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 workshop 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.
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.
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.
We invite you to join us at this Artist Retreat! Spaces are limited for this exclusive experience, so reserve your spot today!
Workshop Dates: October 18th - 23, 2025 (Saturday - Thursday)
Call or email to Book:
707-962-4818
innkeeper@theinnatnewportranch.com
Visit The Inn's website to get more information about the ranch:
