The sky is not only a source of light but inspires landscape painting and can effectively set a mood for the whole.  Clouds in the sky add drama and create a sense of atmosphere.  Peter will provide you with insights into the properties of the sky: its ability to create light, drama, grandeur and atmosphere.  This course will offer demonstrations as well as personal instruction.  Reference materials will be supplied.

Peter Gough is an internationally recognized artist and has exhibited his work in Scotland, England, United States and Canada.  Peter's work as a watercolorist has received finalist status during the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolor 73rd annual juried exhibition. As a water-based media landscape and seascape artist, he now paints primarily in acrylics. Firmly rooted in the physical reality of the places he chooses, at a moment in time, his paintings are imbued with a luminosity that transcends realism.

Learn to paint in the "controlled impressionistic" style of Charles Gruppe' that combines clean color with a sense of detail.  The instructor presents his subjects with swift strokes of the brush or palette knife-a technique that is confident, yet carefree.  Observed up close, his paintings look wonderfully loose, almost abstract.  Step back and the brush strokes blend and the images become real.  This workshop provides water-based oil and acrylic painters with insights into this exciting and unrestrained way to paint.  Complete a new painting every day with his quick approach, and learn from daily demonstrations as well as individual coaching.

Charles C. Gruppe' comes from one of America's most respected families of artists.  Charles studied at Yale University and at Columbia and the national University of Mexico.  He earned a Masters of fine art from Columbia University while on a fellowship there.  He was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship grant and studied in Italy where he received an Italian Government Award.  His work is collected worldwide.  Mr. Gruppe' is listed in Who's Who in American art, sponsored by the American of Arts.  Also, Charles comes highly recommended by J'anna Jacqueline.  He is one of her favorite teachers.

July 2-6  Cheng-Khee Chee, watercolour  "Watercolor, the Natural Way"  $525.00

It has taken five years to get this popular workshop instructor to come to Nova Scotia.  He sells out quickly wherever he goes and does not teach many workshops anymore, choosing to spend time painting fine arts and illustrating books.  This may be one of the few remaining opportunities to work with his venerated teacher.

Participants will explore and experiment with a variety of traditional, contemporary, Western, and Eastern concepts and techniques while developing personal approaches to watercolor.  The instructor, a master watercolorist, will begin each day by demonstrating a different idea, technique, or design concept, including traditional approaches, saturated wet techniques, improvisational approaches, crinkling, marbling, and monoprinting.  There will be intensive work in the studio, and participants are encouraged to bring and use sketches and other reference materials.  Throughout the workshop, the instructor will offer practical information, share his personal experiences as the watercolor artist, and help participants develop and clarify their personal artistic sensibilities and directions.

Cheng-Khee Chee is associate Professor Emeritus of the University of Minnesota, a signature member of the American Watercolor Society (Dolphin Fellow), National Watercolor Society, Watercolor USA Honor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America (Master Watercolorist) and many others.  Cheng-Khee Chee is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American art, Who's Who in American Education and the directory of World Chinese Artists Achievements.

Join Mary Jo for an exciting week of painting watercolors.  She will demonstrate daily using flowing color, developing rich darks, strong values, sparkling whites and creating negative spaces for variety and contrast.  Emphasis will be focused on overcoming timidity and learning to paint watercolors with more energy and bold assurance.  One day of the workshop will include monoprinting without the use of a press.

Mary Jo Anzel studied at the school of visual arts, the art students league and Pace University where she received her bachelor's degree.  Artist, lecturer, demonstrator and art show judge, her work is featured in corporate headquarters and private collections throughout the United States.

Her use of bright, vibrant colors blended with an impressionistic handling of the details of her subject categorizes her work.  Mary Jo's work has been published by several greeting card companies; Pictura of Sweden, Kristen Elliot's notes and cards series, and Art Beats which has also published her works for limited edition posters.  Her work appeared in in a featured article in watercolor magazines spring 2002 addition entitled Indirect Painting with Monotypes.  She has written two articles for the Artists Sketch Book Magazine; Painting with Watercolor Crayons, December 2005, and in the Inspirations column, a piece titled Have We Got a Show For You, February 2006.

September 24-28  Art Cunanan, CSPWC, watercolor (Watercolor Bold & Free"   $375.00

Back by popular demand, Art is an elected member of the Canadian Society of painters in watercolor.  A very popular and well-known instructor, Cunanan has traveled throughout Canada, USA, and Europe, giving workshops to art groups and fine art schools.  Born in the Philippines and agitated at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, art work works are in private and corporate collections in Canada, the USA, Europe and the Philippines.

Art is making waves on the Canadian and international scene with his bold and sometimes "explosives" technique of splattering paint on paper.  Students are amazed at how effortlessly the strokes of his brush creates such bright and inviting images.  How the filtering light will lead you from the wilderness to an open space of beautiful panorama.  Students lose their fear and are encouraged to follow his lead.  Always available to help, Art makes his students enjoy the process of creating beautiful ART.