Grand Canyon Sketch, 5x7 oil - sold
Before I talk about the Grand Canyon trip, I want to remind you that if you're a past or possible future student, I have a little survey for you to fill out. If you haven't done so yet, here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XZWD7V2 I appreciate your participation in helping to fine-tune my workshops.
Now, about the Grand Canyon. If you've not been, it is indeed everything you've heard. It is majestic, breath-taking and full of gorgeous color. There are many wonderful spots where you can perch with your easel and paint the beauty. I was there last March painting with a friend, and I've re-posted one of the small sketches I did above.
I've always wanted the opportunity to take a small group up there to paint. With that in mind, I have scheduled a four-day painting retreat at the South Rim for April 26-29, which is a Tuesday through Friday. Cost of the workshop is $250. I am limiting the retreat to only 4 participants, and I already have two spots filled. If you want to go, tell me right away - first come, first served! A $150 deposit is required. Note: The retreat is now full.
The price is for just the retreat. You will need to secure lodging and meals. I will be tent camping, but there is plenty of other lodging available in Grand Canyon Village and elsewhere. Once you pay your deposit to me, you will want to secure lodging right away - things can fill up fast at the Canyon. (1/24 - I've heard that things are filling up. There is plenty of camping, though, and I suggest it as a wonderful option to get close to nature! Go to this link for camping options.)
This will be a true plein air experience. Although late Spring can be beautiful at the South Rim, we may get wind and precipitation. (Go to http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/index.htm for lots of information about the Canyon, including seasonal averages.) We can't count on shelters with views for painting in. If it is impossible to paint, we will at least get out and take lots of reference photos and make pencil sketches. (We'll all pretend we're Thomas Moran at the Grand Canyon back in the mid-1800s, determined to gather reference material for a studio piece.)
To make for a more satisfying time, you will need to be comfortable with your gear and have had some experience painting outdoors. You also will need to be portable and carry everything in a single trip, as we will be riding the shuttle bus to some locations. The less you can carry, the better!
I will be painting in oil, but the retreat is open to all media. There will be no formal instruction, but we will have group critiques and more in this experience with your peers. It doesn't matter whether you're working in oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic or some other medim. Whatever you bring, you can expect a good solid chunk of time face-to-face with some of the country's most awesome scenery!
I hope you'll join me. Let me know right away.
