Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Landscape Painting Workshop. Feb 23-27, 2009

I still have room for two or maybe three participants in my February '09 Workshop.
February 23rd through 27th, will be the dates for the five day plein air landscape painting workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

There is also one spot that has opened up for the March 9-13 class due to an illness.


Photo Frank Gardner © 2008


In the workshop my emphasis is on trying to help everyone advance to their next level.

A strong and simple value pattern is key to a successful painting, we will work on getting values correct from the start and keeping them clear throughout the painting process.
We will work on seeing color and value then mixing color using a limited palette.
Premixing colors on your palette, and choosing the best design for your composition are a few of the things that we will focus on in this workshop.
An emphasis will be on getting a strong start to your painting so you don't need to waste time reworking the design later. Accurate color mixing is key to capturing the mood of a location.
I will do several demos, but the majority of the time will be for painting and individual guidance. There will be some quick painting exercises as well as time for longer painting sessions.
I feel that a strong start is the key a successful plein air painting and we will focus a lot on "starts" as well as how to bring a good start to the desired finish.


Photo Frank Gardner © 2008


The cost of the 2009 workshop will be $530.USD.
Included in cost:
PAINTING INSTRUCTION.
DAILY TRANSPORTATION to and from the painting sites.
LUNCHES for ALL FIVE DAYS.
Any FEES needed for entrance to locations.

Each day we will be treated to a delicious meal prepared just for us by the owners of the beautiful properties where we will be painting. Past participants have always been very satisfied with what our hosts prepare for us.
The painting locations are on private property and there are always bathroom facilities available.

The painting day generally works out like this:
Pick up is around 9:30 A.M. for transportation to that days painting location.
There is either a quick demonstration or talk about the days goals and then everyone gets painting while I give one on one attention.
Break for lunch is usually around 1:30 or 2:00 P.M. depending on our painting progress.
The break for lunch lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Then everyone gets back to painting for the rest of the afternoon until around 5:00 P.M. when we will be transported back to town.


Photo Frank Gardner © 2008


This workshop focuses on landscape painting. However there are lots of painting opportunities in town as well, and you might want to consider spending a few extra days in San Miguel to explore what the town has to offer.
San Miguel has many lodging possibilities. There are many fine hotels, B&B's, apartments or houses to rent. Everyone will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation to and from San Miguel de Allende. The closest airport is in Leon, (airport code BJX), about and hour and a half ride from town. I can recommend a transportation service to shuttle you to and from the airport. Mexico City is about four hours from San Miguel by bus.

This workshop is for oil painters only. All levels are welcome, but you SHOULD HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE PAINTING ON LOCATION.
If you are interested, email me at frank@frankgardner.com with any questions or to receive the materials list.
The class size is limited to 9 or 10 participants for lots of personal attention.
For info on San Miguel and lodging visit portalsanmiguel.com
If you would like other lodging options or have any questions, email me at frank@frankgardner.com.


Please do not finalize any travel plans or lodging until you have confirmed with me that there is space available in the class.
A $200. USD deposit is required to hold your spot in the class. I will give you information on how to send a check to me once availability for your participation is confirmed. The deposit is fully refundable up to one month before the start of the workshop.



Photo Frank Gardner © 2008

10 comments:

Alicia PadrĂ³n said...

Oh I bet those two vacant spot will fill soon my friend :o

Frank Gardner said...

Hola Ali.
we'll see amiga.
I thought I better mention it here before it is all full.

Daniel Corey said...

This sounds Great Frank

Anonymous said...

I"m betting by the time I hit " send ", these spots are taken. Just took a look through the B&B's on the link you provided and combined with your thorough explanation of your teaching methods, this sounds like any painters' dream workshop.
San Miguel is beautiful. Ohhh that light!

Maybe next year after I get some landscapes added to my repertoire.

Lucky crew that gets to do this with you........

Frank Gardner said...

Hi Dan. It is usually pretty fun.

Hi Bonnie. That's nice of you to say. Yes, there is good light here. Would be glad to have you here.

Art with Liz said...

You make it sound so fantastic. And I love these two paintings. Maybe one day !!

Anonymous said...

Sounds very tempting. The temp hasn't been above freezing here in a week and we're expecting freezing rain tonight.

I'd love to join you sometime.

Marian Fortunati said...

Sounds like it's gonna be heavenly!
I can hardly wait. Hopefully you can pound (softly) something into my brain.
It's pouring here in sunny Southern California. Hopefully we'll have good weather down there in March.

Frank Gardner said...

Hi Liz, thanks.
I appreciate your visiting my blog.

Hey there Bill. That does not sound nice. Cold is bad enough, but cold and gray too.
It would be great to paint with you one day. Either in a class or just painting.

Hi Marian. I'll do my best.
The weather in March is usually pretty near perfect. Clear skies and the cold nights ought to be mellowing by then.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I want to do that someday. Can't wait to read about it, though.