Adult Learning: Alla Prima with Zarahn Southon

Ever wanted to try oil painting, but didn’t know where to start?

To complement the exhibition A Century of Modern Art, this workshop invites you to explore figure and still life painting, inspired by the loose brushwork and luminous colours of Impressionism.

After a guided tour of the exhibition, you’ll take part in a painting session outside in the Gallery’s amphitheatre. Inspired by the surrounding light, colours and textures, you’ll paint your own en plein air (outside) painting, guided by tutor Zarahn. The session begins with an oil painting demonstration by Zarahn, who will guide you to paint alla prima (wet-on-wet) directly onto canvas. 

These fun and relaxed painting workshops are designed to be flexible – you can book for the morning, afternoon, or a full day. Whether you’re a beginner or confident with a brush, support and manaakitanga will be provided to help you grow your skills in oil painting.

Limited spaces are available – bookings are required.

Please let us know about any access requirements at the time of booking.

Session 1
9am                   30–45 min guided tour of A Century of Modern Art
10am                 2.5 hr introduction to oil painting session in the amphitheatre
12.30pm            Session ends
Session 2
12.30pm            45 min tour of A Century of Modern Art
1.30pm              2.5 hr introduction to oil painting session in the amphitheatre
4pm                   Session ends

Materials list

All materials will be supplied and yours to keep.

Artwork credit: Berthe Morisot, In the Garden at Maurecourt, 1884, oil on canvas, Toledo Museum of Art, purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, gift of Edward Drummond Libbey.

About your tutor:

Zarahn Tūwharetoa Southon (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Pukenga, Whakatōhea) is an Auckland-based painter of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Samoan and mixed European Jewish descent. On completion of a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 1998, Southon had several solo shows and in 2005 was awarded a Contemporary Pacific Art Scholarship, which funded a trip to study in Florence, Italy. In 2007 he was awarded a scholarship from the classical art school Studio Escalier in the Loire Valley, France. On completion, he furthered his studies with senior lecturer at Studio Escalier and pioneer of restructured Realism, Ted Seth Jacobs, in San Francisco. These periods of study in Italy, France and America were highly influential on Southon’s current practice. Described by an art critic as New Zealand’s own Lucian Freud, Southon’s artworks explore allegorical themes, portraiture and still life. He has exhibited regularly at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in Wellington. Public institutions holding Southon’s works include the Auckland City Council and the Wallace Trust Collection at the Pah Homestead in Auckland.

Southon is currently the Te Kotahitanga delegate for his hapū of Ngāti Kurauia at Tokaanu marae, Turangi. He holds a diploma in te reo Māori and is currently finishing a degree in te reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Image credit: Zarahn Southon