Debbie Mueller: "Light-Filled Still Life Painting- A Simple Path" 2027

Workshop description from a previous workshop from Debbie Mueller, changes may apply.

Does your heart sing when you see a light-drenched still life painting?

Do you hit roadblocks when you paint, overwhelmed by all the considerations in creating a well-designed and executed painting?  Do you get stuck, not knowing what to do next?

Are you a painter who is familiar with some basic concepts and skills, such as understanding values, mixing color, and paint application?  Are you an intermediate or experienced painter who would like to advance your skills with composition, color, brushwork and edges?

Come join Debbie Mueller for a 3 day painting workshop where she will break down the creation of a painting into simple steps that allow the painter to focus their decision making and efforts on one thing at a time, leading to a successful piece of art.   

Day 1: A day to play and experiment without fear! After getting a chance to know each other, using a PowerPoint presentation, Debbie will introduce the steps of creating a painting- Idea, Design, Drawing, Value, Color Mixing, Brushwork and Edges.  After discussing each of these topics, she will do a brief demonstration and then students will do a series of exercises to build their skills in these areas.   There will be a 1 hour lunch break in the middle of the day.

Day 2: Students will use the skills they developed on Day 1 to create a still life painting. Debbie will first do a demo of a simple still life painting, reinforcing the ideas that have been presented and giving students a chance to see this process work in real time.   Students will then use the rest of the day to create a painting from a simple set up. Debbie will assist students at their easels.

Day  3 :  Students will be creating a still life painting (or two, depending on their speed) starting from the design stage through completion, with the opportunity to set up objects as they choose, and use their composition skills. At the conclusion of the workshop, there will be a critique where students will choose one of their paintings to discuss. More advanced students can choose to bring objects from home they wish to include in their set up.  This can include objects that carry personal meaning, or even art books, to include a master copy in your composition.  Debbie will supply some basic still life objects that can be used by students.

Students can expect to create two or three paintings during the workshop.

The techniques taught during the workshop will be practiced using still life, but are completely appropriate and useful for any subject- landscape, portrait, interiors, etc.

This is primarily an oil painting workshop.  Acrylics  or Gouache may be used as well, though certain techniques may not work as well with these mediums.

Workshop Fee: $500

Room & Board: Starting at $312/night single occupancy, $426/night double occupancy.

Student Capacity: 15

All Levels Welcome with some experience

Meet the Artist

For Debbie Mueller, the desire to seek warmth and illumination is a primal drive—to find the warmth of the sun, reveal the world, dispel fear, and arrive at understanding, literally, by “shedding light.” Her work focuses on the concept of illumination, allowing viewers to experience light as both a visual and emotional presence, evoking physical comfort and the warmth of memory.

Mueller’s earliest work explored the landscape and built world, and she continues to be drawn to the intersection of these spaces. Her paintings rarely include figures; instead, the viewer owns the vista. She seeks out moments when light itself becomes the subject, painting faithfully while rendering her scenes with intentional simplification and energetic brushwork that preserves the evidence of her hand. Her landscape practice encompasses both plein air painting and studio interpretations of her outdoor studies.

Still life has provided Mueller with an opportunity to work exclusively from direct observation, an experience she finds deeply satisfying. Arranging objects with intention—whether for harmony, narrative, or playfulness—opens a new creative pathway. Light and shadow remain her visual language, while still life allows her to explore themes of nostalgia and color, and even acknowledge her artistic lineage by incorporating images from art books into her compositions. Her unconventional, “top-down” compositions have a modern aesthetic while retaining the loose brushwork that reveals her hand.

Across all of her work, Mueller continues to explore the enduring dance between light and shadow—a source of fascination and delight.

You can learn more about the artist and see more of her work at www.debbiemuellerart.com

What’s Included

A simple “show up and paint” package — full room and board, with everything handled:

•      Three days of instruction and programming

•      Lodging at The Landgrove

•      Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners

•      Welcome reception on the first night

•      Gratuity included (taxes additional)

All meals are shared together as a group — a big part of the Landgrove experience and what makes these retreats feel like a true creative community.

A Day at Landgrove

Arrival day

•      Check-in from 3 PM

•      Welcome reception (wine/beer + hors d’oeuvres) 5–6 PM

•      Introductory 3-course dinner 6–8 PM

Workshop days

•      Breakfast (communal) 8–9 AM

•      Morning painting session

•      Lunch (communal) 12:30 PM

•      Afternoon painting session

•      3-course dinner (communal) 6–8 PM

Departure day

•      Breakfast 8–9 AM

•      Check-out by 11 AM

The Landgrove Setting

You’ll stay in a peaceful historic inn surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest — an inspiring setting that helps you slow down and settle into deep creative work. When you want to explore beyond the studio, you’re close to classic Vermont: Manchester (Southern Vermont Arts Center, Northshire Bookstore), Weston (Weston Theater Company, the Vermont Country Store), plus scenic drives and mountain towns nearby.

Our Cancellation Policy

This policy applies to both the Flexible and Prepaid rates.

If you cancel more than 60 days before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $75 cancellation fee.

• Transfer: Transfer your deposit to another workshop at no additional charge.

If you cancel 31–60 days before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $250 cancellation fee.

• Credit: Receive a credit toward a future stay, with no change or cancellation fee.

If you cancel 30 DAYS OR LESS before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $500 cancellation fee.

• Credit: Receive a credit toward a future stay, with a $250 change fee.

Because our workshops require us to make commitments to our artists well in advance, our cancellation policy helps ensure that we can fairly compensate our artists. We appreciate your understanding and support of the artists who make these workshops possible.

Mini-FAQ

Can I check out earlier?

Yes. The package runs through the morning after the final workshop day (Tuesday, May 11th), but you’re welcome to check out one day earlier—on the final workshop day (Monday, May 10th), and thereby subtract $312 for the last night. Check-out of your room is by 9 AM if doing so, before the morning workshop session. When inputting your dates to book, just change your check-out date to one day earlier.

Can my partner or a friend come along?

Absolutely — companions are welcome and very much part of the experience. The second guest in your room is booked as a companion, with lodging, all meals and gratuity included, for $114/night more than going solo. Many spouses and friends join just for the stay — exploring the forest, nearby towns, the pool, or a book by the tavern fire — while still sharing every meal.

Can my partner or friend also take the workshop?

If your companion also wants to paint, add “Additional Workshop Registration” at checkout, or contact us.

What about dietary needs?

Add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field at checkout and we’ll prepare accordingly. All meals are shared together as a group.

How do I get there?

The nearest airports are Albany, Hartford, Boston, and Rutland VT. Train stations are in Albany NY and Brattleboro VT (recommend Albany if travelling from NYC). For transit from an airport or train station we recommend Mountain Drivers (802.772.5223, mtndrivers.com).

What should I bring?

The supply list is included will be provided ahead of the workshop and covers everything you’ll need to bring. Tables and studio space are provided.

How many students?

Workshops are intentionally small — this one is capped at 15 — for real personal attention and a close-knit group.

Can Vermont locals attend without staying at the inn?

If you're a local and would want to commute to the workshop daily, we will take bookings for up to two workshop participants until 60 days before the workshop (within 60 days we open all available workshop spots for locals). The cost for local attendees is the workshop fee, plus one of the following meal plan options (including gratuity):

• Workshop Lunches ($27.50/day)

• Workshop Lunches & 3-Course Dinners ($81.00/day)

Ready to Book?

Book This Workshop, use the booking widget on this page, or give us a ring at 802.824.6674.