
California Canvas:
Mendocino Outdoor Acrylic Painting Retreat
October 20-22, 2017
Enjoy this free, time-lapse painting demo and then continue on to learn more.
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Welcome to the world of painting
En Plein Air,
which is the commonly used
French way of saying
"in open air."
So often it just seems like life is moving way too fast. After your job, your chores, the errands, the hectic news media, and what other people need...
where's the time for you?

As a gal with a lot going on, I totally get it. The world feels chaotic these days and everyone's in a rush. It's hard to get the peace and quiet that you crave, let alone dedicate time to your passions.
But here's the important thing. Life is short. We can't let it fly by. The best way to slow down and enjoy yourself is to literally slow down and enjoy yourself. Unplug.
I created this acrylic class for people like you and me who need time away from city life and want to bring more stillness and beauty into their lives. When I realized that I could simultaneously spend time in nature and express my creative side, I was a changed woman! Now I want to share this experience with you.
We live near some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. It would be a shame not to paint them! It can be a challenge, however.
In this class I will take you through a step by step process that will help you:
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Find gorgeous and accessible places to paint without aimlessly circling and backtracking for half a day.
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Know what to pack and how to set up so that you don't get stuck without the essentials.
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Approach painting when time, movement, light, and weather are factors.
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Select the perfect composition out of a 360 view.
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Pop your colors so that your landscape offers more charm than just a photograph.
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Learn quick techniques for painting waves, clouds, rocks, trees, meadows, and distant hills.
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Avoid getting stuck on the details and create a cohesive, rewarding painting with ease.
Mendocino County is a mecca for plein air painters. The village has an ocean view and is located on top of picturesque bluffs overlooking a beautiful cove. The area combines small town charm, first class cuisine, lovely seas-side walking trails, world-renowned botanical gardens, dramatic coastlines and state parks. Located 3 hours north of San Francisco.

This is a true experience. After stepping out of the studio and being one with a beautiful, natural environment you won't want to go back inside! Your body, mind, and spirit will relax, which is good for you and the people around you.
Is this retreat right for you?
It's just right for you if:
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You crave quiet time in nature.
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You have a few paintings under your belt.
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You're outdoorsy and can cope with changing weather conditions (rain will cancel).
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You can lift a backpack and travel easel over uneven terrain to the painting site. See packing list.
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You enjoy driving in the country.
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You're ready to be in the moment and unplug.
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You look forward to exploring the area with free time in the mornings and evenings to yourself.
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You want control of choosing your own lodging accommodations to fit your own budget.
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You're looking for more techniques to make your paintings amazing!


Once Upon a Time...

I used to be extremely shy. As an only child, it was often just me and my imagination and I had a hard time meeting new people. I loved nature, but I didn't feel confident enough to travel by myself.
In 2008 I found myself freshly single, done with working a very stressful job, and hit with a serious case of wanderlust. So, I got brave and toured California by myself for 2 weeks.
I had such an amazing time that I began a solo California travel and photography blog. I'm no longer the shy young woman I used to be. It feels wonderful to express my love of nature travel, silly sense of humor, and my creativity now through painting. I'd love to help you step into your authentic power, as well.
Two Day Retreat: $199
Day 1. Friday, October 20th, 2017
Mendocino Hotel, Main Street, Mendocino
Day 2. Saturday, October 21st, 2017
Mendocino Botanical Gardens
Three Day Retreat: $274
Day 3. Sunday, October 22nd, 2017
Mendocino Headlands
Includes a bonus touch-up session for all of your Mendocino paintings.
Art and Nature Therapy
Stress Reduction
Technique Demonstrations
Step by Step Instructions
Creative Coaching
Bonus Touch-Up Session on Day 3
and more.
Materials not included.