Each year I host a series of 1-5 day workshops. From introductory to advanced levels, the goal of the workshops is to present a full art experience, with instruction and demonstration coupled with time for the participants to work on their own. Travelling to a variety of studios and historic sites throughout many communities in the province, workshops are focused on the landscape or florals of some of the most interesting spaces our province has to offer. Island View Studio in Tors Cove, NL, less than 40 km south of St. John's, has been the home base for a number of my summer workshops and it is there that I will be hosting a number of “Painting Escapes” in the coming year. These take a different format from my workshops. Check the website for more news of these later in the year.
Whatever the location, you will find an encouraging atmosphere, individual attention and the inspiration to help you realize your potential.
To broaden the experience, each year I invite a guest instructor/artist to join in my workshop series. The instructors come from a cross-section of the best artists in their respective media, both from the province and from around the world. As they deliver expert instruction and immerse you in the art process, they inspire creativity and dynamism. Keep a close check on the website for information on a guest instructor in oils from Ireland in 2011.
Whatever the location all workshops are designed to allow the participants to explore the painting process, while giving them the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape. The world lying just outside the studio allows the participants to experience colours in the landscape, the delicacy of a blossom, the movement of the ocean and the textures of the cliffs. The goal is to make each session an art experience. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more detailed workshop descriptions.
From her studio in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Margaret Walsh Best offers weekly adult classes. These small-group classes are in drawing, monotype and watercolour, with watercolour being the primary focus. In each 5 week course Margaret draws on a specific theme or technique but encourages the participants to learn from doing and from each other.
Please contact Margaret Walsh Best with any questions or to register for any of the workshops listed below.
You may reach her by e-mail at mmbest@nl.rogers.com or by phone at 709-753-2643.
*Registration can be completed with MC or Visa by telephone. A Cancellation Policy can be found below.
Title: A Very Early Spring Level: Intermediate or Advanced
Dates: Thursday & Friday, January 27 & 28th (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John's, NL Instructor: Margaret Walsh Best
Cost: $160 + HST
As you think longingly of spring blossoms, learn a new technique for creating multitudes of blossoms, using masking fluid and very loose, background washes. This will be lots of fun as you create your own spring garden. Check out "Spring Glow: Tulips" and "Purple Twilight" to get some idea of the technique we will work with in this 2 day workshop.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Simplifying Watercolour Level: Introductory
Dates: Saturday, January 29th (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John's, NL Instructor:Margaret Walsh Best
Supplies: Paints, brushes, paper, etc., are all included in this introductory course.
Cost: $85 + HST (Includes supplies)
This introductory workshop is designed for those who have had little or no experience in watercolour as well as for those who have painted in acrylic or oils or other media and want to experience the possibilities of watercolour. It will focus on the materials and tools that will contribute to your success and then move into demonstration and practice of watercolour techniques. Lots of exciting things to learn about this medium!
No drawing skills necessary!
Concerning supplies: Paints, brushes, paper, etc., are all included in this introductory course. It is suggested that you not buy materials beforehand since part of the introduction will deal with the materials that can give you the best results. If you already have watercolour supplies (brushes, paper, etc.) please bring them along; you will have an opportunity to do some comparison during the day.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Keeping a Limited Palette Level: Beyond Basics
Dates: Sunday, January 30th (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John's, NL Instructor:Margaret Walsh Best
Cost: $85 + HST
Do you have dozens of tubes of watercolour paints and wonder why they are in your collection? Colour is a major tool of painting but keeping your palette limited and knowing how you can use this smaller grouping of pigments to your best advantage will make your painting experience much more enjoyable.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Plants from the Emigrant Trail Level: Beyond Basics - Intermediate
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 24th & 25th, 2011 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Location: Regina Mundi Cultural Centre, Renews, NL Instructor:Margaret Walsh Best
Cost: $160 + HST
The Newfoundland Emigrant Trail relates to the path of migration of thousands of immigrants to Newfoundland from Ireland. The subject for the workshop will be plants of this trail which now border the roads and pathways or live happily in home gardens in Renews, on the Southern Shore, NL. These non-native plants are some of those which came here many years ago with our Irish immigrants and are now basic in the landscape. This workshop is at a Beyond Basics level, designed for anyone who has had an introduction to watercolour. The hours will be 10:00 am-4:00pm and it will be held in the Regina Mundi Cultural Centre.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Landscapes in Oil - Where to Start Level: Introductory or Refresher
Dates: Friday, January 29th, 2010 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John’s, NL Instructor: Gerald Squires
Supplies: (paints, canvas boards, etc.) will be on hand for those who do not have them.
Cost: $80 + hst
This workshop is designed specifically for those attending the September 2010 workshop in Ireland, Part I of which will be landscapes in oils with Irish artist Andrea Jameson.
In preparation for this the January 29th workshop will be a refresher or introduction to oil painting with acclaimed Newfoundland & Labrador artist Gerald Squires.
In 1999 Gerry was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy and appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. He received the Golden Jubilee Award from Her Majesty the Queen in 2003.
In 2008 he was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Art Council's Hall of Honour. A major retrospective of his work wasmounted by the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998. In 2008 a solo exhibit "My Landscape" was held at the Granary Gallery in Waterford, Ireland.
In this one-day workshop Gerry will introduce oils and concentrate on techniques for landscapes.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Simplifying Watercolour Level: Introductory
Dates:Saturday, January 30th (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John’s, NL Instructor:Margaret Walsh Best
Supplies:Paints, brushes, paper, etc., are all included in this introductory course.
Cost: $85 + hst
This introductory workshop is designed for those who have had little or no experience in watercolour as well as for those who have painted in acrylic or oils or other media and want to experience the possibilities of watercolour. It will focus on the materials and tools that will contribute to your success and then move into demonstration and practice of watercolour techniques. Lots of exciting things to learn about this medium!
No drawing skills necessary! It is in your best interest not to buy materials beforehand
since part of the introduction will deal with the materials that can give you the best
results. If you already have watercolour supplies (brushes, paper, etc.) please bring
them along; you will have an opportunity to do some comparison during the day.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Understanding Colour Level: Beyond Basics in Watercolour
Dates:Saturday, January 31st
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John’s, NL Instructor:Margaret Walsh Best
Cost: $80 + hst
Colour is a major tool of painting. This workshop will help you understand the pigments, why particular colours work well together, how to achieve subtle as well as vibrant colours, how to make decisions on colours for your work (colour triads) and how to use the colour wheel to its best advantage.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Landscapes in Oil - Where to Start Level: Introductory or Refresher
Dates:Friday, February 1st, 2010
Location: MUN Botanical Garden, St. John’s, NL Instructor:Gerald Squires
Cost: $80 + hst
This workshop will be a refresher or introduction to oil painting with acclaimed Newfoundland & Labrador artist Gerry Squires.
In 1999 Gerry was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy and appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. He received the Golden Jubilee Award from Her Majesty the Queen in 2003. In 2008 he was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Art Council's Hall of Honour. A major retrospective of his work was mounted by the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998. In 2008 a solo exhibit "My Landscape" was held at the Granary Gallery in Waterford, Ireland.
In this one-day workshop Gerry will introduce oils and concentrate on techniques for landscapes. Supplies (paints, canvas boards, etc.) will be on hand for those who do not have them.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Linocut Printmaking with Audrey Feltham Level: Beyond Basics
Dates:Monday- Wednesday, July 5, 6 & 7, 2010
Location: St. Michael's Printshop, Harbour Drive, St. John's Instructor:Audrey Feltham
Medium:Printmaking/Linocut
Cost: $225 + hst(Includes $15 ink charge)
Audrey Feltham is an experienced and internationally acclaimed printmaker. Check out her website at www.atelierwest.ca to read about the extensive listing of residencies and exhibitions which she is involved in for 2010.
This workshop is designed for printmakers with some experience. The workshop will cover multiple block printing, including registration of multiple blocks. Participants should have a clear idea of their image before they come to the workshop so as to limit time spent on design. Multiple block printing will allow you to experiment with colour choice and additive mark making (with the possibility of adding additional blocks to your image) at some point in the future. The $15 cost of printing ink is included in the workshop registration. Paper and lino blocks will be available for purchase on site. If participants do not have their own cutting tools, these can be ordered in advance so that they can also be on site for the start of the workshop.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Simplifying Watercolour Level: Introductory
Dates:Monday, July 12, 2010
Location: Signal Hill at the Battery Hotel, St. John's Instructor:Margaret Best
Medium:Watercolour
Cost: $85 (Includes supplies)
This introductory workshop is designed for those who have had little or no experience in watercolour as well as for those who have painted in acrylic or oils or other media and want to experience the possibilities of watercolour. It will focus on the materials and tools that will contribute to your success and then move into demonstration and practice of watercolour techniques. Lots of exciting things to learn about this medium! No drawing skills necessary!
Concerning supplies: Paints, brushes, paper, etc., are all included in this introductory course. It is suggested that you not buy materials beforehand since part of the introduction will deal with the materials that can give you the best results. If you already have watercolour supplies (brushes, paper, etc.) please bring them along; you will have an opportunity to do some comparison during the day.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Workshops # 7, 8 & 9 are a continuation of the series entitled "A Brush with History" with Margaret Best. The sense of history, interesting landscapes and plants and enthusiastic artists is always a winning combination. From the gardens of the Colony of Avalon Archaeological Site and the Lighthouse in Ferryland to Government House in St. John’s, Hawthorn Cottage in Brigus and Battle Harbour on the southeast coast of Labrador, the inspiration is unbounded. This year’s workshops will take place amidst the 550 million year old rock of historic Signal Hill in St. John’s. These rocks that were witness to so much of our history will be the focus of Workshops #7 and #8. Workshop #9 will bring us across the Atlantic for an exciting workshop in County Waterford, Ireland, the birthplace of many of our ancestors.
Title: 550 Million Year Old Rocks Workshop Series: A Brush with History
Level: Beyond Basics - Advanced
Dates:Tuesday & Wednesday, July 13 & 14, 2010
Location: Signal Hill at the Geo Park with studio space at The Battery Hotel, St. John’s
Instructor:Margaret Best
Medium:Watercolour
Cost: $160 + hst
Get up close and personal with the 550 million year old exposed rock of Signal Hill, a world-famous National Historic Site. On Day 1, there will be a brief presentation at the Johnson Geo Centre on the rock structures followed by the introduction and demonstration of a technique of painting rock which uses a neutral tint watercolour to establish form and create texture. On day 2 participants will use washes of watercolour to bring the personality of the rocks to life. The group will work indoors at The Battery Hotel and outdoors in the nearby area outside the Johnson Geo Centre, all on Signal Hill.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Botanical Wonders of Signal Hill Workshop Series: A Brush with History
Level: Beyond Basics - Advanced
Dates:Thursday & Friday, July 15 & 16, 2010
Location: Signal Hill at the Geo Park with studio space at The Battery Hotel, St. John’s
Instructor:Margaret Best
Medium:Watercolour
Cost: $160 + hst
Fifty to sixty species of wild plants can be found growing happily among the rocks of the Johnson Geo Park on Signal Hill. During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity of creating a composition using the outcroppings of 550 million year old rock as the perfect background for one of these plants. This 2-day workshop is the perfect continuation of workshop # 8 but can be done on its own.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
Title: Ireland Art Vacation Workshop Series: A Brush with History
Level: Beyond Basics - Advanced
Medium: Oil & Watercolour
Dates:September 12-17, 2010
Location: Cappoquin, County Waterford, Ireland
Instructor:Andrea Jameson (oils) & Margaret Walsh Best (watercolour)
Medium:Watercolour
Cost: $160 + hst
If you haven't experienced Ireland, this September is the time to be part of a fabulous art vacation, with time to see a large area of the country and become familiar with much of what makes Ireland famous. Take part in workshops to capture this outstanding landscape on paper & canvas.
The home base for this 6 day workshop is the historic Tourin House property in Cappoquin www.tourin-house.ie ,near Lismore in County Waterford.
Excursions through the countryside and to the coast will give limitless inspiration. The first 3 days will be in oil with Irish artist Andrea Jameson (www.andreajameson.com) and the latter 3 days in watercolour with Newfoundland & Labrador artist Margaret Walsh Best. Accommodations have been arranged at the beautiful Balleyrafter House Hotel nearby www.ballyrafterhouse.com and a 5-day mini coach tour with Royal Irish Tours will follow the workshop.
The completion of the organized tour and art vacation will be after breakfast on September 24th.
To register or for more details, please call 753-2643 or e-mail info@margaretwalshbest.com
*Visa and MasterCard accepted
*HST will be applied to all workshop fees
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations will be subject to a $25 fee per person up to 2 weeks prior to the workshop start date. Thereafter, up until 3 days before the workshop day, there will be a cancellation fee of half the workshop registration fee unless someone takes the place of the cancelled person in which case just $25 will apply. No adjustments (refunds or transfers) will be issued for cancellations within the final three days prior to the start date unless a replacement can be found to fill your place, in which case the $25 fee will apply.
