Pam Wenger: "Quick Sketch Portraits in Watercolor" 2027

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."

Meet the Artist

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love art. Many of my best childhood memories revolve around art projects - either school projects…my own…or assignments my dad was always coming up with for me to do. When I became an elementary teacher there were plenty of outlets for creativity, but it wasn’t until I retired in 2012 that I began to explore painting. I figured I’d try watercolor first because it would be easier and cheaper than oils (both incorrect assumptions!). 

I’m having a fantastic time exploring all types of subject matter, but I’m drawn to portraits and figurative work. I'd taken some art classes in college and some classes at our local art association. I've also had the privilege of working with portrait artist, Ted Nuttall, and of attending sessions with Charles Reid. Both of these artists have had a huge influence on me. I’m also fortunate to count many amazing local artists among my friends. They keep me constantly inspired and challenged to grow as an artist.

My portrait paintings are my real love - it's hard to explain the excitement of trying to connect with the essence of a person through their expression…their pose…their placement in the composition.  When I feel my relationship to my subject matter begin to click in the early stages of a painting, it’s like the beginning of a friendship - it begins to evolve and take on a life of its own. (Of course - there are times when it just doesn’t work out, either!)

I feel very grateful, now that I’m retired, to have the time to pursue my passion for art. Thanks for letting me share my journey with you!

Visit Pam's website   ·   Instagram @pamwenger_art

Supply 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)

Starting Price — All-Inclusive

Workshop Tuition: $750

All Inclusive with Tuition, Room, Meals: From $2,310 per person

Single occupancy · all-inclusive · 5 nights · best prepaid rate

•      Includes workshop instruction, lodging at The Landgrove Inn, three meals daily, the welcome reception, and gratuity (taxes additional)

•      5 nights lodging + full board at $312/night (single, prepaid) = $1,560

•      Workshop fee = $750

•      Bringing a companion? Add just $114/night for their lodging, meals and gratuity. Also taking the workshop? Just add another workshop fee.

Prefer to spend a little less time away? You can check out on the final workshop day for 4 nights instead of 5 — subtract $312/night (single occupancy). See the FAQ.

What’s Included

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

•      Four 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 drawing session

•      Lunch (communal) 12:30 PM

•      Afternoon drawing 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.

Mini-FAQ

Can I check out earlier?

Yes. The package runs through the morning after the final workshop day, but you’re welcome to check out one day earlier—on the final workshop day, 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.