Whether you want to learn to paint, or to brush up on your current practice, Janie will meet you where you are in your skill level and interests. Students will use the bounty of the farm to paint still life paintings. Through the study of flowers, fruits and vegetables, we will explore how light creates form and how to capture it using color and value. We will examine the variation of edges and composition and how to build a successful painting. You will learn color mixing, composition, the value of value and most importantly, the joy of painting. You will leave with improved painting skills, a better sense of color and an enhanced appreciation for light and shadow.

You may use oil or acrylic paint. Janie uses oil paint for the luminosity it affords and longer drying time provides more forgiveness. That said, water based acrylic paint offers more of a “lay it down and leave it” attitude because it dries faster, it is also more opaque. If you have concerns about the health effects or odor of oils, we will be using odorless mineral spirits and mediums, so there is no issue with that. We use gloves because we don’t want cadmium to soak into our skin.

No previous experience is required

The Setting
The workshop will take place in our newly renovated barn studio space, full of natural light and located right off the flower garden and farm stand. Take time before or after class to explore the farm, the beaches, forests, and wildlife that Lummi Island offers. 
Each morning before class we’ll serve our delicious farmhouse pastries, coffee, and tea to get you ready for a creative day ahead.

Bring your own lunch or choose to preorder box lunches from us (we’ll send an email closer to the date for ordering).

Supply Lists (choose your medium):
Oil Paint Supply List
Acrylic Paint Supply List

Please bring your favorite mug/cup or a vase for painting

Janie Lowe Biography

Janie Lowe has worked with color both as a fine artist and as a professional color designer for an eco-paint company. An MFA graduate from the School of Visual Arts and former instructor at Marylhurst University and PNCA Portland, Oregon, she approaches teaching with optimism and encouragement.  Painting can be intimidating; Janie wants students to find the joy she has found in color and light. She currently works and teach workshops in her studios in Portland and Manzanita, Oregon.

Plan Your Trip
August can be a busy time of the year on Lummi Island, so we encourage you to book overnight accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend staying on Lummi in one of the many vacation rentals offered. Take a look at Stay & Sea (20% discount code is FULLBLOOM), RecRetreats, Lummi Island Vacations, Airbnb or VRBO. 

The ferry schedule and directions to the farm are found here for your reference