Landscape Painting Workshop
Open to artists of all skill levels, these two- or three-day intensive workshops offer instruction in landscape painting techniques—plus opportunities to be immersed in the tranquility of nature.
Each workshop will begin with demonstrations, as well as an in-studio review of the fundamentals of color mixing, composition, and other painting concepts. You will then apply your knowledge and hone your powers of observation as you depict the idyllic northern Michigan landscape. With gorgeous lakeviews framed by seasonal foliage, you will have an inspiring environment in which to practice your art.
After working “en plein air,” you'll be invited back into the studio to discuss and fine-tune your work.
June 11 - 12, 2026
Instructor: Mark Mehaffey
Medium: Watercolor only
Early Registration Fee: $299
Tuition increases March 1
July 20 - 21, 2026
Instructor: Mark Mehaffey
Medium: Watercolor or acrylic
Early Registration Fee: $299
Tuition increases April 1
Aug. 5 - 6, 2026
Instructor: Mark Mehaffey
Medium: Watercolor or acrylic
Early Registration Fee: $299
Tuition increases April 1
On-Campus Lodging
Participants can enjoy a special rate at the Stone Hotel and Cottages.
Each session of the Landscape Painting Workshop will follow a similar schedule. Below is the schedule for the October session.
This workshop is open to those who wish to bring acrylic paints, gouache, or watercolor. You do not need to bring all three. The instructor will provide demos in acrylic and watercolor, however students may work with the medium they feel most comfortable and the instructor will provide guidance for each. The instructor works with a split primary palette in his own acrylic and watercolor work and suggested colors for each medium are provided below.
For Paint (please select the media that you’d like to work with during the workshop):
- Suggested colors for WATERCOLOR/GOUACHE include: hansa yellow light, and gamboge, ultramarine and thalo blue (cobalt is also acceptable), quinacridone rose and winsor red, plus black and white gouache.
- Suggested colors for ACRYLICS include: cadmium yellow light, cadmium yellow deep, alizarin crimson, cadmium red light, ultramarine and thalo blue, plus black and white.
Surfaces/Painting supports (select from the following based upon the medium you are working with):
- For WATERCOLOR/GOUACHE: Arches 140lb. cold press paper in the block form.
- For ACRYLIC: pre-gessoed canvas or painting panels in the 8” x 10” and / or 9” x 12” sizes.
Brushes appropriate for acrylic and watermedia, the larger the better.
Please also bring:
- A portable easel. A limited number of easels will be available for borrowing.
- Your sketch book (include 4, 5 or 6B pencils)
- Your camera, if you have one…
- Bug spray, sunscreen and a hat please!
- Caution: if you bring it, you will have to CARRY it!
See our registration and cancellation policy.
K-12 educators in Michigan can earn SCECH clock hours by attending any session of the Landscape Painting Workshop.
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