Another New Year with Workshops, Travels, Books and More!

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Reflecting on the passing of another year has become somewhat of a cliché, but I'll indulge in it nonetheless: It's remarkable how swiftly time flies. But rather than dwelling on the past, I find solace in embracing the belief that life is best lived looking forward, with only the occasional glance in the rearview mirror.

As we stand at the threshold of 2024, the future holds both anticipation and excitement. Here's a glimpse into what the upcoming year will offer:

Winter: Paintings of Scotland, and Hoping to Get Broadband!

My winter endeavor is dedicated to crafting a series of large paintings capturing the essence of Scotland, destined for an upcoming book. (See below.) Drawing inspiration from color sketches and photographs from previous trips, this series aims to explore inventive expressions of color and abstraction.  And as for broadband, the prospect of it reaching our rural community soon will open doors to longer YouTube videos and the possibility of hosting Zoom workshops.

April: Sedona Plein Air Painting Retreat?

In the spirit of continuous exploration, I'm considering a "Hiking to Sketch and Photograph" retreat in Sedona, Arizona. Set against the backdrop of enchanting Uptown Sedona, this retreat will center around daily hikes on uptown trails, catering to experienced outdoor painters with a penchant for adventure. April is the tentative timeframe, and if this resonates with you, let me know.  General details on my retreats can be found here.

July/August: Maine Plein Air Painting Workshop & Plein Air Painting Retreat

Lubec, Maine, and Campobello Island, New Brunswick, remain my preferred summer painting havens. An all-level plein air painting workshop is slated for July 29-August 1, with openings still available. Following that, a plein air painting retreat from August 5-9 awaits, currently at full capacity but open for waiting list sign-ups. Click here for details on the workshop. Click here for details on the retreat.

September: Scotland Trip

Embarking on a four-week immersive journey through different regions of Scotland in September, my focus will be on hiking, painting and photography. While fellow painters expressed interest in joining, we're reserving this adventure just for Trina and me at this time.

October: Plein Air Painting Workshop at Palo Duro Canyon, Texas

Trace the footsteps of Georgia O'Keeffe at Palo Duro Canyon in a three-day plein air painting workshop sponsored by the Amarillo Art Institute. Details are forthcoming, but mark your calendars for October 17-19 for a painting experience in this mini-Grand Canyon.  (I'll send out more details as they are finalized.)

November: Sedona Plein Air Painting Retreat?

A second "Hiking to Sketch and Photograph" retreat is in the works for mid-November, echoing the April proposal. The allure of Sedona in November promises stunning colors in the cottonwoods and sycamores.  Again, if you're interested, please let me know.

Winter 2024/2024: The Scotland Book and Wee Paintings of Scotland

Post-Scotland trip, my focus turns to crafting Through a Painter's Brush: Scotland, a book akin to its predecessors, filled with essays, diary entries, and captivating images. To support this venture, my revamped Patreon page offers two support levels, each with its unique perks. (And yes, if you'd prefer not to deal with Patreon, you can pay in full, up-front.)   As the snow shovel beckons in anticipation of a wet winter, I invite you to consider joining me on this artistic odyssey. Your support, whether through Patreon or direct engagement, is immensely appreciated. If you've already enlisted, my heartfelt thanks! Click here for details.

That concludes the current update—now, off to find that snow shovel! Winter's forecast promises precipitation, and I'm ready to embrace the artistic challenges it brings.

Wishing you all a productive and peaceful New Year!

Podcast Interview by Mary Ann Archibald

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(I'm traveling, so here's a post I thought I'd share with you again.)

Mary Ann Archibald, an artist and writer from Nova Scotia, last year interviewed me for her ongoing series of interviews with artists.  In the interview, we talk about my new book and about how I got started in plein air painting, plus much more.  You can hear the podcast here:  https://archibaldstudio.substack.com/p/beautiful-landscape-painting-outdoors

It was a pleasure to talk to Mary Ann, who is also a longtime member of Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy and very active in the arts community in Nova Scotia.  You can find out more about her and her projects at her web site: https://www.maryann.ca/

Preparing for a Demonstration

As you may know, I will be one of the invited guest artists and demonstrators for the 2020 Plein Air Convention & Expo in Denver this May.  As they say, this isn't my first rodeo—so I will be preparing for my demonstration, as I always do.

How do I prepare?  First, by figuring out what aspect of plein air painting I want to demonstrate.  Second, by choosing appropriate subject matter.  Third, by practicing my demonstration beforehand.  And finally, by making a checklist of things I need to take.

Figuring out what I want to say isn't too difficult.  Having been teaching plein air painting workshops for nearly 20 years now, I have a fairly clear idea of what information would be most helpful to people.

Choosing subject matter is a little more difficult.  Even though I'll be up on stage with TV cameras showing the audience close-ups, I want the painting to have good contrast, simple shapes and maybe even a little drama.  The subject also needs to allow me to demonstrate what it is I want to show.

In some ways, the most important part is the practice session.  When I went to Cincinnati several years ago to shoot my three instructional videos for Artists Network, you can bet I didn't show up cold.  I had practiced until I felt the demonstration would go smoothly.  I don't want to stumble because halfway through I've realized the composition doesn't work or my color choices are wrong.  Plus, I want to practice what magicians call “patter”—what I'll be saying as I paint.

The checklist is important, too.  I don't want to forget some small but essential item for the demonstration.  But I'll also have on my checklist promotional items such as business cards.  A person might not forget me so readily with a business card in his hand.  After all, there will be over 80 invited guest artists demonstrating!

If you have been asked to give a demonstration to your painting group or art society, I think having a plan like this—a plan that includes practice—a good one.

A Plein Air Painter's Blog Top Ten Posts for 2019

Well, another year has passed under our tires.  The road from 2019 to 2020 has been rather rough for most of the world.  Crashes and backups every mile, and exit ramps looking like they might dump us into risky neighborhoods.  Still, detouring around those crashes and backups, we found places of unexpected delight and beauty.  We'll hope for more of those in the future--and for less road rage.

Each month, when possible, I've been offering a list of that month's most popular posts.  With that in mind, in order, here are 2019's top ten posts.  Enjoy!

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/01/nomad-extremely-portable-pastel.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/03/pastel-demonstration-for-pastel-society.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/12/when-can-i-retire.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/08/choosing-right-dimensions-for-your.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/08/master-class-color-palettes-and-color.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/09/etiquette-for-painting-workshop-students.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/07/master-class-how-to-determine-color-of.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/07/new-summer-studio.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/01/sligachan-story-behind-painting.html

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2019/02/my-article-on-painting-snow-and.html

Michael's December Newsletter

"Arroyo" 24x30 Oil/Canvas - Available
I'm working on some larger paintings this winter. This is one of them.

As we roll downhill to a variety of end-of-year celebrations, I like to put on the brakes for a moment to consider where I've been and where I'm headed. It's been a busy year, what with workshops, painting and writing projects. (You can read about my year in A Plein Air Painter's Blog.) And as much as I tell folks I'm cutting back, especially on the workshops, I just keep scheduling more. But of course, I love what I do and wouldn't have it any other way.

Meanwhile, each day I try to notice the little things that make me pause and remember to breathe. A flock of bluebirds visits the bird bath as the sun melts the ice that formed overnight. Our family of feral cats arrives on the deck at sunrise to enjoy breakfast while we have ours by the window. Farther from the house—a fact of which I'm sure the cats and birds are glad—and up on the mesa, coyotes leave their scat, chock-full of juniper berries. Below the mesa, on the lake, darting among the islands of pickerel weed, coots croak and squawk. Elsewhere, a multitude of tracks in the snow tell stories, with both happy endings and sad endings, that played out while I've been busy elsewhere.

One thing I promise myself for the New Year is this. Despite all the busy-ness, I will stop now and then to read those stories in the snow.


Painting Retreats

What's a painting retreat? It's a gathering of like-minded artists who want to spend some serious time painting and enjoying the camaraderie of others. For most of these, we all stay in the same lodging and share meals. As the organizer, I offer critiques of work painted; invite participants to treat whatever I paint as a demonstration; and serve as location guide and on-site consultant. Trina and I have been doing these for several years now, and we love it.

For these retreats, you'll want to have experience in painting outdoors and also be an early riser, as we like to start with critiques right after an early breakfast. Also, please know these retreats are meant to be enjoyable, but if you like to party, these aren't for you! Let me know if you'd like to join us on any of these trips.

Isle of Skye, Scotland. June 13-20, 2020. Although this retreat is currently filled, I will be happy to put you on the wait list.

Lubec, Maine. August 9-14, 2020. Stay at the beautifully-renovated US Coast Guard campus on West Quoddy Head, very close to the lighthouse, and paint bold cliffs, cobble beaches, tamarack bogs, historic fishing villages and boats. And yes, there is lobster! Download the detail sheet here.

Taos, New Mexico. October 3-10, 2020. Besides a wealth of stunning scenery including the Rio Grande Gorge and Taos Mountain, the town has a long history with painters. As part of the retreat, we'll also arrange to tour the Nicolai Fechin House, the Mabel Dodge Luhan house, and other historic artist studios. $1000 includes lodging and breakfasts.


Scotland Funding

The Scotland retreat will be my third trip to that beautiful place. Last time, I was able to partly fund the trip by preselling a series of small paintings of Scotland. I'd like to do the same for this trip. As with last time, I will keep a color sketch journal during the trip, and upon my return to the US, I'll paint a series of 6x8 oil paintings based on the journal and photographs. (The journal paintings will not be for sale.) These will be beautifully framed in a black molding with a red undertone and a gold inner fillet. My goal is to have these completed in time to ship by Thanksgiving 2020, so if you're thinking of Christmas gifts, you'll get them in time. Price is only $250, which includes frame and shipping to the US. I am taking orders for these now, and it will be "first come, first served" when I announce the completion of the series. Let me know if you are interested! (And thank you to those who have already signed up! I deeply appreciate your support.)

You can see the sketches from the 2019 journal here: www.mchesleyjohnson.com/scotland_journal and the finished 6x8 paintings here: www.mchesleyjohnson.com/scotland_series .


Workshops

Ramah, New Mexico. Private Plein Air Painting Intensive Program, Spring 2020. If you are an experienced painter and want to reach the next level in your craft, consider this program. I'll customize it just for you. $1400, which includes lodging and meals. (A tuition-only version for $700 is also available.) Several weeks to choose from. For full details, visit http://www.paintthesouthwest.com/sched_int.html.

Sedona, Arizona. All-Level Plein Air Painting Workshop, April 7-10, 2020. April is beautiful in Sedona, and we should catch some spring greens against the red rocks and along Oak Creek. Limited lodging is available at the studio for only $75/night—inexpensive for Sedona! For full details, visit http://www.paintthesouthwest.com/sched_reg.html

Lubec, Maine. All-Level Plein Air Painting Workshops, July & August 2020. If you want to paint rocky shores, bold cliffs, lighthouses, fishing boats and historic buildings, and to enjoy some great seafood, you'll love Lubec. I have several weeks of all-level workshops scheduled. For full details, visit http://www.PleinAirPaintingMaine.com.


Events

2020 Plein Air Convention. Denver, Colorado. I'm very excited to be one of the artists invited to be on the faculty of this extravaganza. You can register right now for the event at www.PleinAirConvention.com. I hope to see some of my followers there!


Paintings

Pumphouse Studio Gallery. I invite you to visit my studio and gallery in New Mexico. Open by appointment, the gallery has all of my Southwest paintings—Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, Santa Fe, Taos and Sedona, as well as work from closer to home. You will also find my studio interesting, as I always have some project going. If visiting me isn't enough, you can also see the Zuñi pueblo, El Morro and El Malpais National Monuments, La Ventana Arch and more. You can schedule a time at your convenience with email (info@mchesleyjohnson.com).


Writing

This spring, look for my annual review of winners in the Landscape/Interiors category of the Pastel 100 in Pastel Journal, as well as my feature on artist Richard McDaniel and the Russian River in the April/May issue of PleinAir Magazine. Also, I am thinking about a new book, more details of which I will announce later.


That's all for now. Have a great fall, and hopefully our paths will cross soon!

New Summer Studio

My New Barn Studio

A proper artist needs a proper studio--even a plein air painter.  There's always stuff to store and paintings that are better adjusted indoors than out.  But as much as I've enjoyed my small studios over the years, I've always had a hankering for a barn studio.  It's not so much that I have a need for more space for stuff as it is a need for just more, well, space.  Room to swing a brush in.  Room for the light to play in.  Room to breathe in.

If you've seen photos of the studios of historic painters, the studios are usually quite large.  Mostly, that's because the painters made big paintings, and they needed a ceiling high enough for their tall easels and room for storing all those big paintings.  And, it seems, they needed space for a day bed for a nap after wielding a big brush all day long.

Here's Jackson Pollack in his studio.  I don't think I'll be painting on the floor, nor will I be painting canvases quite that big.  But I do have my barn studio now, and the electricians have just finished wiring up new lights.  I'm very excited to have it and eager to show it to visitors.  It's also a gallery, filled with my maritime paintings.  I'm calling it "Michael Chesley Johnson Studio at Friar's Bay," and it's open by appointment seasonally.  If you're in the area, email me or give me a call.

Here are some more pictures of the new studio, plus a short video showing it.  (Can't see the video? Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfSoNDX3VTs )

My Article on Painting Snow -- and Painting IN the Snow!

The article in PleinAir Magazine. 
Featured here are two paintings by Marc Dalessio. 
(Digital screenshot, since I get only the digital version of the magazine.)

My latest article, "What to Know About Painting Snow," appears in the current (Feb/Mar 2019) issue of PleinAir Magazine.  Apparently, with this week's monstrous winter storm hitting the north, the article is timely.  I've already had one reader write to me to say:  "The article was very inspiring; I've ordered a yard full."

In the article, I offer my own tips on painting snow, based on my wintertime experiences in the Canadian Maritimes as well as in the high desert of New Mexico.  But I also interviewed several other artists of note:  T.M. Nicholas, Barbara Jaenicke, Marc Dalessio, Chuck Marshall, T.J. Cunningham, D.F. Gray, Lynn Boggess and Carol Strock Wasson.  Thank you to all the artists who gave me such valuable information.

One thing to note about the magazine is that, in addition to the print version, it offers an "expanded digital" version.  The digital version has many more images that you won't find in the print version.

Here are the images of mine that are included in the article.

Snow on Shiprock 6x12 Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson
Collection the Artist

Lake Snow 10x12 Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson
Collection the Artist

Study for "By the Bridge" 12x9 Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson
Private Collection

By the Bridge 30x24 Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson
Private Collection

October News from Michael

To the East

9x12 Oil 

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

More of these paintings here!

October 2018
Ramah, New Mexico


Good news! Trina and I finally arrived at our winter home in New Mexico. We had an easy trip, what with teaching two workshops in Ohio plus judging the annual Plein Air Competition for the Ohio Plein Air Painters Society and driving over 2600 miles. Now that we're home, I have a chance to catch you up on a few things.

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Just before leaving Campobello Island, I flew out to Arizona for the 10th annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art as one of 25 invited artists. The COA event is my favorite – this was my 5th time attending – and most successful. This year, I focused more on painting for myself rather than for collectors and explored color and contrast. I must have done something right, since sales have been good for me so far. The exhibit, which is at the Kolb Studio in Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim, continues through the end of January. If you visit (and I hope you do!) please know that not everything is hung; there are a good many backup paintings that are in another space, but the staff there will be more than happy to share these with you if you ask. You can see all my paintings at

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8cNH9rYpmynDbAdo9

These will also be available for sale on the Grand Canyon Association's web site soon. Once they are there, I will make a general announcement on my blog, Instagram and Facebook pages.

Paint the Southwest Workshops

Now that I'm back in New Mexico, I'm eager to get started on my "Painting Intensive" workshops, in which I work one-on-one with each participant in a program tailored to the student. This is a rare opportunity for experienced painters to work side-by-side with a pro. We'll be working in the beautiful light of New Mexico's high desert. Lodging and meals are included in the price (a tuition-only version is also available.) For full details on the program, go to http://www.paintthesouthwest.com/sched_int.html

I've also scheduled two all-level plein air painting workshops this year in Sedona, Arizona—my old stomping grounds. Workshops are based in West Sedona and lodging is available at the studio at a price you won't find anywhere else in town. We'll be painting Sedona's famous Red Rock country. Remember, this is for anybody who knows the basics of painting—you don't have to be a plein air painter, since I'll show you how to become one. Of course, the workshop is great for experienced outdoor painters, too! For details, visit http://www.paintthesouthwest.com/sched_reg.html. Workshops are November 13-16, 2018, and April 2-5, 2019.

By the way, I've just had a spot open up in my October 24-27 2018 Grand Canyon workshop due to a medical cancellation. If you're interested, please let me know right away. Details at https://www.grandcanyon.org/classes-tours/classes/photography-art-yoga-classes/

Special Painting Retreat in Lubec, Maine, Next Summer

Because this past August's Special Painting Retreat in Lubec filled so quickly, I want to give you plenty of warning on the next one. We've scheduled it for August 11-16, 2019. This will be based at the historic and beautifully-restored US Coast Guard Station campus out by the West Quoddy Lighthouse. For full details, click here http://www.mchesleyjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/retreat_wqs_public_pix.pdf?x46263

I have many other workshops scheduled for 2019, and for some, details are being worked out. Locations include Tubac, AZ (for Tubac Center of the Arts); Mount Vernon, WA (for Dakota Art Workshops); Nashville, TN (for the Chestnut Group); and since my October 2018 Grand Canyon workshop filled so quickly, another workshop there in October 2019. Please see the end of this newsletter for details.

Other News

Pastel Journal Articles. I've been asked to write a series of articles on color for the pastel painter. For those of you who followed my recent series on color for the oil painter for The Artist's Magazine, this will be similar—but different! I'm looking forward to exploring this topic for Pastel Journal. Look for them in 2019.

That's all for now. Happy trails!

Michael

Annual Exhibition - Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy

Sugarloaf Rock, High Tide 16x20 oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Every year about this time, my "local" painting group, the Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy, has a paintout and exhibition.  I put the word "local" in parentheses, because we actually range over a wide area, with members in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.  So, getting together and having an annual exhibition is a big deal for us.  Each year, we alternate locations between the US and Canada.  This makes our 12th year!

This year's exhibition is at Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre in St Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, at 139 Water Street.  It runs from August 3-25, 2018.  Ten of our charter members will be exhibiting with over 70 paintings.  It'll be quite a show.

Our opening reception is Friday, August 3, from 5-7 pm Atlantic Time.  I do hope you'll join us.

Here are the paintings I'll have in the exhibition.  They are all, of course, available for sale.

Apple Tree Dance 16x20 Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Castine Bay 12x16  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Fog Lifting, Dead Spruce 16x20  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Islands 6x8  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Low Tide at Cranberry Point 12x24  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Lazy Light 11x14  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Ready to Sail 12x9  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Rocky Point 9x12  Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson

Summer News from Michael

Low Tide, Cranberry Point
12x24 Oil by Michael Chesley Johnson
Available - at Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy Exhibition
Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre
St Andrews, NB

July 2018
Campobello Island, Canada

I have exciting news for you this summer. Read on!

Podcast with Eric Rhoads of PleinAir Magazine

I'm honored to have spent some time talking with Eric Rhoads, publisher of PleinAir Magazine and organizer of the very popular Plein Air Convention, about my art. Our conversation has been published as a podcast for Outdoor Painter. You can listen to our chat here: https://www.outdoorpainter.com/pleinair-art-podcast-episode-86-michael-chesley-johnson/ (make sure you scroll down to the bottom for the "play" button) or here: https://soundcloud.com/pleinair-podcast/pleinair-art-podcast-8 I'd love to hear what you think!

Judging Shows

I mentioned in my last newsletter that I will be Judge of Awards for the annual member exhibition of the Ohio Plein Air Society this fall. (I'll be teaching a workshop in conjunction with that as well, and you can find details on that below.) Additionally, I will be Judge of Awards for the 27th Annual National Exhibition for the Pastel Society of New Mexico next spring. I enjoy judging shows—it's a great way to see some really wonderful work up close!

Exhibitions and Events

Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy Annual Exhibition and Sale. Ten charter members from our group, including me, will be displaying our work at Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre August 2-25, 2018. I look forward to this exhibit each year, as we try to alternate our shows between the US and Canada. This year, it's in St Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick. The reception is Friday evening, 5-7 pm Atlantic Time, at Sunbury Shores at 139 Water Street. I hope you'll join us for what will be a fantastic show. For details, visit www.PleinAirFundy.org.

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. In September, 2018, I will make my fifth appearance as an invited artist at this prestigious plein air painting event. This will be a special time, as it will be the event's tenth year. A portion of the proceeds goes to a very worthy cause, which is the establishment of a permanent art museum on the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. The Canyon has been inspiring beautiful art even before it became national park, and the Park's large collection, currently sitting in a warehouse, needs a better and more accessible home. Dates for the event are September 9-16, with the sales continuing through January 14, 2019. You can learn more at https://www.grandcanyon.org/events/celebration-of-art-2018/ You can also preview the exhibition's catalog here. Also, please don't forget my workshop at Grand Canyon in October! (See below.)

Acadia Invitational III. The “Acadia Invitational III” exhibition continues at Argosy Gallery in Bar Harbor, Maine. I attended the opening last July, and I can say this is a stunning show with many masterful paintings. The exhibit will continue until October 2018, but don't delay! Paintings are selling. You can get more details at www.ArgosyGallery.com and see the paintings online at http://www.argosygallery.com/artist.asp?id=96

Summer Sale

Now that I'm back on Campobello Island, I have workshops to tend to and articles to write for The Artists Magazine and PleinAir Magazine. But I also want to give my inventory of paintings a hard look. I think it's time for a summer sale! I'll be pricing some personal favorites very reasonably, and prices include free shipping to the continental US. You can see the sale items here: https://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/search/label/2018%20Sale

Workshops

I mentioned workshops...I have started cutting back a little on my teaching. I believe this will allow me to focus even more energy on the workshops I do have scheduled. If you haven't taken a workshop with me yet—or need a refresher in plein air painting—I still have a very few spaces left in my summer workshops in Lubec, Maine. I've also got some other exciting workshops scheduled. Read on!

Maine. July/August 2018. My summer program of workshops in Lubec, Maine, continues. If you'd like to paint some of Maine's best (and least busy!) landscapes, sign up now. Read the full details at www.PleinAirPaintingMaine.com If the weeks fill or the timing doesn't work for you, I also am teaching an all-level workshop Bernard, Maine, on Mount Desert Island, near Acadia National Park. We'll have glorious weather on what is called Mount Desert Island's “quiet side.” Dates are August 21-24, with details at: www.acadiaworkshopcenter.com/MCJohnson.html I also offer an advanced workshop in August in Lubec.

Ohio. October 1-3, 2018. I am honored to be the judge for the annual 2018 plein air event for Ohio Plein Air Society—and also to teach a workshop immediately following the judging. The workshop is filling fast! For details, visit Workshop Flyer with Details Here | Registration here.

Grand Canyon National Park. October 24-27, 2018. This is a once-in-a-lifetime workshop for me, since the workshop is sponsored not only by the Grand Canyon Field Institute but also Grand Canyon National Park. We'll have special access to the park and a van, so we won't have to ride the shuttles. After several years of painting at the Canyon, I have many great spots to share. Also, if you like to camp, you get complimentary camping during the workshop—as well as free access to the Park. Sign up now at https://www.grandcanyon.org/photography-art-yoga/plein-air-painting/ Only four spaces are left!

New Mexico. November/December 2018; March-April 2019. One-on-One Painting Intensive. Are you an experienced painter looking to take your craft to the next level? Then please consider this one-on-one intensive at my home studio in the Zuni Mountains of New Mexico. We'll work side-by-side in a program customized entirely for you. The price includes six nights' lodging and all meals. (There is also a tuition-only option available.) You can find full details at http://www.PaintTheSouthwest.com. I wish I'd had a program like this available to me when I was in the middle of my career!

Arizona. November 13-16, 2018; April 2-5, 2019. All-Level Group Workshops in Sedona. This program runs four days, and we work in the mornings with your afternoons free to paint on your own or to explore. Many painters traveling with non-painting friends or spouses have found this to be a perfect solution—everybody's happy! We also have limited lodging available the studio. Also, I'll be teaching in Tubac for the Tubac Center for the Arts, February 20-22, 2019. For full details on both the Sedona and Tubac workshops, visit http://www.PaintTheSouthwest.com

Washington. May 1-4, 2019. For Dakota Art Pastels in Mount Vernon. If you're a long-time pastel painter like me, you'll know all about Dakota. I'm excited to be teaching a workshop for them! Details to come.

Nova Scotia. June 15-22, 2019. Painting retreat for advanced painters in historic Lunenburg, close to Peggy's Cove. We have only two spots left for this. We had a great time last year, and we're looking forward to doing it again. Preference is given to past students; serious painters only (no non-painters due to lodging arrangements); and early risers. Let me know if you want to be on the "interested" list.

As always, you can go to my website, www.MChesleyJohnson.com, to see a full list of workshops and to find out about new ones.

Finally, if you haven't been following my blog, you can read all about my Scottish adventures here:

http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/search/label/Scotland%202018

I've also posted a video slideshow of the color sketches I made on my YouTube channel, here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO9zXPMrDiY

Later this fall, I'll begin a series of Scottish paintings based on my sketches and photos. I'm really looking forward to spending some time with these images and recreating the many moods of the Isle of Skye and the Orkney Islands. Thank you again to the patrons who made it all possible.

That's all for now. Have a great summer!

Podcast Interview with Eric Rhoads, Publisher of PleinAir Magazine

If you've been following PleinAir Magazine and OutdoorPainter.com, you're probably already familiar with their ongoing series of podcasts of interviews with painters.  But if not, you should know about it -- partly because I was recently interviewed by Eric Rhoads, publisher of the magazine and founder of the Plein Air Convention.

Although I'm very comfortable with talking in front of an audience--I do it all the time, and some of the audiences are quite large--doing a radio interview was much different.  But Eric is an experienced interviewer, and he quickly put me at ease.  I think you'll enjoy hearing it.

If you can't see the video at the top of this page, here is a link to the podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jue19FzYqDs

March News from Michael

Winter Comes to Northern New Mexico

March 2018

Ramah, New Mexico

[What follows is my March newsletter that I mailed out today to collectors, patrons, past students and other interested parties.  If you have already received this, my apologies!  Feel free to forward it on to a friend. - MCJ]

It's been a very mild winter here in northern New Mexico. Trina and I have been able to get out most days for a good hike. But as much as we like the great weather, we could use more snow to stave off drought. As I write, spring is nearly upon us. Ducks, coots and geese have already returned to our lake, and the cottonwoods are starting to show some color. All this, of course, means that our annual migration back to Campobello Island isn't far off. Even so, the time left to us is packed with activity.

Exhibitions and Events

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. In September, 2018, I will make my fifth appearance as an invited artist at this prestigious plein air painting event. A portion of the proceeds goes to a very worthy cause, which is the establishment of a permanent art museum on the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. The Canyon has been inspiring beautiful art even before it became a national park, and the Park's large collection, currently sitting in a warehouse, needs a better and more accessible home. Dates for the event are September 9-16, with the sales continuing through January 14, 2019. You can learn more at https://www.grandcanyon.org/events/celebration-of-art-2018/ Also, please don't forget my workshop at Grand Canyon in October! (See below.)

Phippen Museum. I am honored to have two of my large Sedona paintings selected for a special exhibit at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona. The exhibit, “Cool, Cool Water,” runs March 2-July 22, 2018. My paintings, on loan from Goldenstein Gallery, show Oak Creek at two different locations; one north of Sedona at Slide Rock, and another south of town at Red Rock Crossing. You can get details at https://www.phippenartmuseum.org/.

Scotland. As you may know, Trina and I have extended our Scotland painting trip in June. My request for sponsorship still stands! For only $200, you can get a 6x8 oil painting of Scotland, which includes frame and shipping to the continental US. My previous newsletter has details on this: https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=92e63ff8fb786f8bd8592b6c2&id=abf5d53b18 And thank you to those who have already helped out!

Acadia Invitational III. The “Acadia Invitational III” exhibition continues at Argosy Gallery in Bar Harbor, Maine. I attended the opening last July, and I can say this is a stunning show with many masterful paintings. The exhibit will continue until October 2018, but don't delay! Paintings are selling. You can get more details at www.ArgosyGallery.com and see the paintings online at http://www.argosygallery.com/artist.asp?id=96

Workshops

One-on-One Painting Intensive. I have just completed my Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 schedule for this program. Are you an experienced painter looking to take your craft to the next level? Then please consider this one-on-one intensive at my home studio in New Mexico. We'll work side-by-side in a program customized entirely for you. The price includes six nights' lodging and all meals. (There is also a tuition-only option available.) You can find full details at http://www.PaintTheSouthwest.com. I wish I'd had a program like this available to me when I was in the middle of my career!

All-Level Group Workshops in Sedona, Arizona. Although I no longer live near Sedona, I have decided to return twice a year (spring and fall) to conduct an all-level, group workshop. As before, this program runs four days, and we work in the mornings with your afternoons free to paint on your own or to explore. Many painters traveling with non-painting friends or spouses have found this to be a perfect solution—everybody's happy! We also have limited lodging available the studio. For full details, visit http://www.PaintTheSouthwest.com

Michigan. Although my Santa Fe and Indiana painting retreats are filled for this spring, I am teaching a workhop in Lowell, Michigan, at the Franciscan Life Process Center, May 7-9, 2018. For details or to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-chesley-johnson-pastel-plein-air-painting-workshop-tickets-21558543183

Ohio Plein Air Society. I am honored to be the judge for the annual 2018 plein air event for this active group—and also to teach a workshop immediately following the judging. The workshop runs October 1-3, 2018. For details, you can view the workshop flyer with details here and registration here.

Maine. My summer program of workshops in Lubec, Maine, resumes July and August 2018. There are only a few spaces left in these, so if you'd like to paint some of Maine's best (and least busy!) landscapes, sign up now. Read the full details are at www.PleinAirPaintingMaine.com

And yet more Maine! Every other year, I teach a workshop in Bernard, on Mount Desert Island, near Acadia National Park. Usually, this is in the fall, but this year, I'll be teaching in August. We'll have warm, glorious weather on what is called Mount Desert Island's “quiet side.” Dates are August 21-24, 2018, with details at: www.acadiaworkshopcenter.com/MCJohnson.html

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. October 24-27, 2018. This is a once-in-a-lifetime workshop for me, since the workshop is sponsored not only by the Grand Canyon Field Institute but also Grand Canyon National Park. We'll have special access to the park and a van, so we won't have to ride the shuttles. After several years of painting at the Canyon, I have many great spots to share. Also, if you like to camp, you get complimentary camping during the workshop—as well as free access to the Park. Sign up now at https://www.grandcanyon.org/photography-art-yoga/plein-air-painting/

As always, you can go to my website, www.MChesleyJohnson.com, to see a full list of workshops and to find out about new ones.

That's all for now. Spring is coming!

Exhibition at the Phippen Museum

"Autumns' Turn" by Michael Chesley Johnson
24x36 Oil
On Loan from Goldenstein Gallery

I'm proud to announce that two of my large paintings will be on exhibit at the Phippen Museum in
Prescott, Arizona, starting March 3, 2018.  The exhibit, "Cool, Cool Water," will display landscape paintings that feature water in the Southwest, and will run until July 22nd.

Water is, of course, essential for life.  In the desert, where there is so little of it, it is highly sought for -- and also highly fought over.  I've been blessed to have lived in places that, for now, have plenty of water.  There's always some creek or lake nearby, and the wells don't seem to run dry.  I hope these places stay that way, but unfortunately, the odds are against it.

"Slide Rock Fault" by Michael Chesley Johnson
16x20 Oil
On Loan from Goldenstein Gallery

"Autumn's Turn" (24x36 oil) shows Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing.  The creek is full in the autumn after the thirst-quenching summer rains.  The cottonwoods and willows, now turning yellow and orange, have enjoyed a good summer.

"Slide Rock Fault" (16x20 oil) shows Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park, in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona.  Here, much less water is flowing, but you can tell from the bare slick rock that awesome floods course through here regularly.  The Canyon occupies a geological fault that allows the creek to run from Flagstaff down to Sedona and finally to the Verde River in Cottonwood.

I love painting water, and I am honored to have been asked to send these paintings to the Phippen Museum.

Phippen Museum
4701 Highway 89 North (online map)

Prescott, Arizona 86301 | (928) 778-1385 | phippen@phippenartmuseum.org

https://www.phippenartmuseum.org/

July 2016 Newsletter

Schooner Cove 12x18 pastel by Michael Chesley Johnson

Available at Symbiosis Fine Art, St Andrews, NB

July 2016
Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada

[NOTE: If you don't get my newsletter by e-mail, you can subscribe to it here.]

It's hard to believe, but I haven't sent out a newsletter since I left Arizona. I've been busy, of course, but now I'm happy to have time to catch up and share some news before summer gets away from me. The lupines and apple trees are done blooming, and now we are in the fireweed and roses season. It won't be long before the apples start ripening....

Paintings

My exhibition of 24 miniature paintings of Acadia National Park at Argosy Gallery in Bar Harbor, Maine, has been a great success. Sixteen of the paintings sold right away at the July 1 opening. As a result, I am painting a few more to supplement the show, and I expect to deliver these in the next few weeks. Although some paintings have left with their buyers, you can see and purchase the remaining paintings at the gallery at 110 Main Street, Bar Harbor. Contact: 207-288-9226 or www.argosygallery.com.

Also, I just delivered two large paintings to Symbiosis Fine Art, my gallery in St Andrews, New Brunswick. These are two of my favorite pieces, which you can see at the top of this post and below. Symbiosis is located at 157-B Water Street, right beside the Honey Beans coffee shop. Contact: 506-321-1575 or www.symbiosisfineart.com.

Clearing, Acadian Prince 18x24 oil by Michael Chesley Johnson
Available at Symbiosis Fine Art, St Andrews, NB

If you come to Lubec at some point please remember my studio gallery there, Artists Retreat Studios & Gallery, at 45 Washington Street. Either Trina or I will be there most afternoons, Tuesday-Friday, but if you'd like to visit us when we're not open, we'll be very happy to show you. Just contact me at mcj.painter@gmail.com .

Upcoming Plein Air Painting Events

I'm pleased to say that I've been invited to three very prestigious plein air painting events this year. The Grand Canyon "Celebration of Art" gives me a chance to paint in a spectacular location with some of country's top painters. I do very well at the show each year, and I'm looking forward to another successful run. Sedona's Plein Air Festival takes place basically in my back yard, but I have many "secret spots" that I love to revisit for it. Finally, the Castine (Maine) Plein Air Festival gives me an opportunity to paint scenery that's a little different from what I have in Lubec and on Campobello Island. Home to the Maine Maritime Academy, it hosts some rather big boats, such as the USS State of Maine—always a challenge to paint! Here are the dates, and yes! the public is invited.

Castine Plein Air Festival. July 21-23, 2016. http://www.castinearts.org/plein-air-festival/
Sedona Plein Air Festival. October 15-22, 2016. http://www.sedonapleinairfestival.org
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. September 10-18, 2016. http://www.grandcanyon.org

Workshops and Retreats

I just returned from a fantastic trip to Scotland. This was my first time in that ancient, green land, and I can say it's everything I heard it was. (If you haven't been following my blog, you can read all about the trip here.) Twelve of us traveled through the Central Highlands, visiting such places as Glencoe and Stirling, painting our hearts out. I enjoyed the painting retreat so much that I've decided to offer it again, June 3-13, 2018. This time, we'll be painting in two areas: the fishing villages of East Neuk and also the Isle of Skye in the west. Like the last retreat, this one will be limited to just 12 participants. If you're interested, please let me know.

Right after the 2018 Scotland trip, I'll be heading over to Italy for another painting retreat, June 16-23, 2018. Our group will stay near Florence at the Villa Fattoria Bacìo in Certaldo Alto with painting excursions to Siena, La Meridiana, San Gimignano and Barberino. Price starts at €2,200 (currently about $2400 USD) and includes transportation to/from the Florence airport, and daily transportation to locations and all meals. The group sponsoring the trip has run many such workshops there with some big names, so I was very excited when they approached me about teaching. If you're interested and would like details, please let me know. We are now taking deposits for the trip.

If a painting retreat sooner than 2018 interests you, I am offering one in 2017 on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. I haven't pinned down the exact dates yet, but it will be in September 2017. We will visit such famous, paintable locations as Lunenberg and Peggy's Cove. (Think old fishing villages beautifully preserved for the painter.) This retreat will be very limited in size, so please let me know right away if you are interested.

For my retreats, by the way, I give preference to previous students. If you haven't taken a workshop with me yet, now's the time!

Speaking of workshops, I still have openings in my summer schedule in Lubec in Downeast Maine. The workshops are small in size—no more than four participants—so you can expect lots of personal attention. We are also still offering the package deal of workshop plus lodging at for $800 at our Artists Retreat Studios and Gallery. For full details on both the workshop and the lodging, visit www.PleinAirPaintingMaine.com. I am also now taking registration for my Arizona workshop for the fall/winter/spring of 2016/2017. We'll paint in Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley and explore some beautiful Southwestern scenery. For details, visit www.PaintSedona.com.

By the way, I am teaching a special workshop with my friend and fellow painter, Doug Tweddale, April 2-8, 2017. If you haven't met Doug, he is a pastelist and instructor recently featured in Pastel Journal. Unlike my typical Paint Sedona workshops, this will consist of full days and two instructors! Doug will be instructing in pastel, and I in oil. Limited to 12 students, this workshop will give you more bang for your buck for only $475. For details or to sign up, please contact me directly at mcj.painter@gmail.com

I also want to mention that my friend Albert Handell is returning to Sedona for his popular mentoring program. Although his October session is full, he has added a second session March 12-18, 2017. For details on this program with this very popular teacher, please visit www.AlbertHandell.com.

See the end of this newsletter for a full listing of workshops, including my fall workshop in Acadia National Park—always a great time with beautiful scenery.

That's all for now. As always, please follow my Plein Air Painter's blog for painting tips and techniques, and my Michael Chesley Johnson website for new paintings, videos and books, workshops and announcements.

Michael and Trina

Michael Chesley Johnson
www.MichaelChesleyJohnson.com
http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com
www.PleinAirPaintingMaine.com
www.PaintSedona.com
mcj.painter@gmail.com

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EVENTS
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July 21-23, 2016. Castine Plein Air Festival. Castine, ME. http://www.castinearts.org/plein-air-festival/
October 15-22, 2016.Sedona Plein Air Festival. Sedona, AZ. http://www.sedonapleinairfestival.org
September 10-18, 2016. Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ. http://www.grandcanyon.org

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WORKSHOPS
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2016 Workshops

July-August: MAINE, Lubec.. Plein air painting workshops for all levels of painter in pastel, oil or acrylic. See some of the world's best maritime scenery! Price: $300. Details: www.PaintCampobello.com

September 6-7: NEW HAMPSHIRE, Crawford Notch. All stay at historic Bartlett Inn. Price: $285 to $600, depending on lodging choices. To register and for details: NH Plein Air, Sharon Allen, pleinairgal@gmail.com

September 26-29: MAINE, Acadia National Park. Price: $595. To register and for details: www.acadiaworkshopcenter.com/MCJohnson.html

October 4-6: NORTH CAROLINA, Wilmington. Wilmington Art Association. Price: $350 WAA Members, $385 non-members. Contact: Ann Lees, WAA Education Chair, annfittonlees@yahoo.com

October-December: ARIZONA, Sedona. Paint Sedona continues! Price: $300. Details: www.PaintSedona.com

Coming in 2017!

May 5-6, 2017: OHIO, Columbus. Two-day workshop. Details TBA.

July 17-21, 2017: MAINE, Rockland. Five-day workshop at a new venue for me, Rockland, Maine. Price: TBA. Details: Coastal Maine Art Workshops, 207-594-4813, info@coastalmaineartworkshops.com

September, 2017: NOVA SCOTIA, Lunenburg. Painting retreat for advanced painters. Details TBA.

October 7-8, 2017: COLORADO, Durango. Private workshop.

Coming in 2018!

May 7-9, 2018: MICHIGAN, Lowell. Workshop for Great Lake Pastel Society. $400. See Michael's website.

June 3-13, 2018: SCOTLAND, East Neuk and Isle of Skye. For full details, contact Michael.

June 16-23, 2018: ITALY, Florence. For full details, contact Michael.

October 24-27, 2018: ARIZONA, Grand Canyon. Painting in Grand Canyon National Park via the Grand Canyon Association! Details to come.

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Michael's THREE NEW full-length oil and pastel videos
are now available from North Light Shop!

The Secret to Oil Painting with Light and Color

The Secret to Oil Painting Wet-into-Wet

The Secret to Pastel Painting En Plein Air

Book and Videos

All available from Amazon! Visit www.Amazon.com/author/johnson

Outdoor Study to Studio: Take Your Plein Air Paintings to the Next Level
Print: $24.95 / Kindle $19.95
Learn how to gather reference material in the field and then take it to the studio to create finished works. 114 pages, 146 images with 13 demos in oil and pastel.

Backpacker Painting: Outdoors with Oil and Pastel
Print: $45.00 / Download: $20.00
How to paint outdoors (en plein air) by minimizing the hassle and maximizing the fun. 12 demonstrations in oil and pastel, 72 paintings and 125 illustrations. 164pp.
Also Available as a Download from North Light Shop!

Through a Painter's Brush: The American Southwest
Print: $40.00 / Download: $20.00
Artistic interpretations of the American Southwest in oil and pastel. In addition to a wealth of images (26 pastel paintings, 81 oil paintings plus 55 photos and illustrations), it includes essays on the landscape and on his artistic process. Two painting demonstrations are included along with a chapter on materials and techniques. 130pp., full color.

Through a Painter's Brush: A Year on Campobello Island
Print: $40.00 / Download: $20.00
Essays on the process of making art along with notes about painting on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, and in Downeast Maine. Over 150 images including 55 oils and 20 pastels of maritime scenery complete with detail shots and illustrative photos, two demonstrations in oil and pastel. 140pp.

Paint Sedona! A Plein Air Painter's Field Guide to Sedona, Arizona, 2nd Edition
Print: $10.00 / Download: $7.00
A plein air painter's field guide to Sedona, Arizona. 43 pp, 35 black & white photos with map. Also includes useful plein air tips and supply lists for oil and pastel plein air painters.

Fifty Paintings: Roosevelt Campobello International Park's 50th Anniversary.
Print: $25 / Kindle: $12

Artist as Steward: Landscape Paintings of Michael Chesley Johnson
Print: $15 / Kindle: $10
49 paintings in this portfolio.