Calvin Liang Workshop
Brushwork & Design
A Plein Air Painting Workshop
Instructor: Calvin Liang
Dates: Sept 28–30, 2026 (M–W)
Class times: 9:00–4:00
Class Limit: 16 students
Tuition: $595.00
Level: All Levels
Location: Carmel Area
Immerse yourself in three inspiring days of plein air painting with internationally acclaimed artist Calvin Liang as you explore the breathtaking landscapes of California’s Monterey Peninsula. Each morning begins with a live painting demonstration, offering a firsthand look at Calvin’s approach to capturing light, atmosphere, and the essence of a scene. Throughout the day, he’ll work individually with each participant, providing personalized guidance and constructive feedback.
Painting outdoors is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your artistic foundation. By working directly from nature, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of composition, design, color relationships, and the changing effects of light. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or elevate your confidence, this workshop will provide practical techniques you can apply to every painting.
During this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
- Design stronger, more compelling compositions that support your artistic vision.
- Recognize and use warm and cool color relationships to create luminous, believable landscapes.
- Control hard and soft edges to establish depth, atmosphere, and focal points.
- Simplify complex scenes using sound principles of value, shape, color, and drawing.
- Create expressive paint surfaces with purposeful brushwork and texture.
- Paint efficiently and confidently, producing fresh, dynamic studies within a limited amount of time.
With Calvin’s clear instruction and individualized coaching, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create stronger, more expressive plein air paintings while enjoying some of the most beautiful painting locations on the California coast.
Watch 90-minute painting demonstration here
Register Below
Biography: Born in Canton, China, Calvin Liang discovered his passion for painting while in high school. He went on to study at the prestigious Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, one of China’s most respected and competitive art institutions. Following graduation, Calvin applied his artistic talents to the theatrical arts, designing and creating stage sets for operas and musicals at the Canton Opera Institute.
After moving to the United States in 1987, Calvin continued his artistic career, first in the entertainment industry. He worked as a visual development artist for both Walt Disney Studios and Nickelodeon, contributing to beloved productions including The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, The Angry Beavers, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Although his animation career was highly successful, California’s extraordinary landscapes ultimately inspired Calvin to pursue fine art full time. Today he is internationally recognized for his luminous oil paintings that capture the drama of wind-filled sailboats, the rugged beauty of the California coastline, historic Spanish missions, and sunlit landscapes. His work is celebrated for its masterful command of light, atmosphere, and color, inviting viewers to experience familiar places with fresh appreciation.
Calvin is a Master Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, a Signature Member of the California Art Club, and a Signature Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association. His paintings have earned numerous national awards and have been featured in leading art publications, establishing him as one of today’s most respected contemporary landscape painters and instructors.
