Upcoming River Retreat

The River Cottage

A 3-Day Painting Retreat on the St. Croix River

Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota | September 23, 24 & 25 | 2:00–4:30 PM

This is one I’ve been dreaming about for a while.

We’re opening our private cottage home on the river for a small, intimate three-day painting retreat. Join me in the river yard for three afternoons of painting, slowing down, and spending time simply observing the landscape around us.

Each afternoon, we’ll begin outdoors, taking time to notice the changing light, color, shapes, and atmosphere before we paint. I’ll offer a painting demonstration each day and share approaches to working en plein air, followed by plenty of time for you to paint, explore, and work at your own pace.

Bring something that intrigues you. Maybe it’s the river, an old tree, the cottage, the light moving across the landscape, or simply a quiet corner that catches your eye. I’ll help you work with what you’re drawn to while offering guidance and individual attention throughout the afternoon.

All levels are welcome.

The cottage was built in the late 1800s and has some well-loved features and a wonderful sense of history that we’re working with. There are several porch areas where we can paint if the weather brings us rain, and an outdoor table will be available if you don’t have a portable easel.

A natural dirt path leads down to the river, where we’ll have another place to set up and paint. There are chairs by the water, too, if you want to sit for a while and take in the view.

Mostly, I want these afternoons to be about slowing down, noticing what’s around you, and enjoying some uninterrupted creative time.

On Thursday afternoon, we’ll celebrate the work we’ve created together with snacks, conversation, and time to share our paintings.

What to Expect

• Three afternoons of painting on the river

• A painting demonstration each day

• Instruction and guidance in painting en plein air

• Plenty of time to paint at your own pace

• Areas to draw, sketch, and paint

• Individual attention in a small group setting

• Time to slow down, observe, and enjoy the process

• A casual gathering to share our paintings on Thursday

A Few Details

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, September 23, 24 & 25
2:00–4:30 PM each afternoon
Private cottage on the St. Croix River in Marine on St. Croix

Space will be limited to keep this retreat intimate and personal. Once you sign up, I’ll send you the private home address.

I’ll be teaching and doing my demonstrations in oil with an outdoor easel, but you are welcome to work in the medium you prefer. Watercolor, pastel, acrylic, or oil are all welcome. I don’t want supplies to be a barrier to joining us—if you already have something you love to work with, bring it and we’ll make it work.

Bring a portable easel if you have one. If you don’t, an outdoor table will be available.

Bring layers so you can comfortably enjoy being outside, and I recommend tennis shoes or hiking shoes for the path down to the river.

Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and give yourself three afternoons to paint, wander, observe, and simply be.

I’m really looking forward to sharing this special place with you.

Contact me with any questions.

2pm-4:30pm $400 Venmo/Cash/Check/Zelle