Art Workshop Options:

Beginner Watercolour: absolutely no experience necessary

An introduction to the tools and choices available in brushes, paints, and paper. Instruction in basic watercolour techniques, including wet-in-wet and brushed washes; brush handling techniques, dry brush and textural effects; familiarization and pigment behaviors. Basic colour theory and mixing; simple composition and elements of design.

Intermediate Watercolour: some experience in watercolour, at least a beginner class

More challenging techniques introduced such as 'lost and found edges' and reversed values to create form. A more in-depth study of colour and the choices the artist has in the use of colour to express emotion. We pay a little more attention to composition, structure, and focus on your preferred subject material.

Advanced Watercolour: for the accomplished painter who wishes to stretch a little further

Personal goals will be articulated and painting objectives will be towards achieving mastery of the media. Daily painting with attention to subtle interactions between paper, paint, and water creates dramatic gains in the ability to use the media to express whatever can be perceived or imagined.

Subconscious Painting or Drawing: absolutely no experience necessary

Drawing or painting in any medium with no external references or image. Here the painting images arise from the subconscious. A large part of this process is the post completion assessment of the meaning of the images that leads into the next work. The result is a much deeper self-understanding and how your life experiences have shaped your perceptions.

Beginner Acrylic: absolutely no experience necessary

An introduction to the media with instruction in various techniques of applying the paint from thin gazes to thick impasto. Basic elements of colour theory and colour mixing. Texture and surface treatment, various gels and painting surfaces. Lots of painting experimentation to discover ways to use the paint.

Intermediate Acrylic- Good to have some experience with the media

The intermediate painter will have begun the process of developing a personal style. Daily critiques will lead to increased accomplishment in using the medium to express the experience of the inner and outer world.

Beginner Pottery:

Handbuilding: absolutely no experience necessary

A hands-on experience with an introduction to some of the innumerable ways to play with clay and things you can do with clay. Pinch pots, slab building, coil building. Create original objects for your home and garden with your own hand in an art tradition as old as civilization. This art option requires ten days or two separate sessions to actually participate in a firing. Any objects fired after your departure will be sent to you.

Wheel Throwing: absolutely no experience necessary

The focus will be on working with stoneware on the potter's wheel. There will be one-on-one instruction as you get to know how to form a cylinder and a bowl shape, the basic shape of all vessels. Finishing the thrown piece includes trimming the foot (the bottom), decoration techniques such as carving, scoring, sgraffito. Glazing and simple glaze chemistry. Same time requirements as Hand Building.

Drawing Techniques: absolutely no experience necessary

Many aspiring painters are frustrated by their inexperience in drawing, a necessity for representational depiction of the world. The art of drawing can increase your painting skills as well as simply give you a means to develop a personal skill that enhances your appreciation of the world. Use pencils, conte, charcoal and chalk, pencil crayons in various drawing techniques and on various papers.

Media Sampler: absolutely no experience necessary

Depending on the length of your stay, you can choose to spend each days' three hours session discovering a different medium of your choice. This is a great option if you have always wanted to do "something" but don't know what.

If you are interested in one of these options, or if you would like to design your own art retreat, please contact us by phone (250-974-8134) or email. Watch the website for upcoming planned workshops.