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Autumn in the mountains can be wild, rugged, remote, quiet. In these still places, after the rush of summer, we can find changing light, shifting energy and sparks of magic.
Join local artist Nikki Frumkin — well-known for her watercolor mountain paintings on her website and Instagram Drawn to High Places – at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center for a two-part watercolor and ink workshop to capture some of these wild Cascadian landscapes on paper.
This workshop is designed for the beginner and seasoned painter alike and everyone will have the opportunity to create their own plein air paintings and have one-on-one consults with Nikki. Bring reference photos of your favorite landscapes and mountains, or simply use the spectacular surroundings of the Diablo Lake neighborhood in North Cascades National Park as creative juice for your own work over the weekend. As we paint together in the well-lit art room on campus or out in the field, we'll discuss creative voice, technique, process, art as a business, sharing art on social media and more.
Friday: We'll settle in to our rooms, tour the Environmental Learning Center, set up our art room and enjoy a shared dinner in the lakeside dining hall. In theevening, we'll gather in the Wild Ginger Library to get to know each other and begin our dialogue on art and the artistic process.
Saturday: Watercolors want to capture light, movement and energy, but they can be a tricky friend. Our first day together will be spent learning some watercolor techniques that will serve as tools in our painting tool kit. There will be time to play, practice and experiment with new techniques. Depending on weather, we'll head out into the field to do some painting, so bring your puffy coats and layers! The day will conclude with a sketchbook share and more intimate conversation.
Sunday: The mountains tell big stories. There is so much power in the ridges and valleys of the North Cascades. We'll head out further afield, weather permitting, to capture the dramatic landscape around the Environmental Learning Center: Thunder Arm, Diablo Lake, Sourdough Mountain, Colonial and Pyramid Peaks. We will be applying our watercolor techniques from day one in different ways that suit the development of your creative voice and style.
In addition to lots of time to paint and talk about creating art, we'll enjoy delicious, organic and locally-sourced meals together and free time to wander the surrounding woods or lakeshore.
Nikki's approach to teaching watercolors is down-to-earth, practical and engaged, and you'll leave the weekend feeling inspired to continue your reengaged artistic endeavors back at home. Her Winter course at theEnvironmental Learning Center sold out with wait list, so don't delay in taking advantage of this unique opportunity!
Read about Nikki's approach to art on the Outdoor Research blog and REI's blog!
PRICING
Pricing (per person)
TUITION INCLUDES
Two nights accommodations
Six meals
Instruction