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About this trip
Botanical Offerings - A Floral Sketching and Painting Course
“I must have flowers, always and always.” – Claude Monet
Why flowers?
I have always been drawn to painting flowers in my work. To me, flowers represent the healing power of beauty. I believe that the world could use a little more beauty (and art). I am delighted to share my love of flowers and my process of painting with all of you! Come arrange, sketch and paint flowers with me.
During this five-day intensive workshop, we will explore shape, line, and color through a variety of expressions, including sketching, collage, and painting. We will use mixed media techniques to layer and create beautiful expressive florals. I will be walking artists through exercises to loosen up their process, create from a place of joy, play with color, and explore composition.
Here are some of the techniques we will be exploring:
- Layering of transparent watercolor shapes
- Expressive line work and contour drawing
- Building a pleasing composition
- Choosing dynamic color palettes
- Collage assemblage
- Abstraction in still life painting
- How to take your informal sketches and make it into a finished painting
And what would a floral painting course be without a little floral arrangement? We will be arranging our own flowers for inspiration and cultivating beauty in our soul. I hope that you will join me in my first LIVE in person workshop since 2020!
Materials and Supplies:
- Paper for sketching (Strathmore Oil Painting Paper, Mixed Media Paper or Loose Canvas Paper)
- Water soluble mark making tools (Neocolor ii’s, Watercolor Pencils, Pastels)
- Acrylic markers
- Acrylic paint in your favorite colors
- Watercolor paint in your favorite colors
- Oil pastels
- 2-3 Stretched canvases (11 x 14, 12 x 12 or 16 x 20)
- Paintbrushes In a variety of sizes
- Papers and fabrics for collage
- Matte Gel Medium (or your favorite adhesive)
- Old papers for sketching and collage
About Wendy Brightbill
Wendy Brightbill began her creative journey after a car accident rewired her brain. Painting and making a mess allowed her to embrace the process, and stay present in the moment. God used art to bring healing to her fractured brain and allowed her to find beauty in what felt like such a devastating experience. Painting with bright, vibrant colors helped bring her out of a depression and create the life that she wanted to be living. She fell in love with the process of painting and has never looked back.
Today, Wendy loves sharing her passion for process and art-making through her well-loved online courses. Teaching and sharing her story with others never gets old.
Wendy currently lives in the beautiful foothills of Colorado, at the base of Pikes Peak. She is a Colorado Springs native, which is truly rare. She has been married to her husband since 2000 which makes it easy to do the Math. Her husband has always been her biggest cheerleader. Wendy has three beautiful girls who fill her life with joy. Building a creative life while being a full time mom has had its challenges but also comes with many beautiful moments.
Social & Website Links
What’s included
- Workshop Tuition
- Guest RoomsGuest room amenities include Towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair dryers, in room coffeemaker, mini fridge, tv, internet, lap desks, yoga mats
- Welcome ReceptionLight dinner and refreshments
- Snacks and Most MealsIncludes 2 nights of dinner (welcome and farewell), lunch and breakfast, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer
- Art SuppliesIf art supplies are included in the price of the retreat, it will show in the description.
What’s not included
- TransportationTaxis and rental cars available at airport. We may be able to pick you up at the airport or train station with prior arrangements.
- Optional ExcusionsSee below for fun and inspiring add-on excursions
- Art SuppliesYour instructor will reach out with details on needed materials and supplies. You can have your supplies shipped directly to us if you do not want to travel with them.
- Travel InsuranceAlthough we do not require trip insurance, we VERY HIGHLY recommend it. Here is a link for purchasing Trip Insurance where you can compare rates and coverage. https://www.travelinsurance.com/
Available Packages
For participants who don't need overnight lodging. Price is per person and includes lunch, welcome dinner and farewell dinner only. Doesn't include 24/7 after hours studio use after end of workshop.
This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 6.45%.
Here is the breakdown:
Day Student Retreat Fee $1500
Accommodation/Sales Tax 6.45 $97
TOTAL Retreat Fee $1596
There are no prepay discounts for the Day Student rate
Price is per person. Double Occupancy. You each have your own bed and your own closet for personal items, and your own bathrobe. You share a bathroom connected to your room.
We assign all students to rooms based on giving everyone a great space. All double occupancy rooms are in the main property.
This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.
Here is the breakdown:
Single Room Retreat Fee $2145
Accommodation/Sales Tax 11% $235
TOTAL Retreat Fee $2380
If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout.
A room all to myself but with a shared bathroom. The bathroom is connected directly to your room.
This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.
Here is the breakdown:
Single Room Retreat Fee $2650
Accommodation/Sales Tax 11% $ 291
TOTAL Retreat Fee with tax $2941
If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout.
A room all to myself with my own private en-suite bathroom and balcony in the Main House.
You can double your fun by adding a participating artist friend for an additional $1950 plus Tax. Just choose Participating Artist Friend below.
This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.
Here is the breakdown:
Single Room Retreat Fee $2900
Accommodation/Sales Tax 11% $320
TOTAL Retreat Fee $3220
If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout.
Willow I Our Super Cute Glamping Camper
We now have a super cute glamping camper!
It is a cozy 25 feet off-grid with a queen size bed, dinette with comfy cushions,
A very spacious bathroom for a cozy camper (it even has a shower!)
It sits in the quiet back area of our property with views of majestic willow trees.
We are dressing it up in the same cozy, beautiful, and colorful linen bedding that we have in our guest rooms... it will be a beautiful getaway!
This cozy abode is meant for one person. Private space/Private bath.
Our other rooms in the main house are $2900 but our glampers are only $2500 plus tax
(You are welcome to share with a friend if you wish for an additional fee - just use the add-on option below)
Out your door is a fancy awning with patio lights and comfy chairs to enjoy the evening breezes.
This fee INCLUDES the State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.
Here is the breakdown:
Single Room Retreat Fee $2500
Accommodation/Sales Tax 11% $275
TOTAL Retreat Fee with tax $2775
Do you have a loved one who you want to join you but WILL NOT be taking any classes? Use this add-on. This fee includes everything that the full rate includes EXCEPT for the classroom time.
This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.
Here is the breakdown:
Extra Guest $1350
Accommodation/Sales Tax 11% $145
TOTAL Retreat Fee $1465
There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice
Do you have a friend that will be participating in class that you want to share your room with?
Use this add-on. You can only use this add-on if you purchased a private room with bath.
This fee includes everything that the full rate includes
This fee includes State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.
Here is the breakdown:
Extra Participating Artist Friend $1950
Accommodation/Sales Tax 11% $214
TOTAL Retreat Fee $2164
There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice
Available options
Our room rates are normally $350-$400, so this is a fantastic opportunity to stay extra nights
Our room rates are normally $350-$400, so this is a fantastic opportunity to stay extra nights
Itinerary
6-8 pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with Welcome Dinner.
Room check ins begin at 3pm