Workshops

Dan Wiemer

Creative Combination: Acrylic & Watercolor

Sep 28 - Oct 3

4 Teaching Days

Description

Returning for the 7th year in 2025

Distilling a scene and using strong design are foundational to a good painting, but seeing differently changes the foundation. In this workshop, you will be challenged to construct strong abstract shapes using a combination of acrylic and watercolor paints that make landscapes come alive in ways that acrylic and watercolor alone can’t achieve. You’ll explore the power of negative shape-making and how to build drama in your scene with different types of contrasts and color. Discover the full range of acrylics, from transparency to opacity, and how to adjust the surface patina to make it combine seamlessly and in ways that add value and contrast to your watercolors. Through demos and instruction this fun, fast-paced workshop will challenge (and hopefully change) how you see shapes and approach your paintings.

Biography

I am obsessed with design, negative shape making and the ruggedness of the north. These obsessions led me to study Canadian painters, most notably Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, who worked primarily in the early 1900’s. The illustrative style is personally relatable to me. Their career paths evolved from graphic designers, to illustrators, to painters. This has been my path as well. Finding rhythm in the landscape has become a hallmark of my work. Rhythm to me is connecting highlight shapes with linked shadow shapes in an interesting way that creates movement and pathways for the eye. My technique uniquely combines opaque acrylic with transparent watercolor that stylizes the landscape and is influenced by printmakers and batik artists. Their approach to creating negative shapes is similar to how I construct and distill my scenes. Painting on location (plein air) and in the studio are different experiences and bring different perspectives to my work. As a past president of the MN Watercolor Society, I saw firsthand the endless variety of ways to handle watermedia. This excited me and drove me to explore and develop the distinctive style I have today. I was fortunate to have two extended stays in China -- painting, teaching and exhibiting. In addition to China, I have painted in Puerto Rico, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and throughout the United States.

Fees

If 12 or more students attend class (all teaching days): $530
If 11-10 students attend class (all teaching days): $580
If 9-8 students attend class (all teaching days): $680
If 7-6 students attend class (all teaching days): $825
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Room & One Dinner Fee plus tax: $485
(There are 5 nights’ accommodations included in the “Room & One Dinner Fee” listed above.)

Download Supply List

Itinerary

Sunday, Sept 28
Check-In to your unit at Dillman’s (check-in time is 3:00)
5:00 Welcome Reception (included in package)
6:00 Dinner at Dillman’s (included in Room and Meal Package. $28 additional for day students.)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday – Sept 29- Oct 2
Breakfast On Own
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
Lunch On Own

Meals are on your own. All accommodations have cooking facilities. You may preorder box lunches and dinners for meals to be taken alone or with your group in: your studio, the lodge deck, cafe, or your accommodation. (Pre-ordering for lunches and dinners is required.)

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session

Thursday, Oct 2
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
NOON Champagne Toast & Dessert (included in package)
Lunch On Own
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session

4:00 Class ends

Friday, Oct 3
Depart – check-out time is 10:00

Optional Events – Sign Up Required / Subject to Change:
Monday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Monday 7:00 p.m. S’more Roast (no charge)

Tuesday 7:30 a.m. Yoga
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)

Wednesday Noon Pontoon Ride on White Sand Lake (no charge)
Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Moondeer & Friends Gallery Tour (no charge)
Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner

Thursday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)

Dine-Around Dinners: Registration required at the front desk, meet at 5:00pm in the main lobby for carpooling.

Day students are welcome to attend the Welcome Reception and Farewell Reception (included in your package). You are also invited to join the class dinners (additional fee). PAL’s (Participants at large) can vacation at Dillman’s for $40 per night for accommodations. Costs for box lunches and dinners are additional.