Full Day Artist Retreat 2024

Join our group of expressive artist for this full day of creativity in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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

Wind up artists talk and review. Students are welcome to continue working for a while and when complete, they are welcome to store their work and 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)

About Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming and picturesque town nestled in the heart of Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, Canada. Known for its timeless beauty, rich history, and thriving wine industry, this town offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern-day allure.

Situated at the mouth of the Niagara River, where it meets Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake boasts breathtaking natural surroundings. Lush vineyards, rolling hills, and serene waterfront views create a scenic backdrop that captivates visitors from near and far. The town's immaculately manicured gardens, blooming flowers, and tree-lined streets further enhance its idyllic ambiance.

Stepping into Niagara-on-the-Lake feels like stepping back in time. The town is renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, with many historic buildings and homes lining its streets. The main thoroughfare, Queen Street, is a charming promenade filled with quaint shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The horse-drawn carriages that traverse the streets add a touch of nostalgia, evoking a sense of romance and old-world elegance.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is also celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene. The Shaw Festival, one of North America's finest theater festivals, takes place annually from April to October, showcasing world-class productions of plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. The town is also home to various art galleries, museums, and historical sites, including Fort George, a military fortification from the War of 1812.

One of the region's biggest draws is the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country. With its moderate climate and fertile soil, this area is renowned for producing award-winning wines. Visitors can explore numerous wineries, go on wine tours, and indulge in tastings of the region's finest vintages, including world-famous ice wines.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Niagara-on-the-Lake as well. The Niagara River Recreation Trail offers scenic paths for walking and cycling, while nearby Niagara Falls, just a short drive away, provides a magnificent display of natural wonder.

Whether you're strolling through its charming streets, savoring exquisite wines, immersing yourself in history, or enjoying the beauty of its surroundings, Niagara-on-the-Lake promises a delightful experience for all who visit. It is a place where history, culture, and natural splendor intertwine to create a truly enchanting destination.

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://124queen.com/

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

My Wonderful B&B Neighbours

https://www.demisplacebb.ca/

https://www.harrogatehouse.ca/

https://www.ballardbarn.ca/

https://www.explorerhouse.ca/