Painting Lakes and Shores Workshop
Discover the techniques involved in painting bodies of water and shorelines in this hands-on, three-day workshop. Whether you're new to painting or looking to deepen your practice, you'll learn how to translate natural scenes into expressive, creative artworks.
Through a combination of demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual work time, you’ll explore how to paint water in motion and at rest, depict changing skies, and build convincing reflections and textures. Instruction will cover essential techniques involved in acrylic and water color painting.
With a focus on both realism and personal style, this workshop encourages experimentation while offering practical tools for painting natural landscapes. By the final day, you'll walk away with several pieces and the confidence to continue painting lakes and shores on your own.
On-Campus Lodging
Participants can enjoy a special rate at the Stone Hotel and Cottages.
This workshop is open to those who wish to bring acrylic paints or watercolor. You do not need to bring both. The instructor will provide demos in watercolor and acrylic, and students may work with the medium they feel most comfortable.
For Paint (please select the media that you’d like to work with during the workshop):
- Suggested colors for watercolor 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 dark, 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: 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 (the instructor uses Raymar panels).
Brushes appropriate for acrylic and water media, the larger the better.
Please also bring:
- A portable easel. A limited supply will be available for borrowing.
- A 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 Painting Lakes and Shores Workshop.
Discover more programs for adult artists
Sign up to download our 2025 Adult Arts Program Guide and receive new program announcements.
