From Borders to Betweens and Beyond: Plein Air As Information and Inspiration

led by Fred Somers and Kami Mendlik (Host Studio: Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Oberton Education Room)

September 29 - September 30

9A - 4P Each Day

Tuition - $500.00 

 

In this deeply exploratory, yet hands-on plein air workshop, you’ll be mentored by two of Minnesota’s master painters, Fred Somers and Kami Mendlik, as they impart and share their philosophies and approach to studying directly from nature.  Using the Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s dramatic outdoor landscape directly on the Upper Mississippi River, day one will be a deep dive into studying color out of doors as Kami shares her approach using oil paints (applicable to all mediums).  Kami will lead you through a series of exercises to emphasize the importance of gathering the vital relationships of color in the landscape to capture the illusion of light and atmosphere in a painting.  Fred will lead day two, taking the inspiration from out of doors, into the studio, translating the abstract and mysterious onto canvas, and share his unique approach using pastels (applicable to all mediums) to push the edge of creativity to express the mystery of nature.  

 

It is our hope that these two days will fuel and open your creative mind and soul beyond what you might have imagined possible, to help bring your work to the next level!” -Kami 

 

Upon registering, students will receive a complete supply list to bring with them, a course outline and location details.  This workshop is limited to sixteen students, so register early. 

 

Instructor bios  - 

 

In 2008, Kami Mendlik (@kamimendlik) started and founded the St Croix River School of Painting in Stillwater MN where she teaches the fundamentals of representational painting with a special emphasis on color.  In January of 2014 she purchased a 16 acre farm just North of Stillwater, where she converted a 100 year old hip roof barn into her studio and the St Croix River School of Painting's new location.  The property is a landscape painters dream with endless inspiration for painting.  Kami is the recipient of the Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship, 2022 Bronze Medal at the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition, 2022 Author of "Color Relativity:  Creating An Illusion Of Light With Paint", Founder of The St Croix River School of Painting, Creator of Planal Fruit Distinguished Alumni Recipient - Stillwater Area Highschool, AWA, Signature Member American Woman Artists  AIS, Signature Member American Impressionist Society OPM, Member Outdoor Painters of Minnesota OPA, Member Oil Painters of America Member

 

Fred Somers is an Eminent Pastellist in the International Association of Pastel Societies. He graduated from University of Omaha, and University of Iowa, earning BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in drawing and painting. After teaching art at Carleton and at St. Olaf colleges in Northfield and he remained to become a full-time studio artist. He is a Masters’ Circle member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and Associate of Oil Painters of America. He has been named American-Swedish Artist of the Year and Great River Greening’s 2007 Landscape Artist of the Year.  He has taught pastel, oil and watercolor workshops in the US and in Sweden.  His rural Northfield studio / gallery in a “renewed” granary has been featured on tours of historic places.  His pastel paintings have been featured in the North Light Books Art Journey America: Landscapes, Art Journey America: Abstract and Pure Color: Best of Pastels and articles about his work have appeared in The Artist’s Magazine, Pastel Journal.

 

2-Day Workshop - Friday and Saturday  -  David R. Smith, AWS, NWS  – Watercolor Painter (Host Studio: Mississippi Mornings Art Studio)

 

Watercolor Journey 

led by David R. Smith (Host Studio: Mississippi Mornings Art Studio)

September 29 - September 30

9A - 4P Each Day

Tuition - $400.00 

 

Join David R. Smith on a Watercolor Journey outdoors, learning the most valuable watercolor concepts and techniques.  This workshop will save you countless hours of trial & error by demonstrating an effective approach to painting outdoors that will open new doors of discovery and creativity.  David will discuss outdoor equipment options, considerations when choosing a composition, value study options to help prepare for the painting process, and provide numerous demonstrations.  Regardless of your level of experience, you’ll leave with the concepts and confidence to take your paintings to a higher level.  David will demonstrate a wide variety of techniques, including  how to link shapes in a composition based on values, while also learning about edge quality of shapes, the importance of different consistencies of paint, and the different moisture qualities of paper – concepts and approaches that will keep you inspired and eager to explore your new watercolor capabilities long into the future. 

 

Instructor bio - 

David R. Smith began his artistic journey studying Chinese Brush Painting in the United States and China.  A decade later, he was introduced to Western style watercolor painting and was amazed at how enjoyable and forgiving it was compared to working on rice paper.  Ever since, he has been hooked on watercolor painting, and has become a popular artist and instructor nationally and internationally, as well as a sought-after juror.  David is the recipient of the Skyledge Award (the highest recognition awarded by the Transparent Watercolor Society of America), an award winner and signature member of the American Watercolor Society, signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and his work has earned him numerous “Best of Show” awards for both his studio and plein air work, signature memberships, showings in galleries and museums across the United States and abroad, and inclusion in publications including Fine Art Connoisseur, International Artist, and multiple editions of SPLASH – The Best of Watercolor.  With over 25 years of experience as a public school teacher, he is skilled at breaking down complex concepts and skills into easily learned chunks and now enjoys helping workshop participants find success with watercolor.  As much as he loves to paint, he has found sharing his watercolor passion through instruction even more gratifying and he is most rewarded when he hears a frequent comment: “This is one of the best workshops I’ve ever taken.”

Upon registering, students will receive a complete supply list to bring with them and location details.  This workshop is limited to sixteen students, so register early.