at the American Academy of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. He received degrees in architectural illustration, graphic design and fine art. Steve studied watercolor painting under the Director Irving Shapiro. After a 35-year career as an artist, designer, and Vice President of Creative Services for an engineering company, Steve is now enjoying "semi-retirement" with his artist wife, Bobbie and being a full-time artist and instructor.