Full Day Artist Retreat 2022

This workshop will focus on working in abstraction while considering some basic fundamentals exploring composition, colour and expressive brushwork. This event is held at my Niagara-on-the-Lake studio. The studio is bright and spacious, and registration is limited to 10 people. Outdoor painting may be an option, weather permitting.  In this workshop you will learn how to plan work as well as work intuitively to create a loose and confident painting which speaks to your unique style. No lugging of paints and materials! All GOLDEN Artist quality paints and mediums are included along with 16”x20” canvas. A healthy artisan lunch is included and all beverages. All participants will take home their abstract work along with an Artist Pack gift. PLEASE CLICK “READ MORE” BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION: Itinerary and Fees.

YOUR DAY AT A GLANCE

9:45 for 10:00AM Start:

Welcome and Coffee/Tea

The studio is situated within walking distance to "old towne" downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Parking is provided in the driveway and on the road in front of my home studio. Participants are welcome to bring any of their own favourite painting supplies, but only bring into the studio space what is necessary for the workshop. Please leave any extra materials in your vehicles in order to allow for maximum space in the studio. You will have a few minutes to have a coffee or tea provided and say hello to fellow artists. 

10:00AM - 11AM

The workshop begins with a wonderful wind down with guest yoga instructor before we begin. This is followed by an Demonstration with Participation: I will be showing participants some affective warm-up techniques and brushwork to get started. We will start with some drawing exercises followed by bold brushwork experimentation on paper.

You will also learn how to organize your palette and create your composition before adding colour. This demonstration will include information on brush technique, linear and atmospheric perspective and composition including creating mood and meaning with our painting and how to avoid being overly dependent on a photo reference. I will provide some examples and spend some one-on-one time with each participant.

11AM - NOON

We will work in stations carrying out different exciting and creative activities which aim to bring out the innate style of individual artists. My goal is to let your own style show through with confidence while offering some fundamental direction.

12:15 - 1PM

Break for lunch: We will enjoy a healthy farm-to-table lunch and refreshments away from our paintings. Lunch is provided by our very own cook and will include Niagara Region wine. Weather permitting, we will eat outside around the property.

1PM - 3:30PM

We return to our work with a fresh perspective and continue to add layers and colour to our painting. I will be introducing some acrylic mediums and options in order to produce some profile and different textures in your work. This is a good time to delve into your painting as I will provide one on one guidance.

3:30 - 4PM

Artist Talk and short presentation. Students are welcome to continue working for a while if needed or can take this opportunity to walk to the town main street shops and cafes.

Attire: Dress for mess, expressive yet comfortable

Fee: $185. (in person with lunch and refreshments and all materials and Artist Pack Gift included)

Accommodations for those looking to stay overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake, please visit the Bed & Breakfast Association at:

https://www.bookyourstay.ca

or

Nearby Hotels: 

124 Queen (just down the road on Gate & Queen)

https://www.mews.li/distributor/2062ad1a-b75f-4163-b142-ac770104fd18

Vintage Hotels

https://www.vintage-hotels.com/