Royal Society of Marine Artists | Events Programme 2026

The Royal Society of Marine Artists presents a series of special events to complement the RSMA Annual Exhibition 2026: 

Painting Demonstration by Matthew Phinn
Wednesday 16 September, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Matthew Phinn will demonstrate a range of transparent watercolour techniques, including wet-in-wet and dry brush methods. He will talk about the materials he uses, including the different types of brushes, pigments, and paper, and explain how they influence the finished painting.

Painting Demonstrations by Roger Dellar
Thursday 17 September, 11am and 2pm

Roger Dellar will demonstrate in his usual relaxed way, taking current marine subjects and explaining his process, inviting the audience to ask questions.

First session | 11am to 1pm | Watercolour and white gouache

Second session | 2pm to 4pm | Alla prima oil painting

Printmaking Demonstration by Joshua Miles
Friday 18 September, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Joshua Miles will demonstrate the technique behind his four layer reduction linocut, Seashell Shore, on display at the RSMA Annual Exhibition (see below). Joshua will bring props to show how he works, including the actual lino, plus some of his tools.

Painting Demonstration by Ann Flynn
Friday 18 September, 2pm to 4pm

Ann Flynn will demonstrate her approach to painting a seascape in oils. Light has always been at the heart of Ann's work and throughout the demonstration she will reveal how she uses it to create atmosphere, depth, and vitality in her paintings.

Painting Demonstration by Dave West
Friday 18 September, 2pm to 4pm

For this demonstration, Dave West will be working in oil paint from an image of a scene from the west coast of Ireland, an area he has spent a lot of time painting with its distinctive harbours and boats.

"Most of my work is executed ‘en plein air’ but I’m also happy enough bringing those learned skills into the studio and working from a photo reference. At the gallery, I will be aiming to create a compelling artwork by manipulating design and composition, selecting a limited palette of colours to create harmony and using a range of creative and interesting brushwork and mark-making." – Dave West

Painting Demonstration by Tom Marsh
Saturday 19 September, 2pm to 4pm

Join plein air painter Tom Marsh as he shares his painting process, revealing how to paint with confidence, economy, and expressive simplicity, achieving more with fewer brushstrokes. Along the way, he'll offer practical advice on choosing and using equipment, along with plenty of tips and techniques to help anyone eager to experience the rewards of painting outdoors.

Painting Demonstration by Paula Mitchell
Tuesday 22 September, 10:30am to 12:30pm

Paula Mitchell will be demonstrating a live work up from a recent plein air oil sketch of a scene from the banks of the River Thames.

Working in oils, she will detail her original inspiration for the work, aspects of storytelling and her decision making process as she completes the painting for visitors to the RSMA Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries.

Painting Demonstration by Srirangam Mohankumar
Wednesday 23 September, 2pm to 4pm

Srirangam Mohankumar's subject will be a ‘Harbour and Beach’ scene. Watch as Kumar demonstrates how to make dynamic brush marks showing economy of application and accurate drawing of the elements, capturing the essence of the scene.

Painting Demonstrations by Patsy Moore 
Thursday 24 September, 10:30am and 2pm

Patsy Moore will demonstrate twice, in watercolour, then oil.

First session | 10:30am to 1pm | Venice - The Piazzetta: A watercolour of early morning light in Venice, simplifying elements in order to focus on the story

Second session | 2pm to 4pm | A Quiet Backwater in Venice: A quiet, atmospheric scene in oil paint, exploring subtle colour changes and reflections

Painting Demonstration by Geoff Hunt
Friday 25 September, 11am to 2pm

Join Geoff Hunt for a watercolour demonstration; either a plein-air painting, or else studio pieces of that character worked up from on-site sketches.

Banner image (detail): Ann Flynn ARSMA. Featured images (top to bottom): Matthew Phinn RI RSMA, Joshua Miles ARSMA, Paula Mitchell ARSMA, Geoff Hunt PPRSMA