Iain Stewart: “From Sketchbook to Studio”

Having taught for many years both at the University level and in the workshop environment I've been able to put together a formula that will show you my process in full detail. My first goal is to make you comfortable. This is your time and I am there to support that. For most people painting is a private process, doing so in a more public environment can create an anxious mind. I tend to try and keep things calm and will encourage you to let go of the fear of performance and embrace the act of creation in a relaxed environment.

When working from life or photography my goal in every scene is to ask myself why I chose the subject and how do I convey that idea on paper. I start by breaking a scene down into its major elements and then allow myself the freedom to reorganize and adjust for as strong a composition as possible. I build on this using thumbnail sketches where I "play" with different versions of the scene. Once I am settled on a workable idea I begin the process of building the scene. I am known for saying a couple of things. First- never let reality get in the way of a good painting. Second- do not let a pencil line tell you where to put your brush. Thinking this way takes a little pressure off of the need to perform well from the start. We are so very good at seeing the bad things in our paintings and terrible at noticing the good bits. I want to show you how to avoid that distraction and plan a painting so that you understand as much as you can before starting in with paint. 

Artist Website

Registration Fee: $800

Student Capacity: 15

All Levels Welcome with some experience

What’s Included in Your Workshop Stay

Your workshop package is full room + board with a simple “show up and paint” experience:

• Workshop instruction and programming

• Lodging at The Landgrove Inn

• Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners

• Welcome reception on the first night

• Gratuity included

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

The Landgrove Workshop Experience

Workshops at The Landgrove are intentionally small and intimate, with a focus on:

• meaningful learning and personal attention

• relationship building with other artists

• a warm, welcoming creative environment

You’ll stay in a peaceful historic inn surrounded by Green Mountain National Forest — an inspiring setting that helps you slow down and settle into deep creative work.

And when you want to explore beyond the studio, we’re close to classic Vermont destinations like:

• Manchester (Southern Vermont Arts Center, Northshire Bookstore)

• Weston (Weston Theater Company, Vermont Country Store)

• plus scenic drives, local shops, and mountain towns nearby

Workshop Agenda (Sample Schedule)

Our workshops are designed to be immersive, relaxed, and relationship-rich — with time for focused instruction, practice, and shared meals together as a group.

Arrival Day (Check-in + Welcome)

• Check-in: anytime after 3:00 PM

• Welcome Reception (wine/beer + light hors d’oeuvres): 5:00 – 6:00 PM

• Introductory 3-Course Dinner: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Workshop Days (Daily Rhythm)

Each full day follows a consistent and supportive flow:

• Breakfast (communal): 8:00 – 9:00 AM

• Morning painting session: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Lunch (communal): 12:30 PM

• Afternoon painting session: ~1:30 – 5:00 PM

• 3-Course Dinner (communal): 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Exact timing may shift slightly based on demonstrations, group needs, and the instructor’s teaching style.

How to Book

Please read these notes before booking so your stay and workshop registration are counted correctly.

1) Choose Your Dates

When selecting your workshop the dates will auto-populate for arrival and departure.

• Check-in (arrival) date is fixed.

• Check-out (departure) date defaults to the final full workshop day (ending around 5 PM). Check-out time is 11am if departing on the final workshop day.

• Check-out may be extended an additional night, to include the final 3-course dinner, plus one more overnight and breakfast the next morning.

  
  

2) Single Occupancy (1 person in the room)

The booking system defaults to single occupancy, which includes:

✅ Lodging + full meal package + gratuity for one person

✅ One workshop registration included

Note: The workshop fee is prorated across the number of nights you book, so it appears as part of your nightly total.

3) Double Occupancy (2 people sharing a room)

Two guests may share the same room during the workshop.

Step A: Change the room occupancy to 2 so meals are included for both guests.

Step B: If the second guest is also taking the workshop, add “Additional Workshop Registration” at checkout.

Not everyone in the room needs to register for the workshop. Many spouses and friends join for the stay without painting. They often explore the national forest, visit nearby towns, ski local mountains, relax by the pool, or enjoy a book by the fire in the tavern — while still being part of the shared meals and community experience.

4) Dietary Needs / Special Requests

During checkout, please add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field so we can prepare appropriately.

Ready to Book?

Use the widget on screen to book, or book from the following link: Book This Workshop

Transportation to The Landgrove

If flying in to a nearby airport (Albany, Hartford, or Rutland) and seeking transportation, we recommend:

Mountain Drivers

802.772.5223

https://www.mtndrivers.com/