Painting the Bucolic Vermont Landscape

Friday, September 5, 2025 12:00 PM
Monday, September 8, 2025 1:00 PM

Willow Vermont 369 Dover Road South Newfane, VT, 05351 United States (map)

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Key Elements of Plein Air Painting

Join George Van Hook, a nationally recognized artist, for a three-day plein air workshop. George stresses allaprima painting and using a loose and fast approach to capture the landscape in the first try.

The workshop will include live demos and individual attention. Please bring your own plein air equipment, supports, and media (oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic). We will begin each day with a demo by the artist. At that time, he will discuss composition, laying out the pallet, proper use of materials and all other aspects of plein air painting. We will then break up into groups and paint individually. He will then provide individual instruction helping solve the issues for each artist.

After lunch, he will do a quick demo to refresh the ideas presented at the start. Painters will start a second painting for the afternoon with additional individual instruction. After 4 pm we can simply paint as a group. George has found this to be the most congenial and beneficial experience of the day.

Evenings can be spent enjoying one another’s company in conversation about their experiences of the day.

Composition

The workshop will cover fundamentals of a great composition

Fee options:

Single occupancy: $1,650 per person. Includes accommodation, meals, studio time, model fees, and instructional program. State meals and room tax is not included and will be added at checkout.
Double occupancy (for couples or friends): $1095 per person. Includes accommodation, meals, studio time, model fees, and instructional program. State meals and room tax is not included and will be added at checkout. Please reserve online at the link below or by calling 802-380-4939.
Commuter: $750 per person. Includes lunches, studio time, model fees, and instructional program. State tax is not included and will be added at checkout. Please reserve by calling 802-380-4939.

Reserve a Spot - call 802-380-4939

Careful Observation

Painting with emphasis on color and value

The Schedule

Arrival Day

Arrive between 12pm and 2pm. Get settled into your room and gather at 3pm for the first workshop. An evening meal is provided for residential participants.

Full Day Workshops

With each day, you may choose to continue working on the previous day’s canvas or starting a new one. The instructor will alternate offering instruction and demonstration throughout each day. Lunch is provided for all attendees, including commuters. Breakfast and dinner are provided for participants staying overnight. Free time after the afternoon session will allow you and others to go on self-planned excursions in Southern Vermont.

Departure day

Wake up to a light breakfast followed by a concluding workshop from 9am to 12pm. Enjoy midday brunch in the family-style dining room followed by a brief session to review and critique your work. Head home at 3pm.

Light and form

Create form and shape through an understanding of the light source

Painting from Life

An opportunity to paint from life in changing conditions

Rooms and Amenities at Willow

Willow provides comfortable overnight accommodations. All rooms have dedicated ensuite or hall baths. We are outfitted with all the comforts of a typical guest house — linens, blowdryers, individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Our mattresses, pillows and furniture are exceptionally comfortable. Our soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are organic. We support local craftspeople by supplying Willow with handmade and high quality goods — everything from lamps to rugs have been made by hand. You will feel very much at home.

Meals at Willow

Meals are provided throughout the retreat. Our meals are healthy and filling, made of local organic and natural ingredients. Please let us know if you prefer vegetarian or gluten free options. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.

Area Attractions

Willow is located in the foothills of the Green Mountains on 5 acres of open space. The property abuts several hundred acres of woods with hiking trails. The property has a large pond, hillside garden, fire pit, and a large south-facing porch for lounging and gathering.

You will have time for optional area excursions in afternoons and evenings. On request, we would be happy to organize a group excursion. More information on amenities and area attractions is offered on our website.