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Paint Pour Workshop

Let the Colors Flow

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse Parks Department invite you to explore the colorful art of pour paint during this relaxing, beginner-friendly workshop at the Syracuse Community Center.

Also known as fluid art, pour paint is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to create abstract art. No experience is required. Using liquid acrylic paints, you’ll let color, movement, and creativity do the work for you.

This is also a wonderful program to enjoy with your kids.

Event Details

Dates: Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30
Time: 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Syracuse Community Center
Cost: $40 per adult, $10 per supervised child, limit 3
Class Size: Limited to 15 participants
Supplies: All supplies and tools are included

About the Pour Paint Workshop

In this hands-on workshop, participants will create their own abstract painting on a 10 x 10 canvas using one of three pour paint techniques.

Examples will be provided, and each participant can choose the method that inspires them most. A wide variety of pre-mixed colors will be available to explore.

Frames will also be available for purchase once the canvases have dried during the second session.

What to Expect

On the first day, instructor Ann Szeplaki will demonstrate each technique and guide participants as they begin their paintings.

Because the canvases must remain undisturbed while drying, participants will return on the second day to see how their artwork has evolved. The group will also discuss the results together and learn more about the unique effects created through fluid art.

Ann will also provide her paint-mixing recipes for those who wish to continue exploring this creative medium at home.

Pour Paint Techniques

Dirty Pour or Flip Cup

The Dirty Pour, also called the Flip Cup technique, begins by layering multiple colors into a cup. The paint is then poured onto the canvas, creating beautiful and unpredictable patterns as the colors blend together.

Dutch Pour

The Dutch Pour involves pouring colors separately and then using airflow or tools, such as skewers, to guide the paint. This technique creates soft, flowing, feathered designs.

Ring Pour

The Ring Pour begins with layers of paint in a cup. The paint is then poured in a continuous circular motion. As the canvas is tilted, the rings expand into striking patterns.

A Relaxing Summer Art Experience

Join us for a creative summer evening where you can slow down, play with color, and discover something uniquely your own.

Whether you are new to painting or simply looking for a fun and relaxing art experience, the Pour Paint Workshop offers a welcoming way to explore fluid art.

Space is limited to 15 participants, so early registration is encouraged.

Register Here


About the Artist

Ann Szeplaki

Ann Szeplaki has spent much of her life on Lake Wawasee and works in both oils and acrylics. She began painting in 2013 and discovered pour paint last summer, quickly falling in love with the style and technique.

Inspired by the process itself, Ann enjoys the endless variety each piece brings. Even when using the same colors, each painting can produce a completely different result.

She describes pour paint as “grown-up finger painting.” Color is her greatest passion.

Ann will be featured at the 12th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, May 23. Stop by her booth to see her work, ask questions, and take home a piece of her art.

For more information and to view her work, click HERE.


Supporting the Arts in Our Community

This workshop is made possible in part by Regional Art Partner, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, and the Indiana Arts Commission, with support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

2026 Pour Paint Workshop Sponsors

Plein Air Painting Workshop with Fred Doloresco

Chautauqua-Wawasee

An Immersive Outdoor Painting Experience

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association invite you to a three-day immersive plein air painting workshop led by acclaimed artist Fred Doloresco.

Designed for intermediate to advanced landscape painters, this workshop offers the opportunity to refine your skills through live demonstrations, individualized instruction, and group critique in a supportive and inspiring outdoor environment.

Participants will gather at the Wawasee Fine Art Gallery before heading out to carefully selected painting locations around Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana.

"Her Cignets" by Fred Doloresco

What Is Plein Air Painting?

Plein air painting, meaning “in the open air,” is the practice of creating art outdoors, directly from observation. Popularized in the 19th century by artists like Claude Monet, this approach focuses on capturing natural light, color, and atmosphere as they change in real time.

Today, plein air painting continues that tradition, challenging artists to respond quickly, observe deeply, and connect more directly with the landscape.

What You’ll Experience

Throughout the workshop, participants will:

  • Watch live painting demonstrations each morning
  • Receive one-on-one instruction and feedback
  • Paint on location in scenic lakeside settings
  • Participate in daily group critiques
  • Strengthen skills in composition, color harmony, and light

Daily Workshop Format

Each day follows a structured yet relaxed schedule, balancing instruction with dedicated painting time:

9:00 AM – Instructor Demonstration
Fred begins each morning with a 60 to 90 minute plein air demonstration, focusing on composition, color harmony, light, and effective outdoor painting strategies.

10:30 AM to 3:00 PM – Open Painting and Individual Instruction
Participants paint independently on location while Fred circulates throughout the day, offering personalized guidance and support.

12:00 PM – Lunch Provided

4:00 PM – Group Critique
Each day concludes with a group critique, providing thoughtful feedback and shared learning.

Location

The workshop begins each day at the Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at South Shore Social, then moves to outdoor painting locations around Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana.

A designated space will be arranged daily for group critique and discussion.

Materials and Equipment

  • Artists are responsible for bringing their own paints and supplies
  • A limited number of plein air easels will be available on loan
  • A workshop handout will be provided to all participants
  • A “just show up” option with materials is available for an additional fee

 

Fred Doloresco black and white photo

Meet the Artist: Fred Doloresco

Fred Doloresco is an Indiana-based landscape and plein air painter known for his expressive use of light, color, and atmosphere.

A graduate of St. Louis University, he studied with Don Stone, Daniel Gerhartz, and Rose Frantzen. Fred is a signature member of Oil Painters of America and a Master Signature member of the American Impressionist Society and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society. His work has been featured in national and regional exhibitions, and he has received multiple Best of Show awards, including honors from Indiana Heritage Arts, the Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition, and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is intended for intermediate to advanced artists who are ready to deepen their plein air practice and grow through hands-on experience and expert guidance.

Workshop Details

Dates: May 26–28
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Location: Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery, South Shore Social, Syracuse, Indiana (with outdoor sessions around Lake Wawasee)
Cost: $300

Limited spots available.

👉 Register HERE

Supporting the Arts

This workshop is made possible in part by Regional Art Partner the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Indiana Arts Commission_Community Foundation of St. Joseph County logos

Plein Air Summer

Chautauqua-Wawasee in Collaboration with NIPAA Present

2025 Summer Plein Air Events

Commissioned Lake House/Syracuse Scenes Painted for You | May 23-24

Syracuse residents, if you would like a special commissioned piece of your lake house, cottage, or favorite lake/Syracuse scene, 20 artists will be available to paint these commissioned art pieces during the Chautauqua Plein Air Paint Out on May 23-24.

Contact: Dave Broerman at northernindianapleinair@gmail.com
Deadline: May 1st for cost and complete details.


11th Annual Wawasee Arts Festival & Plein Air Art Demonstration and Sale

Come and see a live demonstration of Chautauqua Plein Air Artists at the 11th Annual Wawasee Fine Arts Festival on the grounds of Oakwood Resort on Saturday, May 24, from 9 AM – 4 PM.

At the conclusion of the Art Festival:

  • NIPAA will award prizes
  • Completed Plein Air Art will be for sale all day

Plein Air Workshop | May 28-30

Location: Each day will be a different location around Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Instructors: Award-winning Plein Air Artist Mary Ann Davis, assisted by David Broerman, founder of NIPAA
Cost: $300
Register HERE

  • Equipment, paint, canvases, and lunch provided
  • Limited to 12 participants

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists Association are collaborating to offer a three-day Plein Air Workshop from May 28-30.

Plein Air is the act of painting outdoors, capturing landscapes directly onto canvas at the location of the scene. This workshop will focus on creating stunning landscapes, featuring:

  • Live demonstrations
  • Personal painting time with one-on-one coaching
  • Topics Covered:
    • Linear perspective
    • Creating thumbnail sketches
    • Composition choice
    • Palette and local color selection
    • Underpainting and finishing techniques

About Award-Winning Plein Air Artist Mary Ann Davis

Mary Ann Davis enjoys the challenge of painting on location and is recognized as one of Indiana’s premier Plein Air painters. Her paintings, known for their emphasis on color and atmosphere, have been featured in:

  • Plein Air Magazine
  • American Art Review
  • Pastel Journal
  • Southwest Art Magazine
  • Two Painting Indiana books

Davis exhibits widely, winning top awards, and is known as an exceptional artist and instructor. She is a signature member of:

  • American Impressionist Society
  • MidAmerica Pastel Society
  • Plein Air Artists Colorado
  • Chicago Pastel Painters

Having achieved the prestigious title of Indiana Artisan, her work can be seen at the Indiana Artisan Gallery in Carmel and the Brown County Art Guild in Nashville.


Free Wednesday Evening Paint Outs at Lake Wawasee | 5 – 8:00 PM

Dates: June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 2, 9, 16, 23

Are you a beginner landscape painter looking to try Plein Air painting? Or a seasoned painter wanting to paint with others? Join David Broerman and fellow artists to paint in and around Wawasee and Syracuse.

Meet-Up Location:
Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at South Shore Social at 5 PM, then relocate to the painting location.

What to Expect:

  • David Broerman will assist beginners and provide helpful painting tips
  • Limited Plein Air equipment available for participants to use
  • Sessions are free

Click HERE for more information.


Join Us for an Incredible Summer of Plein Air Art!

Whether you’re looking for a custom painting, a live art experience, or a hands-on workshop, there’s something for everyone at the 2025 Summer Plein Air Events.

Questions? Contact: northernindianapleinair@gmail.com

Follow Chautauqua-Wawasee and NIPAA for updates and announcements!