Pam Wenger: "Quick Sketch Portraits in Watercolor"

Class description: "Painting portraits in watercolor can seem like a daunting task, but many of us can’t resist the urge to try it. We may have a loved one who we’d like to paint or we may simply be drawn to the challenge of capturing an interesting character on paper. It’s so easy to “tighten up” our portrait paintings because of our focus on “getting it right”.

In this Four Day workshop we will focus on loosening up the portrait painting process and working to achieve a more relaxed look that highlights the beauty and freshness of the watercolor medium. I'll share my process with you and encourage you to create your own.

I’ll be providing a packet to workshop participants that will include:

• Partially pre-drawn portraits, printed on watercolor paper, for you to work on as part of our exercises - You will finish the drawings, but the basics will be there so we can spend the majority of our time painting. (Of course, if you prefer to work completely freehand, that is fine. ) The references we’ll be working with will cover a range of ages and skin tones. I'll be providing the references in advance, though - so you are welcome to use your own watercolor paper.

• Small samples of the paints I use regularly (and that I usually end up sharing at workshops)

• Printed photo references of the models we will be painting

• Reference sheet with my painting/drawing tips and technology tips

The 4 day format of the workshop will give us time to practice the techniques we are exploring. 

• Days 1 and 2 -  you will paint from my references, using the partially pre-drawn portraits I provide. 

• Days 3 and 4 - you will work from your own reference(s) on your own paper. You may want to try a larger work involving composition and background elements if you are a more seasoned painter.

This workshop will be a combination of demo and hands-on portrait work. 

Tech Tips: I'll introduce several technology tools to use to help you with your portrait drawings and paintings and give you resources so you can follow up after the workshop.

Students should be comfortable with painting in watercolor, but do not need to have experience with portrait painting."

Artist Website

Workshop Fee: $750

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

Student Capacity: 15

All Levels Welcome with some experience

Materials List

I'll be providing the drawings and watercolor paper for Days 1 and 2 as well as some samples of the colors I use. You'll need your usual watercolor painting supplies including:

• your normal painting palette (with the colors you typically use)

• brushes (I like to use the King Arts Max Round - #10 or larger https://www.kingartco.com/products/kingart-original-gold-9020-series-golden-taklon-ultra-round-1?variant=12366646509591 ) I'll have some of these for sale at the workshop.

• water containers

• pencil, kneaded eraser

• anything else you normally would have available when painting.

• Here's a list of the colors in my palette in case you want to have some of these in advance (and not rely on my tiny samples for trying the colors I suggest)

• Winsor Yellow Deep

• VermilionHue (Holbein)

• Alizarin Crimson (prefer Daniel Smith)

• Burnt Sienna (Holbein)

• Raw Sienna

• Quinacridone Coral

• Quinacridone Magenta

• Quinacridone Violet

• Mineral Violet

• Peacock Blue

• Cobalt Blue

• Indigo

• Hookers Green (Holbein)

What’s Included in Your Workshop Stay

The workshop with full room + board provides a simple “show up and paint” experience:

• Workshop instruction and programming

• Lodging at The Landgrove Inn

• Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners (gratuity for meals included)

• Welcome reception on the first night with complimentary drinks

All meals are shared together as a group—what transforms these retreats into a true creative community experience.

Note: Not everyone attending 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.

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. Most participants extend with the additional night.

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

2) Occupancy (how many people in the room?)

The booking system defaults to single occupancy, which includes:

✅ Lodging + full meal package + gratuity for one person

✅ One workshop registration included

Two guests may share the same room during the workshop. A booking for two guests includes:

✅ Lodging + full meal package + gratuity for two people

✅ One workshop registration included

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

3) Dietary Needs / Special Requests

During checkout, please add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field so we can prepare appropriately. You may double-confirm any special requests by emailing us: info@thelandgrove.com 

Ready to Book?

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

Local Vermonter Option

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 and a $50 program fee, plus one of the following meal plan options (including 20% gratuity):

• Workshop Lunch ($27.50/day)

• Workshop Lunch & 3-Course Dinner ($81.00/day)

Transportation to The Landgrove

If driving in winter or mud season (January to early May), we recommend a 4x4 or all-wheel drive vehicle.

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/