Explore Painting Classes at Art in the Wilderness
Discover and develop your creativity with the celebrated Hamilton plein air & studio artist, Cheryl-Ann Hills.
Create en Plein Air with Cheryl-Ann Hills at the Hamilton Conservation Authority
New Workshops posted Monthly all held outdoors at various Hamilton Conservation Areas.
Start Your Next Adventure Outdoors Join us for Painting en Plein Air!
Artists have been practicing the art of painting and drawing outdoors since the time of Monet. He was a pioneering impressionist who influenced art styles and practices by painting outdoors en plein air. His goal was to capture those precious fleeting moments of light and interpret the effects of natural light on the natural environment.
I like to call it part sport part art. The main reason is that you often require specialized equipment that helps you to effectively manage the challenges of being outdoors in ever-changing weather.
In this decade, that challenge is growing as our weather patterns have become more unpredictable. But don't fret!! I have lots of tips and ideas to help my students experience the best of plein air art making in todays challenging environment.
Beginners Welcome!! All Levels & all mediums Welcome!
Want to try a class but don’t want to purchase an easel? I have a few easels available for $5 rental.
You can also follow me on Instagram or subscribe to the semi monthly newsletter. I look forward to seeing you outdoors this year creating beautiful art with me!
June Plein Air Classes
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 9am to noon
What you'll Experience:
A short 5-10 min hike to our painting location.
3 hours of connecting with nature through art making, meeting new friends and one to one instruction.
Your instructor will present a very brief demonstration at the beginning of the class.
Beginners encouraged and welcomed!!
What you'll see:
Tiffany Falls is struggling with overuse and loss of habitat. Therefore, groups larger than 4 will remain nearby the parking area to view the beautiful creek featuring rock walls and forests and rapids. Smaller groups will venture further onto the trail towards the falls to discover bridges, moss covered rocks and the falls.
Ample parking and on-site washrooms.
Admission fee to the conservation area is required or get your HCA yearly pass for easy access.
Good to Know:
Participants can use any medium, including but not limited to: drawing tools, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, oil paints, pastels, collage. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure art materials are not accidentally spilled therefore containers with tight fitting lids are REQUIRED. All students will practice “leave no trace” to protect and respect these beautiful conservation areas. A full recommended materials list will be sent upon registration.
Tiffany Falls Location: 900 Wilson St E, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K5
Date: Sunday June 14, 2026
Time: 9am to noon
What you'll Experience:
A short 5-10 min hike to our painting location.
3 hours of connecting with nature through art making, meeting new friends and one to one instruction.
Your instructor will present a very brief demonstration at the beginning of the class.
Beginners encouraged and welcomed!!
What you'll see:
Easy access to Webster Falls from the parking area. We will setup either opposite the falls - depending upon group size - or behind the falls to experience the escarpment wall, stone bridge and the waterfall crest. Access below the falls is forbidden by HCA to protect sensitive wildlife habitat.
Ample parking and on-site washrooms.
Admission fee to the conservation area is required or get your HCA yearly pass for easy access.
Good to Know:
Participants can use any medium, including but not limited to: drawing tools, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, oil paints, pastels, collage. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure art materials are not accidentally spilled therefore containers with tight fitting lids are REQUIRED. All students will practice “leave no trace” to protect and respect these beautiful conservation areas. A full recommended materials list will be sent upon registration.
Websters Falls Conservation Location: 28 Fallsview Road, Dundas, ON L9H 5J7
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 9am to noon
What you'll Experience:
A short 10-15 min hike to our painting location.
3 hours of connecting with nature through art making, meeting new friends and one to one instruction.
Your instructor will present a very brief demonstration at the beginning of the class.
Beginners encouraged and welcomed!!
What you'll see:
Beautiful woodland trails with a creek running through it an views of the valley below.
Ample parking and on-site washrooms.
Admission fee to the conservation area is required or get your HCA yearly pass for easy access.
Good to Know:
Participants can use any medium, including but not limited to: drawing tools, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, oil paints, pastels, collage. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure art materials are not accidentally spilled therefore containers with tight fitting lids are REQUIRED. All students will practice “leave no trace” to protect and respect these beautiful conservation areas. A full recommended materials list will be sent upon registration.
Hermitage Gatehouse Location: 621 Sulphur Springs Rd, Hamilton, ON L9G 1L8
Date: Friday June 26, 2026
Time: 9am to noon
What you'll Experience:
A short 10-15 min hike to our painting location.
3 hours of connecting with nature through art making, meeting new friends and one to one instruction.
Your instructor will present a very brief demonstration at the beginning of the class.
Beginners encouraged and welcomed!!
What you'll see:
HCA's newest wetlands featuring wildlife, ponds, trails and more! A truly immersive experience!
Ample parking and on-site washrooms.
Admission fee to the conservation area is required or get your HCA yearly pass for easy access.
Good to Know:
Participants can use any medium, including but not limited to: drawing tools, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, oil paints, pastels, collage. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure art materials are not accidentally spilled therefore containers with tight fitting lids are REQUIRED. All students will practice “leave no trace” to protect and respect these beautiful conservation areas. A full recommended materials list will be sent upon registration.
Saltfleet Conservation Location: 444 First Rd E, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2X9
All Summer Dates At a Glance
Friday June 5th – Tiffany Falls
Sunday June 14th – Websters Falls
Saturday June 20th - Hermitage
Friday June 26th – Saltfleet
Friday July 3rd – Tiffany Falls
Saturday July 11th – Saltfleet
Friday July 17th – Websters Falls
Saturday July 25th – Hermitage
Friday Aug 7th – Tiffany Falls
Saturday Aug 15th – Saltfleet
Friday Aug 21st – Hermitage
Saturday Aug 29th – Websters Falls
The Happy Students of Cheryl-Ann Hills
