Upcoming Workshops
"The Expression of the Idea in Landscape"
The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts is hosting Mary, who is teaching a 3-day workshop from September 23rd - 25th. John F. Carlson, in his groundbreaking 1929 book, Elementary Principles of Landscape Painting, urges us to study the expressive properties of line, mass, and color. He states that it is a delusion to think that if a painter can merely “copy nature” well enough, he is creating a work of art, that he has to merely get a certain “likeness” of the things before him. He states that, rather, a painter must see through his motif, into its significance, and then choose his means accordingly. We will explore how one does that!
Please visit https://theatelier.org/study/lectures-and-events/ to learn more and register.
Participation in "The Expression of the Idea in Landscape" workshop is open to the the public.
Past Workshops
"Capture the Northwoods!" 4-day workshop at Dillman's Resort - **FULL**
What could be more rewarding than knowing how to create paintings that reflect our love of the Northwoods? Come to Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat and find out!
In this workshop, Mary teaches the joy of outdoor landscape painting, step by step. Whatever your level, you will learn proven techniques that develop your confidence and your point of view, from beginning idea to end result. You will learn the abstract qualities in realistic paintings that breathe life into your subjects! Four days – Plein air and studio. Come join us!
Please visit Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat to learn more and register. **THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL**
"Capture the Northwoods!" 4-day workshop
Location: Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat (Dillman's Resort)
Dates: October 2nd - 5th, 2023
Itinerary
Workshop Itinerary
Sunday, October 1
Check-In to your unit at Dillman’s (check-in time is 3:00)
5:00 Welcome Reception (included in package)
6:00 Dinner at Dillman’s (included in Room and Meal Package. $25 additional for day students.)
Workshop - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – October 2-5
Breakfast On Own
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
Lunch On Own
Meals are on your own. All accommodations have cooking facilities. You may preorder box lunches and dinners for meals to be taken alone or with your group in: your studio, the lodge deck, cafe, or your accommodation. (Pre-ordering for lunches and dinners is required.)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session
Workshop - Thursday, October 5
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
NOON Champagne Toast & Dessert (included in package
Lunch On Own
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session
Friday, October 6
Depart – check-out time is 10:00
Optional Events – Sign Up Required / Subject to Change:
Monday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Monday 7:00 p.m. S’more Roast (no charge)
Tuesday 8:00 a.m. Yoga
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Wednesday Noon & 4:00 p.m. Pontoon Ride on White Sand Lake (no charge)
Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Moondeer & Friends Gallery Tour (no charge)
Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner
Thursday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Dine-Around Dinners: Registration required at the front desk, meet at 5:00pm in the main lobby for carpooling.
Day students are welcome to attend the Welcome Reception and Farewell Reception (included in your package). You are also invited to join the class dinners (additional fee). PAL’s (Participants at large) can vacation at Dillman’s for $40 per night for accommodations. Costs for box lunches and dinners are additional.
Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat
3305 Sand Lake Lodge Lane
Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
Please visit Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat to learn more and register.
Upcoming Workshop - Fall 2024
"Northwoods Landscape Master Class" at Madeline Island School of Arts
This plein air workshop by ARC Living Master Mary Pettis is open to all artists, but especially designed for
those who have a basic knowledge of oil painting and are now ready to move towards more personally
expressive and masterful landscapes.
Embracing both classical principles and proven plein air techniques from the greatest contemporary schools of thought, Mary is devoted to helping painters open their hearts and minds to their artistic purpose; to give them the advanced tools and exercises that will guide them on their path.
Mary will provide insights into:
- Composing the landscape forms in a simple and direct way,
- Maintaining a powerful expression from the first 12 minutes on,
- The secret of accurately capturing light and atmosphere,
- When and how to edit the abundance of outdoor information to bolster your artistic intent,
- How to avoid the pitfalls of making your painting too formulaic, illustrative or tight-looking,
- Tools, tips and a method to perfect the outdoor oil sketch: your “notes to yourself!”,
- A means to create your own curriculum to carry you forward!
Come Join Us!
Please visit Madeline Island School of Arts to learn more and register.
"Northwood Landscape Master Class" 5-day workshop
Dates: September 16 - 20th, 2024
Location: Madeline Island School of Arts
978 Middle Road
La Pointe, WI 54850
Upcoming Workshop - Spring 2025
"Love of the Land!" 4-day workshop at Dillman's Resort
**UPDATE - THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL**
Contact Dillmans to get on the waiting list.
What could be more rewarding than knowing how to create paintings that reflect our love of the Northwoods? Come to Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat and find out!
In this workshop, Mary teaches the joy of outdoor landscape painting, step by step. Whatever your level, you will learn proven techniques that develop your confidence and your point of view, from beginning idea to end result. You will learn the abstract qualities in realistic paintings that breathe life into your subjects! Four days – Plein air and studio. Come join us!
Please visit Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat to learn more and register.
"Love of the Land!" 4-day workshop
Location: Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat (Dillman's Resort)
Dates: May 27th - 30th, 2025
Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat
3305 Sand Lake Lodge Lane
Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
Please visit Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat to learn more and register.
Upcoming Workshop - Summer 2025
OPM Workshop with Mary Pettis
Outdoor Painters of Minnesota (OPM) is excited to welcome painters, on Saturday July 12th, to one of Mary Pettis' popular workshops at her beautiful studio and bluff property in Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
We will meet at 9:00am at Mary's studio to watch her morning painting demo. Painters may paint along or simply watch; bring a lawn chair if you wish. Afterwards we will order pizza for lunch and then enjoy painting around her neighborhood or downhill by the St. Croix River.
Open to OPM Members and Non-Members
Please visit Outdoor Painters of MN to learn more and register.
Upcoming Workshop - Fall 2025
"Italy En Plein Air!" 7-day workshop with Il Chiostro
**UPDATE - THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL**
Contact Il Chiostro to get on the waiting list.
Join us as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of glistening waters, lovely coastal docks, Roman ruins, and the charming towns along Lake Garda in this romantic northern region of Italy! As artists, we seek to express our love for the beauty we see in the world, and this inspiring workshop is designed to show exactly how to do just that.
We will paint or sketch each day on location, and there will be many demos where you can watch or choose to paint alongside Mary. Throughout her demonstrations, Mary seamlessly covers the fundamentals of creating great paintings. More importantly, whatever your level, you will find this designed to gently and joyously lead you, one-on-one, to a greater understanding of what is inside waiting to be expressed on the canvas! You will leave as a better painter, guaranteed!
As an added feature of this workshop, special instruction will be given on artistically using your additional photo reference to recreate your experiences or quick views (from a boat, for example) later, away from the scene.
You are invited to use minimal gear, small panels, and a simple palette of colors, for ease and comfort in traveling. In a balanced itinerary, we will be given tours, wined and dined, and nurtured in the great tradition of Il Chiostro workshops.
SPECIAL BONUS!
An hour before dinner each evening, in the manner of the European salon, we will gather with those attending the Dream Building Workshop of Dr. Gretchen Stein, for a happy hour of friendship-building, relaxation, and inspiring discussion of topics to do with the creative process and the power of the imagination. (After all, we must imagine the finished creation on our blank canvas before we lay our first stroke!) This hour will be co-lead by workshop leaders, Gretchen and Mary.
After this hour, we will go together with new friends to enjoy excellent Italian cuisine and the joy of interesting conversation.
Please visit Il Chiostro to learn more and and get on the waiting list.
"Italy En-Plein Air!” 7-day workshop
Location: Verona and Lake Garda, Italy
Dates: September 23rd - 30th, 2025
Please visit Il Chiostro to learn more and get on the waiting list.
Upcoming Retreat - Fall 2025
"Redwoods, Coastline, Canvas, and Cuisine" - A Private Luxury Plein Air Retreat with Mary Pettis
Imagine deepening your connection to Nature through oil painting, surrounded by the awe-inspiring giant redwoods and the dramatic Pacific coastline. Now, envision doing all this while indulging in unparalleled luxury accommodations and savoring nourishing, gourmet cuisine. This exceptional retreat is designed just for you!
Join ARC Living Master Painter Mary Pettis for a 5-day / 5-night artist retreat like no other!
No matter your experience level, you’ll expand your technical mastery, learn to distill your artistic vision, and create vibrant, evocative paintings alive with color and atmosphere. Each day, Mary provides hands-on guidance through live demonstrations, personalized one-on-one instruction, thoughtful critiques, and inspiring plein air excursions across the breathtaking grounds of The Inn at Newport Ranch.
Location:
The Northern California Coast is a rustic coastline that begs to be captured by painters. Truly some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America, exemplifying the restorative power of nature. A place where rugged cliffs frame pristine beaches, stunning ridgelines and breathtaking vistas that surround you.
This 5-day / 5-night artist retreat is designed for the traveler who desires to enjoy nature in a luxurious setting. The 2,200-acre Inn at Newport Ranch offers stunning vistas spread throughout 9 distinct microclimates; from 1.5 miles of coastline to old growth redwood. The autumn season in Northern California is filled with dramatic color - from golden meadows and ocean waters to majestic redwoods.
The retreat is designed so that you leave with finished studies, more confidence, lasting inspiration, and the perfect tools to help get your love of the landscape from your heart onto the canvas! Beginner, amateur, and experienced artists are welcome.
In addition, The Inn at Newport Ranch boasts of an extraordinary culinary program that reflects the ethos and bounty of the Ranch, as well as local environs. The culinary team is led by Chef Nick Wells Jr. and Adam Lawrence (a gifted forager and chef). The entire staff at the Inn at Newport Ranch provides detailed hospitality without pretension.
We invite you to join us at this Artist Retreat!
Spaces are limited for this exclusive experience, so reserve your spot today!
Retreat Dates: October 18th - 23, 2025 (Saturday - Thursday)
Retreat Cost: $1,700 per person
Meals Provided: 5 Breakfasts (included with the room), 4 Lunches, and 5 Dinners
Lodging: Not included
Questions/To Register: call Mercedes at 707-962-4818 or email mercedes@theinnatnewportranch.com
Visit The Inn's website to get more information about the ranch: