Artists' Retreat at Acorn Landing
Artists at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse
Artists at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse
Hi!
What a wonderful experience this was!
Four other artists and I went up to Cheboygan and spent two days and
three nights at an insanely comfortable Airbnb cottage called Acorn
Landing.
I arrived ahead to make sure everything was ready. I needn't have
worried. There just isn't room here to say enough good about our hosts
and how well equipped the spacious cottage was. Everything we could
possibly need was right there ready for us. Click HERE to view my
walk-through video. >
The retreat started as an experiment and I wanted to make sure it was
memorable. Since my strong suit is cooking, I went all out with quiche
and homemade muffins, crusty bread, pies, and a Country Gal breakfast
complete with saussage gravy, grits, and biscuits.
Andre; Firemaker extraordinaire
Andre; Firemaker extraordinaire
We started our first evening with a sandwich and salad buffet with
peach, apple, and pecan pie for dessert.
Then out to the fire pit to enjoy a crackling fire, thanks to Andre.
Who knew we'd have an expert fire-maker among us!?
We five had a wonderful time just getting to know one another. Relaxed
chatter filled the quiet air with stories of family, pets, and of
course art.
Night sky
Night sky - photo taken 4am at Acorn Landing
The next day saw us out on the deck doing a painting/learning session
with our guest instructor, Janet Kondziela.
I will show you those when I get the images from the other artists.
Then an afternoon nap to rest up for a trip to Headlands International
Dark Sky Park.
I would love to show you that but they discourage lights from smart
phone cameras and I didn't know if I have a red-filter on mine.
So imagine this image of the sky at the cottage, but with a million
times this many stars.
I am definitely GOING to paint THAT!
Morning At Mize Ranch
Morning At Mize Ranch 16"x16" Oil
I gave a talk on the luminous movement after breakfast the next morning
and pointed out a couple of my favorite living artists who paint in the
luminist style.
I showed how to create the illusion of light glowing through trees and
from within objects.
Other topics included how to use a color checker and proportional
divider.
Janet Kondziela sketching at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse
Janet Kondziela sketching at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse
Then we headed out to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse to do some outdoor
sketching/painting.
Janet's drawing of the lighthouse is exquisite. Once she has published
the finished drawing, I'll include a link to it for you. She's really a
remarkable teacher!
After exploring the beach and climbing up into the lighthouse, the rest
of us were pretty much spent and decided to re-schedule the painting
session in my studio for another time.
The lighthouse visit ended with a mini-lesson from Janet on perspective
drawing!
I sent scads of food home with everyone, including the chicken
quesadillas and Spanish rice we never got around to.
I always say it's better to over plan and have to skip something than
not to plan enough.
I couldn't be more pleased with how my first experimental retreat
turned out. The participants voted unanimously that we should do this
again.
I heartily concur and already have another location in mind. I'll keep
you posted.
My heart is full of birdsong. Go get you some too!
Jan
P.S...
Salt and Pepper 6x6 Oil
Salt and Pepper 6x6 Oil
The Fall Giveaway is almost here!
I will be drawing five names from among my Studio News subscribers to
receive one of the small works painted during the September Strada
Easel Challenge.
Salt and Pepper is #2
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