FALL SESSION
NOVEMBER 7 - DECEMBER 19, 2025
Sky & Clouds & Land & Air
ONLINE WORKSHOP
The Sky & Clouds & Land & Air online course has evolved so much since I started teaching it five years ago and I’m happy to offer another online version this fall.
Watch a short video about SCLA ONLINE
What’s Included
12 Hours of Live Instruction
• Six 2-hour group classes
• Six weekly 30-minute 1-on-1 check-ins
• Bonus: Group critique night
Replay Access
• HD recordings of every class
• Watch anytime for three extra months
Community Support
• Private Facebook group for SCLA students
• Connect, share work, & ask questions
between classes
*Important Note
It can be challenging to find time for a two hour class during a weekday, which is why attendance at the live session is not required.
All classes are recorded in HD and uploaded to the site by the next morning. If you can’t make the Friday 12–2 PM EST meeting time, you can watch the replay at your convenience and paint along with the demos whenever it fits your schedule.
This isn’t ‘cloud painting class’.
Yes, you will learn tons about painting clouds but the SCLA workshop offers so much more! Students get comprehensive instruction in the fundamentals of landscape painting and learn how to build a consistent, sustainable studio practice.
The goal isn’t just skill-building—it’s long-term creative growth supported by structure, momentum, and purpose.
Sketching as a practice carries the potential energy of exploration. When we adopt a sketching mindset, we release the pressure to make something perfect and instead open ourselves to playful discovery and variations on seeing and translating the world as painters. It removes the preciousness from the process and invites us to make bold, intuitive choices.
For me, embracing this mindset changed everything. It shifted that paralyzing “deer in headlights” feeling into one of trust that I could start without knowing exactly where I’d end up, and actually enjoy the process of figuring it out along the way. Sketching isn’t just a tool for developing ideas; it’s a powerful way to deepen both technique and intuition in our work.
—From the Sky & Clouds & Land & Air Keynote
The sketching mindset…
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Painted Sketch Inventions—Direct and Indirect Painting
The workshop revolves around the practice of inventing small scale landscape motifs using a limited palette variation I call ‘muted scale’. It’s essentially using low chroma colors and neutrals as stand-ins for higher chroma colors during the early stages of composing a painting. As the composition is worked out and solidified, higher chroma colors are worked in directly with opaque paint, or indirectly by glazing, to finish the painting.
During this workshop, we work with direct painting methods as both an end in itself and as a set-up for indirect painting methods used during the finishing phases. Direct painting is more intuitive and done quickly and reactively. Indirect painting seeks to refine those initial decisions while still honoring the original energy and spirit present in the early stages of painting.
The second part of this workshop aims to use our small sketches and the process we practiced as a platform and a map to creating a larger studio painting.
I often used to struggle with how to translate the energy of a small sketch into a larger studio painting. What I found is that a few simple steps using what I call a ‘process map’ not only helped me prepare for the larger surface area, but did so in a way that preserved the spirit of the sketch instead of losing it to tedium and frustration (like I used to do years ago). This studio mindset led to better large scale paintings, more clarity and confidence in my creative decisions, and a joyful workflow where the action of painting can flourish instead of being strangled by overthinking.
By ‘studio painting’ I mean something more developed than a sketch, which could be, adding more detail, more definition in forms, more precision rendering, but it doesn’t have to mean any of those things either. It could simply be a larger and (slightly) more developed version of the sketch. This is where the studio mindset comes in as a tool to help us define what we want our finished work to look and feel like.
For some, it’s highly refined, highly detailed, no brushwork showing. For others, it’s painterly and loose with bold brushwork. So as we practice, we also cultivate our definition of what we mean when we say ‘this painting is finished’.
This workshop isn’t a step by step on how to paint clouds from photos, although I explain and demonstrate exactly what steps I use and map out a comprehensive workflow for students to follow. So, yes, we paint landscapes with an emphasis on clouds and sky but…This program was designed to simultaneously serve the bigger issue of developing a consistent creative practice and getting the absolute most out the time spent in the studio.
It’s about practicing practice which ultimately leads to skill building, proficiency, a catalog of sketches to pull from when making studio paintings, and most importantly, a relationship with your creative self that allows for more growth and expansion beyond the subject matter.
So clouds and sky and land and air are the vehicle we use to get to creative proficiency, or at the very minimum, to get us to a place where we are more comfortable and confident during the search for our singular creative voice.
Our goals in SCLA Level One:
To gain a better understanding of how to use direct painting both as an end in itself, and as a set-up for indirect finishing phases
To use low chroma colors to compose paintings from imagination (or photo sources if students prefer that) and introduce high chroma colors both directly and indirectly as the painting moves from beginning to finishing stages
To keep value and design in mind as drivers of the composition
To learn to use glazing as a way to shift the temperature and tone
To give careful consideration to the concept and use of color harmony as it pertains to the beginning, middle, and finishing phases of painting.
To adopt the sketching mindset as a way of practicing practice
create a catalog of sketches to use as reference when making studio paintings
become confident using a limited palette to sketch
Our goals in SCLA Level Two:
To use build large scale paintings using monochromatic block-ins to create value-maps
To define what it means for our painting to be ‘finished’
To approach larger paintings with the same starting process as the sketches but work towards a more refined finish
To navigate the translation from sketches to formal studio painting
To maintain a joyful workflow and avoid overthinking
take the preciousness out of the process and improve creative decision making on both the palette and canvas
choose progress over perfection in both sketches and studio paintings
I often joke that I paint like someone is chasing me, especially in the beginning stages and block ins.
I need beginnings to feel like that—immediate, reactive, improvisational—like I’m winded afterwards from trying to outrun my inner critic.
MATERIALS
CLASS STRUCTURE
Week One
Introductions and overview of SCLA course
Explanation of materials, board set-up, and palette.
SCLA Keynote Presentation which outlines all the technical and academic principles behind what we will be working on. (sample video below)
Short ‘tech-tour’ to introduce students to SCLA Check-In scheduling menu
Palette Tour and intro to ‘muted scale’ palette
Explanation on ‘The Four Phases Process’
Live demo of phase one: block-ins : I recommend students just watch the demos and listen to the real time narration instead of painting along in real time. Some students, especially beginners, use the HD recording to paint along with the demo in order to directly follow what I do. This is a great idea for those who are not used to inventing motifs or simply want to copy the demos week to week and match my brushwork and process. I’m totally ok with students copying my demos as a vehicle to learn the process.
*NOTE- Students will be visible and unmuted during the class and encouraged to
ask questions during the demos and contribute to the group critiques
Week Two
Each class opens with a Q&A Session followed by a recap of the technical principles in a segment called, Ways to Begin & Things to Remember.
Demo of phase 2 & 3 / Articulating the block-in and Refining the design
Discussions on temperature vs color, brevity in the sketch, variations on a theme, and considering the introduction of a full palette.
Week Three
Intro to Finishing Phase / Discussion on refining a painting without over-processing
Q&A and Ways to Begin & Things to Remember
Demo on glazing, introduction of higher chroma colors
Week Four
Q&A and Ways to Begin & Things to Remember
Review of final sketches
Intro to Level 2 / SCLA Keynote Level 2 Developing a Studio Painting from Sketches
Level 2 SCLA Online is an extended exploration of the exercise we started in Level 1 and an opportunity to develop a process of translating sketches into larger studio paintings. It’s also the next step in framing out a body of work that feels coherent in both technique and concept. Once L2 is completed, students can enter into the StudioWork Mentorship Program to keep the momentum going while they build a body work separate from what they made in SCLA and more aligned with their own vision and voice.
Prerecorded Video Demos on the four ways I use to block in larger work including monochromatic using Indigo Blue, Burnt Umber, Direct Painting, and much more.
Week Five
Q&A and Ways to Begin & Things to Remember
More pre-recorded video demos on starting and completing large scale paintings
Group In-Progress crit of students larger paintings
Week Six
Final Q&A and Ways to Begin & Things to Remember featuring final thoughts and reading list
Group presentations of sketches and the large paintings made from them
ONE-ON-ONE CHECK-INS
One of the most valuable aspects of the Sky & Clouds & Land & Air Online Workshop—and what distinguishes it from other online courses—is that in addition to our 2-hour group classes, every student gets a 30-minute private Zoom session each week.
These check-ins have become a cornerstone of my online teaching. They provide space to focus on your unique painting challenges, answer questions in depth, and give feedback that goes far beyond what’s possible in a group setting.
Here’s how it works: you’ll submit your weekly homework, then during our session I’ll share my screen and demonstrate directly on the image of your painting using Photoshop. This allows me to show, in real time, how adjustments in value, color, composition, edges, and texture can transform your work. You’ll also be able to record these check-ins and keep them forever as a practical guide to help you refine your painting before the next class.
These one-on-ones are a game changer and a rare opportunity for focused, individualized mentorship within the structure of a group course.
TESTIMONIALS
This was the best workshop I have taken, and I have been to a few over the years. You are a great and encouraging teacher.
Thank you so much for doing this! The online format was very helpful. It really helps to be able to watch the recordings and practice. In a 3-5 day workshop the training is focused and intense, and I wouldn’t have so many life distractions, but I also end up forgetting a lot...Thank you so much for the critiques! So, so helpful! I’ve been terrified of critiques. I’ve been to many where our work was torn apart verbally. You critiques were helpful and honest to each person’s level and ability and uplifting and encouraging.
— Heather G.
I throughly enjoyed Adriano’s workshop. He is a gifted instructor who exudes patience and calmness . He is overly generous with his time to help both in the class and the valuable weekly critiques. He is incredibly knowledgeable!
— Cathy A.
I did both the in person SCLA workshop and the online level 2 class. In that time I’ve not only grown in my understanding of what I’m doing but have learned a tremendous amount about how to approach the work.
Adriano is hands down one of the kindest, most considerate and knowledgeable instructors I’ve had. He honors where you are in your process as well as giving you valuable information on improving as an artist. I am very grateful I’ve had the experience of his classes.
— Kelly M.
“Working with Adriano has been one of the best choices I’ve made to enhance my skills and mindset as a painter. His knowledge of composition, color and making paintings helped me reach a new level as an artist. If you are looking to grow and learn and are open to something new this is the course to take.
Level I and Level II expanded my acumen as a painter. His ability to identify assets and strengths in my work was a real plus. I found his personality to be no-nonsense, positive and encouraging.”
— Andrea M.
Adriano is an incredible artist and teacher, and his online workshops are the perfect balance of demonstrations, technique, and personalized instruction. The Sky & Clouds & Land & Air courses have helped me grow tremendously as an artist, in both skill and confidence. I’m amazed at the amount of knowledge I’ve gained for my studio practice!
— Amanda T.
An excellent and focused workshop full of information, personal attention and constructive feedback of my sketches and paintings. Gave me a solid working process to follow which provides a good base before starting larger paintings. Adriano shared how he thinks while painting which has helped me get out of my own way to become more focused
— Judith C.
This class was everything I hoped for and more. It was so well-organized and Adriano's demonstrations were great, as was his feedback as we were working on our own. He wove all kinds of helpful information and insights into his comments, not just about what we were doing in the moment, but useful tips for anytime. The studio space was wonderful, as was exploring Easton's great food offerings at lunch. The whole experience was absolutely perfect.
— Sheila D.
Adriano is a very inspiring artist and a generous instructor. He clearly articulates how to use different color palettes and color mixes to achieve a feeling of airiness and light, and he helps students achieve their individual goals.He has invested in technology to make the online instruction experience as illuminating as possible.
— Anna T.
“ I’d recommend this workshop to anyone looking to expand and develop their artistic practice. Adriano is an unusually gifted painter and watching him work is truly inspiring. He describes and illustrates his process in a grounded fashion.
While I’m sure he is capable of high minded art-speak he uses a non-academic vernacular that any artist at any level of ability or training can relate to and learn from. He has devised a clever and practical series of excercises that lead you along a path of discovery and invention.
After thirty years of full time painting I needed to refresh and reset my ingrained habits and Adriano’s workshops were the perfect fit for me. I will be working with Adriano again in the near future for sure.”
— David M.
This is the one of the best classes I have ever taken. The critiques are honest and truly motivated me with solid skills to progress with, and the demonstrations and wealth of knowledge offered were invaluable. Adriano is a truly fantastic teacher.
— Tiffany G.
This class more than met my expectations! It was awesome to watch Adriano paint during the demos while explaining his thought process. The one on one sessions were so very helpful as Adriano critiqued my work and had the technology to add to and paint over my sketches and offer guidance for improvement. I definitely recommend this great class!!
— Karen E.
Cost was very fair. You provided a lot of technical support, hours of instruction plus critique. I thought it was a great value.Loved the techniques, learned some painting concepts I should have learned in college, loved the info about palette set-up, value, and chroma. I would be unlikely to travel to Eastern PA for a workshop, and I am extremely shy about working in front of other people, so this was a great fit for me. That being said, now I’d love to come take a class in person
— Judith K.
I’ve been to several landscape painting workshops. Adriano’s has been my favorite. I find that I’m not a technical “heady” artist and so his intuitive process really speaks to me. He made it approachable with his kindness and encouragement. I feel I have a better understanding of how to keep moving through the sketches.In many ways I became a landscape artist because I love the landscape. I enjoy hiking and exploring it. Adriano’s class reminds me of those walks. I don’t know what I’ll find but I know it’s out there. It takes work (and I get tired along the way, get lost or stumble) but it’s always worth the work for the discovery, the beauty and the gratitude it brings.
— Dawn B.
Adriano is a great teacher. The way his class is organized and the focus on process is perfection. Adriano is a wonderful coach and understands that learning a new skill requires simplification and encouragement. This class is an amazing experience
— Rebecca S.
*
SIGN UP
*
ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
* SIGN UP * ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
*Note - Enrollment is limited to 10 students*All workshops and classes are non-refundable but I’m happy to transfer tuition to another workshop or online class on a case by case basis.
SCLA ONLINE CLASS DEMO
New to SCLA? Get a taste of the experience below. These condensed demos from a recent class show the kind of step-by-step instruction and insight you can expect in the full workshop.
And remember—when you join, you’ll get HD recordings of every class with unlimited access for three extra months, so you can rewatch lessons and paint along at your own pace.
The entire sketch demo from the SCLA 6 week online class can be watched here in 30 minutes. Students in the in-person class will have access to demos like this during their workshop.
This is a condensed version of the SCLA Level 1 Keynote, Notes on Painted Sketches. We spend some time on the morning of the first day of in-person class watching this in order to learn the context and technical overview of the class.
Book an SCLA Check-In.
Follow the prompts to select your day and time. You’ll receive a confirmation email immediately that contains your zoom meeting id.
Before your appointment, email a jpg of your work in progress to studioworksessions@gmail.com with your name and class time in the subject
During out meeting I’ll import your jpg into Photoshop and digitally ‘paint’ on it to help clarify any technical issues like value, color, composition, edges, etc.
Students will have the option of recording their one-on-one critiques to watch again anytime.