Painting Lakes and Shores Workshop


A woman painting near a shoreline

Open to artists of all skill levels, this three-day workshop offers instruction in how to paint landscapes with a shoreline and a lake from start to finish.

Students will acquire knowledge of painting water depending on the light during different times of the day and during different weather conditions. This workshop will start with teaching about color theory and mixing a variety of colors to achieve different hues. Students will learn about composition, atmospheric perspective, and how to paint soft and hard edges in different waves.

At the end of the workshop students will have two or three finished paintings to take home.

Dates

June 6 - 8, 2025

Early Registration Fee

$356

Fee increases after March 1

On-Campus Lodging

Participants can enjoy a special rate at the Stone Hotel and Cottages

Materials for this workshop are 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. 

A lightweight plein air easel (with carrying case) will be provided for each participant to use. Those wishing to bring their own easel may do so. French easels are also available.

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:

  • 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!

K-12 educators in Michigan can earn SCECH clock hours by attending any session of the Painting Lakes and Shores Workshop.

Meet the Faculty

Eleonora Hayes

Eleonora Hayes

Instructor of Visual Arts

Questions? Contact us.

Email: college@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.7340 

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Interlochen College of Creative Arts student paints en plein air