Plein-air
Workshops

California

Southwest

France

Students' Comments

"In the first two days, I felt that I learned about massing shapes, which really helped me a great deal as well as selecting a "star." The other thing I found particularly helpful was simplfying shapes and working out the values.

I felt that I learned three ways to emphasize the center of interest in a painting and three ways to use color, which I had never heard about before. I also learned about oil paint, brushes and the basic technique of painting with oils.

What I particularly like about your teaching is that you seem to be able to distill the learning into meaningful chunks that are understandable and then you demonstrate the concept and have us practice it. Your methodology is very effective.

I really like getting your feedback. You give it in a very helpful and constructive way and always let us observe you painting. Thanks!
Andrea Seitz,
former School Principal
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"I received good solid, basic instruction, which I needed as a beginner. I have done other workshops that started too far along for me to get what I needed. Thanks! I can take what I learned and continue to improve.

I appreciate the tips, encouragement and projects that were doable. The studies prepared the final project so well!"
Jan Heinlein,
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"The instruction was very balanced - I'm glad you had us do the little studies - surprisingly, that was my favorite thing!

I really loved it all - the 3 step process was great! Locations wonderful! Loved your color vision - something I want to develope."
Cindy Stiles,
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"I want to thank you for the fabulous workshop. The locations you chose were beautiful, inspiring, and varied. The concepts you presented were exactly what I was looking for, without even knowing what to call them. It helped so much to focus on one or two concepts each day, and then practice integrating the concept into my style of painting. I plan to keep your worksheets handy, and refer to them until the concepts are a bit better ingrained in my approach to composing a painting.

I can now imagine myself creating landscape watercolors that are rich and engaging, that originate by the side of a road or on a hillside somewhere, rather than from a static photograph. This was an essential next step for me, and you helped it be seamless.

Your approach to 'massing in' shapes, and building in a star opened up a whole new realm for me, and I am once again excited about creating watercolors. I am so glad to know you, it was wonderful spending time with you and with Lou. It was an absolutely fabulous workshop.
–Marilyn Holm ,
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"I enjoyed that Maggie & Lou are friendly & outgoing and made me immediately comfortable working with them. Also, that you can go at your own pace and still receive plenty of help/support and guidance.

This workshop was a great experience. I am very glad I did it and can't thank Maggie & Lou enough for everything!"
Joe Oakes,
Sedona Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"Thank you for the great workshop! It was awesome, I enjoyed meeting you and being in your company, and all of your wonderful expertise was very inspiring!

I am glad that you spent
so much time focusing on the compostion sketches! It has really made a difference in what I am able to come up with!"
Eileen Stowe,
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"I really enjoyed your workshop.  You brought up concepts that I have long forgotten and feel grateful that you have refreshed my memory. 

I really loved being outdoors all day drawing or painting.  Overcoming all my drawing fears took so much time and energy ....and still does...but I'm glad for the time and the encouragement that I received in the workshop from both you and the group.  May your attitude in life and work always remain so balanced.  You are an inspiration to me."
–Laurie Levey ,
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"It exceeded all my Dreams!
It was perfect!"
–Deone Knight,
French Alps Plein-air Workshop -artist/participant

"I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and feel that I learned so very much from you. You have a delightful way of teaching and allowing us to each be ourselves,
explore our styles. You're very non-judgmental and at the same time provide useful insight and suggestions. That's a hard balance to strike, especially when dealing with another's creative spirit.

What I liked best -
Your instruction.
You're clear, patient.

The one on one time was most valuable. Being able to watch you
work, invaluable.

Being outdoors, getting practice painting outdoors. The forced discipline of creating the sketches ahead of time really made me think about what I wanted on the page. Letting me do what I want and then showing me how to do it better."
Mary Planding,
Education Marketing Director
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

“I love Maggie's style of teaching, she gives very clear & logical instruction.

Maggie is able to distill the complexity of oil painting into
an easy to understand and doable step by step approach.

After working with her, I now love oils, and my ability to work in this medium has taken a huge leap forward.

Thank you so much for your patient, effective - and fun - teaching!"
Karin Leonard,
California Art Workshops
Open Studios artist & workshop participant

"I loved your workshop.  Painting outdoors can be overwhelming and you taught us how to zero in on something to paint.  I found that so valuable.

I also learned a lot about color and already feel that my first painting after taking your class is so much more vibrant. 
 
It was also so much fun.  I came home each day exhausted and exhilerated.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  You and your husband are both so warm and
friendly and so helpful.  I would recommend your class to anyone interested in painting no matter what their painting level is."
Mary Garon
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"I liked the personal instruction & guidance with demonstrations, the small group which makes it better for personal attention & the beautiful areas we go to paint!"
Michael Brennan,
Sedona & California
Art Workshops
artist/ participant

"The gentle ideas, hints, suggestions, & reminders about the art were presented in such a way that was perfect for my temperment!"
- Heidi Renner,
French Alps Plein-air Workshop, Sedona & California Art Workshops-artist/ participant

"I have some pastels hanging at
Beckmann's Bakery on Mission for the month of February. Thanks, Maggie, for getting me started!"
–Stephanie Martin,
California Art Workshops
Open Studios artist & workshop participant

"You are so talented and make everyone feel welcome to 'do' art with you. I never felt like I wasn't as good as anyone else or that I shouldn't be in the class. You really take each person at their own level and help them improve their skills. "
–Sharleen Boucher ,
California Art Workshops
artist/ participant

Copyright © 2000-2007 Maggie Renner Hellmann. All rights reserved. All Images and Text on this site are copyrighted by Maggie Renner Hellmann.