Workshop Details

Workshops are held from late May through August
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A workshop guest takes in the beauty of Leland's Historic Fishtown with Mary Lynn.

❖  Your Getaway Workshop Curriculum

          ◆   Demonstration & Instruction
  • Demonstrations regarding ─ equipment, composition and painting.
  • Demonstrations regarding ─ ​the ​alla prima methods ​of painting. 
  • Instructions on  ─ how light affects color. 
  • Instructions on ─ how to simplify values.
  • Instructions on ─ how to organize nature into a cohesive, powerful composition.

          ◆   Workshop General Focus
The small group size allows customized individual instruction. The general focus will be on composition, grouping values, and seeing color as relates to the value scale. Alla prima techniques of painting refer to a very direct and impromptu way of working. Translated directly from Italian, alla prima means ‘at once.’ Often people are intimidated if they have little painting and drawing experience. This method teaches you to respond to your environment in a very immediate way. Some people might create several paintings a day while others create one. Due to Mary Lynn's years of teaching, she can help even the least experienced person enjoy and produce a piece of artwork that will surprise themselves with their artistry.

          ◆   'Mix Things Up'
Your itinerary may be as relaxed or stringent as your group dictates. The opportunity to 'mix things up,' with gallery visits, wine tastings, sitting under the stars─ Experiencing the true essence of the Leelanau Peninsula will make your experience most memorable.
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          ◆   Northport Artist Residency Objectives
  • To enable each guest to focus on their creativity. 
  • To instruct and teach the Plein Air Painting Curriculum.
  • That each guests' Getaway Workshop will inspire them to continue to paint, enjoy art and help them move forward in their artistic endeavors.

          ◆   Workshop Guests' Objectives
  • Gain confidence to complete a plein air painting.
  • Learn what kind equipment to use in the field.
  • Understand what materials you'll need for plein air painting.
  • Ascertain how to choose a subject and compose the scene.
  • Learn how to analyze the scene in 4 values.
  • Ascertain how to do a quick block-in to capture light and shadow.
  • Learn how to move beyond the block-in stage to create a finished painting.
  • Understand the alla prima methods of painting. 
  • Recognize how light affects color. 
  • Understand how to simplify values.
  • Recognize how to organize nature into a cohesive, powerful composition.

❖  Your Getaway Workshop Art Supplies

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French Plein Air Easel
  • We provide a French Plein Air Easel, paints, brushes, boards and pallets.
  • Please bring a good digital camera for documenting and printing your composition in the case of uncooperative weather.

        ◆  Your Workshop Supplies— 
               Allows a Guest to Paint as a Seasoned Artist
Each guest will be outfitted with a French plein air easel. These easels are most efficient and outdoor hardy. Not only do the easels hold all the brushes and paints, the easels are equipped with an umbrella to prevent glare on your canvas (that is problematic while painting outdoors). A canvas pack carries the rest of your materials, water, sketchpad, palette, etc. Lastly, a small leather tripod stool for seating accompanies each easel.

          ◆   Medium
Our painting medium will be Acrylic. As much as Oils are enjoyed in a workshop format, Acrylic is practical. Acrylic dries quickly (Oils may take months) and can be transported safely. Also, for a person to continue painting without a full studio setup at home Acrylic works well. If you have experienced painting in Acrylic and found it frustrating because the drying time is too quick you will be delighted in learning new techniques that take Acrylic to a more viscous level. If you prefer another medium you are welcome to bring your personal supplies.
“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” 
Pablo Picasso