Do you need an inspired idea for a last minute holiday? Have you always wanted to take up painting, but never found the time? Do we have a suggestion for you!

Amidst a flurry of activity that includes the daily documentation of her numerous and extensive collections, and a subsequent soon-to-be-published book about this very project (both of which we've written about recently),
Lisa Congdon has somehow managed to make time in her busy schedule to lead a 3-day/4-night retreat and painting workshop for Angela Ritchie’s ACE Camps. It is to be held at the magical-looking Whisper Canyon Ranch in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, this coming October 7th – 11th. The workshop is titled It’s What You See that Matters (a quote from the ultimate nature-lover, Henry David Thoreau).

From the ACE Camps website:

Join Lisa to explore how to create your own paintings of the natural world—as you see it—through your own distinct vantage point. Lisa will lead the group in exercises designed both to help participants see the idiosyncrasies in the natural world and to draw and paint them in their own unique ways. Participants will learn to recognize and honor their own personal perspectives and translate them into their paintings and drawings.

All levels of artistic experience and ability are welcome, and the (long) weekend will include forest-wandering, group discussion, and guided exercises in both drawing and painting. You can learn more about this really special adventure here, and – if it sounds like your cup of tea – register here. But hurry! October is fast-approaching, and the cut-off for the workshop is just fifteen people.