I recently had the opportunity to attend an oil painting workshop led by the incredibly talented artist Coleman Senecal at The Pinner House in Suffolk, Virginia. If you haven’t yet read my previous post about this charming historic inn, definitely check it out—The Pinner House is a must-visit gem that feels like stepping into another world.
The workshop was held in the carriage house on the property, and it truly couldn’t have been a more perfect setting. With the weather in our favor, Coleman greeted each participant outside with a warm welcome, encouraging us to grab a coffee or bite from Café Davina, the onsite coffee bar housed in the main house. That small gesture—taking the time to settle in without any pressure to start right at 9 AM—set the tone for what turned out to be a wonderfully relaxed and inspiring morning.
Coleman is best known for her water-themed paintings, and this workshop focused on that very subject. I had originally discovered her on social media a few months ago when she was offering a marshland painting class, but it sold out before I could grab a spot. So I was extra excited to finally join this one!
Everything we needed for the class was provided, which made the experience easy and stress-free. Coleman’s teaching style is approachable and encouraging—there was no pressure to create a masterpiece, just an open invitation to learn and enjoy the process. With about 20 participants, it felt more like a gathering of creative friends than a formal class.
Although this was my first time using oil paints (I’ve dabbled a little in watercolor and acrylics), I really enjoyed it. Oil paints move and blend in such a satisfying way, and despite us all working from the same inspiration image, every painting turned out uniquely beautiful. Coleman kept the instructions simple and approachable, which made it a perfect class for beginners but also enjoyable for those with more experience.
At the end of the day, I was honestly happy with how my painting turned out—and even more importantly, I left feeling creatively energized. True to form as a serial hobbyist, I’m now using the supply list Coleman provided and slowly filling up my online shopping cart so I can keep practicing at home.
A big thank you to Coleman for creating such a welcoming and fun environment to learn in. I’d absolutely sign up for another one of her workshops in the future—and if you ever get the chance to attend one, I highly recommend it!
Tammy's Tidbits 
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