The Painters Keys

Just a way of living

Nine summers ago, a New York friend told me of an American writer she knew living in Italy and looking to swap studios. I scraped together a ticket and rented a piano to be delivered the day I arrived. A few months later, the writer’s neighbour picked me up at the airport and, as she placed my bag inside the door, invited me to come later to a small dinner party in her apartment. “I’m here to work,” I ached, but her eyes, like grey almond Modiglianis, turned minutely downward at my stupidity. “See you at nine-thirty.”...Read On

Upcoming Workshops

Feb 14, 2018 to Feb 28, 2018 - MEXICO WINTER GETAWAY – Plein Air Painting and Figure Drawing

Take a winter break! Join me, Hermann Brandt for one or both of these retreat/workshops in sunny Mexico.

Casa Buena is a gorgeous art retreat center, right on the ocean. Jane Romanishko is a fabulous host and goes above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time. Included: Most art materials, meals, accommodation, a jungle-river boat trip and several sightseeing ventures. For beginner to intermediate level artists. Figure drawing (Feb 14-21) – from life; nude model. Plein air (Feb 21-28) – beach scenes, fishing villages and surrounding hills. I look forward to sharing a time of fun and learning.

http://www.casabuenaartretreat.com/retreats.htm
Mar 21, 2018 to Mar 28, 2018 - The Power of Paint; Creating the WOW factor in your paintings with Dutch artist Carole Boggemann Peirson

Week-long workshop in gorgeous paradise retreat between Puerto Vallarta & Mazatlan, Mexico for beginning and intermediate students in oils (or acrylics with experience). You will learn how to create a painting with beautiful light that captures viewers’ attention and keeps them fascinated. Small group size guarantees personal attention.

While you’re busy creating art and exploring, your friendly hosts at Casa Buena will ensure that your stay is memorable. Outstanding accommodations, food, and field trips will satisfy your desire for both comfort and adventure. Spouses are welcome!

For more info, visit: http://www.casabuenaartretreat.com/Retreat_Carol.htm or contact Carole at: cpeirson@earthlink.net or call: 001-757-678-3340 (EST).
Apr 7, 2018 to Apr 14, 2018 - Travel Sketching with Watercolours in Italy

Join Vancouver artist Joanne Hastie to sketch the landscapes of Italy. Joanne will share her art process during this 7 day adventure.

Highlights: See all 6 Mosaic’d churches in Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Visit & sketch the places where Michelangelo sketched in the late 1490’s in Bologna; Wander the house where Renaissance artist Rafael’s grew up; Tour the castle that inspired a chapter in Dante’s Divine Comedy; Paint while watching the sunset over a cliff-top castle; Ride a bicycle along the beach to a Roman Bridge built in 10AD that is still in use today!; Sketch alongside Canadian artist Joanne Hastie & experience how the Italian countryside inspires her art.
Included: 7 nights accommodations, 7 gourmet breakfasts, 7 gourmet dinners (wine included) at Hotel Belvedere in Riccione; transportation to and from Riccione to each location; watercolor sketchbook, plein-air starter kit (watercolor), ink pen, eraser

$3325 CAD per person
Click here to learn more.
Apr 7, 2018 to Apr 14, 2018 - San Miguel Art Retreat for Women

Stuck in a rut? Need time to reflect on transitions? Long for an extended artist date? Join Ellie Harold for this unique art-making retreat for women in San Miguel de Allende. Re-establish flow in your life through painting, movement and soulful discussion, plus a wealth of cultural, visual and culinary delights.

Art practice will encourage intuitive use of color and expressive mark-making with emphasis on process. Materials provided or you can bring your own.

An inspired facilitator and prolific painter, Ellie invites all experience levels (including none) to participate in Painting for Pleasure.

Visit Ellie’s website to learn more.
Jun 4, 2018 to Jun 10, 2018 - Darla Bostick’s 11th Ghost Ranch Art Workshop/Retreat

Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, Darla Bostick, (June and October) workshops

Relax, enjoy, create!

Photography/watercolors/acrylics/mixed media. Group activity room (floor to ceiling vista). Ghost Ranch Lodging/meals provided. See why Georgia O’Keeffe loved Ghost Ranch. Each workshop/retreat is different. The June workshop leans heavier on all kinds of materials –textiles and dye, printing, painting, pouring and more! The October workshop combines the media of photography, watercolor, ink, acrylic and more — using watercolor paper, clayboard, etc!

Daily demos, slide presentations, door prizes and optional happy hour. The website shows how I work from Ghost Ranch scenes to finished paintings. www.darlabostick.com