Welcome to the Plein Air in the Parks artist retreat website. We are very excited to offer such a unique artistic experience.
These artist retreats will focus on plein air painting in our national and state parks & preserves. These are true "retreats", not workshops. Our retreats are usually full of experienced plein air painters so it is like taking a workshop with 10 instructors during Peer Critique time! Note: the Yellowstone Park retreat at Lamar Buffalo Ranch is best for beginners as we have a planned learning curriculum each day.
Each full day will begin with breakfast then a field trip into the Park or a group paint-out near our lodge, were you can explore, experience and create some beautiful landscape paintings. We will paint for a few hours then lay out our paintings to do Peer Critiques while we have a sack lunch (or eat in the kitchen if we have stayed at the lodge). This is your chance to share your work with other like-minded participants who share a passion for nature, art, and creative exploration. If we are on a field trip, we will stop once or twice on our way back to the lodge at beautiful locations for quick memory studies or photo opportunities. If you are struggling with anything, this after-lunch time is when we can provide you with instruction so you can practice new skills before you use them out in the field. The afternoon and evening is your "me time" to either rest, paint at a location of your choice or paint again with some of the other retreat participants. Afternoons are mostly windy and can be frustrating to plein air paint in so this is also a good time to do memory studies and take reference photos for future studio pieces that will remind you of your retreat.
We are a married couple who co-facilitate plein air painting retreats. During these retreats, you will have the opportunity to explore different art mediums, if you wish. Our sponsor, M. Graham, offers a set of colors in oil, acrylic, watercolor and gouache.
Everyone is welcome, from the true beginner to seasoned artists. This is an opportunity to strengthen your artistic approach, by developing a deeper understanding of your natural world through direct observation.
This escape into a serene environment encourages you to be inspired by the geology, botany, and wildlife of these wonderful locations. Artists have always had the ability to elicit emotion and connection to the natural world through their works. We hope you will find YOUR connection with nature.
Bring your medium of choice. Caution: All art supplies must be non-toxic.
Looking forward to a great retreat!
Daniel & Kara Hidalgo