Beyond the Literal - Painting the Spirit of the Land- Artist Retreat

Whether it is the light dancing across the trunks of trees, the colors of a sun kissed dahlia or just the wind moving the clouds across the sky these are the inspirations of a landscape painter. Deena Ball will teach you to paint the essence of the landscape and express your personal vision.

Deena will start by exploring the rich history of artists inspired by the land and gardens of Mount Desert Island. Students will move on to a set of exercises designed to help them zero in on the why of painting. She will provide technical tips, discussions of color, value and composition as well but the main focus will be on creating landscape paintings that connect with others and to do this students need to be able to answer the why. Plein air painting will take place on the exclusive Land and Garden preserve properties. As we learn about both the gardens and the individuals who created and preserved them, we will share in their inspiration. Due to the nature of the painting locations, this will be a small group of painters so there will be plenty of individual attention plus group critiques.

To plant a garden and to create a painting are both leaps of faith. Learn to add a personal emotional tone and impact to your interpretation of the natural world.

Course Fee includes:

• Admission to the gardens, 15 hours of personalized instruction
• Tickets to the exclusive Hudson to Harbor Opening Reception at Bar Harbor Historical Society
• Admission to and a Tour of La Rochelle- a Gilded Age Cottage and home of the Bar Harbor Historical Society 
• Sunday picnic and conversation on the history of the various gardens with personnel from the Land & Garden Preserve at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden 
• Discounted Lodging may be available 

Course Schedule:

• Saturday, August 2nd, 1pm-4:30 pm, Asticou Azalea Garden 
• Sunday, August 3rd, 8am-12pm, Thuya Garden, 
• Sunday, August 3rd, 4pm-7pm TBA
• Monday, August 4th, 2:30-7:30, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden

Sponsoring organizations: Bar Harbor Historical Society and The MDI Land & Garden Preserve