SUMMER 2010
Here are descriptions of where Mel will be conducting workshops in the summer of 2010. For specific information including class availability, class description, registration, tuition, accommodations, etc., please contact the individual workshop organizers listed on our ' 10 Contact Info page.
Mel's first workshop of the summer season will take place in beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the middle of June where he will be teaching a five-day, outdoor on location workshop for the Creative Arts Center in the charming coastal town of Chatham. Located halfway between Falmouth and Province- town, Chatham offers typical New England scenery...magnificent sea and shore vistas, historical villages, and picturesque streets lined with 18th century homes, cottages, and gardens. There are miles of white-sand beaches with views of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic. The Monomoy Wildlife Sanctuary, which comprises nearly 3000 acres, is a refuge for over 200 species of birds. The Atwood House Museum, home to the Chatham Historical Society, was built in 1752 and has an extensive collection of art and artifacts from life on the Cape since the 17th century. Home to the famous Chatham Lighthouse situated near the elbow of Cape Cod, plentiful painting sites await in this richly historic town. With average daytime temperatures in the mid 70s, this is a perfect time of year for an outdoor workshop "on the Cape."
July brings Mel to magnificent Switzerland for a twelve-day plein air workshop. So beautiful is the Lauterbrunnen Valley that Mel is making a return visit. Situated in the Alps, there are endless green pastures, alpine flowers, waterfalls, and stunning views of the famous Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks. Since Lauterbrunnen is only about 2,600 feet high, there is no need to be concerned about altitudes and July is the ideal time of year to visit Switzerland with average daytime temperatures in the mid 70s. Day trips to the charming alpine villages of Murren, Wengen and Ballenberg with its more than 100 original century-old buildings will make for a wonderful itinerary. Closeby is the village of Gimmelwald, world known for being the home of Heidi. Right in Lauterbrunnen is Trummelbach Falls and its ten breathtaking glacier-waterfalls. We will be staying at the Hotel Silberhorn, which is located in a quiet area yet just a few minutes from the center of town. Providing comfortable accommodations, the Hotel Silberhorn has a beautiful garden and its own restaurant offering excellent cuisine. With countless picturesque sites to paint, Switzerland is truly like no other place in the world. Flying Colors Art Workshops organizes all of Mel's workshops in Europe and Mexico. You may contact Flying Colors (see Contact Info page) for a specific itinerary. Flying Colors is also organizing Mel's workshop in Zihuatanejo, Mexico in January.
Mel heads back to the States to conduct a three-day, outdoor on location workshop for IS183, Art School of the Berkshires in the quaint village of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Located in a historic landmark home, Citizens Hall, IS183 is situated in the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts. Stockbridge was described by Norman Rockwell as "the best of America, the best of New England." Closeby are the beautiful Berkshire Botanical Gardens and the Chesterwood Estate & Museum, which was the 1920s summer home, studio, and garden of the sculptor Daniel Chester French. Stockbridge is a renowned art and cultural center famous for its Tanglewood Music Festival, Berkshire Theatre Festival, and the Normal Rockwell Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of original art by the renowned American illustrator. The Bidwell House Museum, surrounded by 20 acres of beautiful grounds and hiking trails, was built around 1750 and is authentically restored and is filled with antiques. In addition to the numerous galleries, boutiques, historic homes, and gardens to visit in Stockbridge, the Berkshire countryside offers many walking, hiking, and cycling trails. This weekend workshop (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) is ideal for those whose schedules don't allow for a five-day workshop. It makes for a great summer painting holiday.
Mel's summer schedule continues with a return visit to Greenville, New York in August to conduct a five-day, indoor/outdoor workshop for Hudson River Valley Art Workshops. Situated in the foothills of the beautiful Catskill Mountains in Greene County, the town of Greenville offers much in sightseeing and has numerous hiking and walking trails. Located in the center of town is the George V. Vanderbilt Park with its 156 acres. It has over two miles of nature trails that includes a pond, meadows, forest, open fields, and barns, one of which dates back to the 1840s. There are many museums and historic sites to visit. Hudson River Valley Art Workshops owns Greenville Arms 1889 Inn, a quaint bed & breakfast where students are welcome to stay. Offering a relaxing atmosphere and delicious meals, this charming Victorian inn has comfortable rooms, lovely grounds and gardens, and an outdoor pool. This five-day workshop will consist of three days painting landscapes and people in landscapes and two days painting the clothed figure on location. This popular workshop tends to fill up quickly so our suggestion is to register early!
Mel concludes his summer schedule in Mt. Vernon, Washington in the beautiful Skagit Valley where he will conduct a five-day, plein-air workshop for La Conner Art Workshops. Situated between the San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound to the west and the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Vernon is 60 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver. There are numerous national parks, walking trails, berry farms, wildlife, and whale watching in the San Juan Islands to enjoy. The historic downtown has many boutique & antique shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Skagit Valley is home to the largest commercial bulb industry outside of Holland and hosts the Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April where there are hundreds of acres of blooming tulips. La Conner Art Workshops is located in the historic village and artist's colony of La Conner just minutes from Mt. Vernon. The combination of wonderful watercolor subjects...farmhouses, red barns, and spectacular mountain vistas...and mild summer weather with comfortable day- time temperatures in the 60s will make for a great outdoor workshop. Mel always enjoys painting in the beautiful northwest so join him this summer.
CHECK OUT OUR WINTER, SPRING, AND FALL 2010 PAGES.
