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May 16 & 17, 2026

Mike Hernandez
Plein Air Workshop

Plein Air Gouache, Oil, Acrylic or Pastel

Paso Robles, California

In this workshop we will

Gain invaluable insights into capturing a sense of natural or stylized lighting and color while painting in plein air with gouache, oil, acrylic or pastels!  A strong understanding of natural color and lighting is an important asset to any environment artist or fine art painter. The Paso Robles area in mid-Spring offers interesting and challenging lighting and color decisions:  The nuanced lighting of the old Mission San Miguel Arcangel; the fleeting light of sunset at a local vineyard; the variety of light and dark in oak woodlands and meadows amidst the calcareous rock of the Paso Robles region.

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Register for the

Mike Hernandez Plein Air Workshop

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Registration Fee

1. Acknowledgment of Risk

I understand that participating in a plein air painting workshop involves certain inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Environmental Hazards: Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, insects, wildlife, and unpredictable weather conditions (heat, rain, wind), at-grade railroad crossings, poison oak, and other unknown conditions.

  • Physical Activity: Carrying heavy painting gear, standing for long periods, and walking to remote painting sites.

  • Materials: Exposure to paints, solvents, and adhesives which may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.

  • Travel: Transporting myself to and from various outdoor locations.

2. Assumption of Risk

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in this workshop, whether known or unknown, even those arising from the negligence of the releasees named below. I certify that I am physically fit and have no medical conditions that would prevent my safe participation.

3. Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate, I hereby release, waive, and discharge Mike Hernandez, Paso Robles Art Association, its directors, officers, vendors and volunteers and the owners of the locations where the workshop is held, from any and all liability, claims, or demands for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising out of my participation in the workshop. I acknowledge that California Civil Code Section 1542, provides that, “A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.” I hereby expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under Section 1542 and any similar law of any state or territory. I understand and acknowledge the significance of this waiver and realize that even if I discover facts in the future that are different from or in addition to those I now know or believe to be true, this release will remain in full force and effect.

4. Medical Treatment

In the event of an injury or medical emergency, I hereby give consent for the instructor or a representative of Paso Robles Art Association to seek medical treatment on my behalf if I am unable to do so. I understand that I am solely responsible for any costs associated with such medical care.

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In this two day workshop, Mike will cover the important fundamentals of composition, design, color relationships, staging the light, atmospheric perspective, simplification, and shape design.  Learn how to capture a rich sense of natural lighting and color while painting in gouache, oil, acrylic or pastels.  Mike will be using gouache but can work in any of these media.  Each day will start with a painting demo by Mike followed by students painting on location.Mike will work with each student and will give an overall critique at the end of the workshop.

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Mike Hernandez

Mike Hernandez.  A native of Los Angeles, California, Mike Hernandez is a plein air painter skilled in gouache, oil, and acrylic. His works have been featured in several online publications as well as galleries. His process began as a young child, painting still-life images. Influenced by the likes of Edgar Payne, Joaquin Sorolla, and Franz Bischoff, Mike soon explored the foundations of color and light in the outdoors—striving to find the beauty in the ordinary. With a palette that resides at the crossroads between industrial and landscapes, he finds inspiration anywhere from the Eastern Sierra range to the muddy concrete banks of the Los Angeles River. Mike studied at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, graduating with a B.A. in 1998. Mike was a Production Designer and Art Director as well as a concept artist at Dreamworks Animation and worked on such films as Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Turbo, Penguins of Madagascar and many other films.  Mike is also a member of a limited group of the finest painters in the US called PAPA (Plein Air Painters of America) as well as a nationwide sought-after workshop instructor. His works can be found in several private collections around the world.

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Paso Robles Art Association, 1130 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA  Phone: (805) 712-4555

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