Donna Downey - The Vibrant & Colorful Painter

      Glastonbury, CT, USA

      AR
      Artists Rising
      • Email address verified
      8 reviews
      Oct 9 - 13, 2022
      Group size: 4 - 14
      Donna Downey - The Vibrant & Colorful Painter
      Glastonbury, CT, USA

      Artists Rising
      • Email address verified
      8 reviews

      Oct 9 - 13, 2022
      Group size: 4 - 14

      About this trip

      We will be embracing the beautiful change of season in picturesque Glastonbury, Ct. at The Connecticut River Valley Inn and Artists Rising Creativity Retreats. Join us for 5 days of artful nourishment, chef prepared meals on our beautiful historic property in the historic town of Glastonbury, CT with direct river access.  Guests will have 24/7 access to the studio and the grounds, with opportunities to kayak, bike, paddleboards and add-on excursions. Enjoy unlimited laughter and friendship with kindred spirits while we learn The Vibrant & Colorful Painter from Donna Downey.

      The Vibrant & Colorful Painter

      Flowers! Honestly when I paint flowers I feel empowered. They can be any shape, size, color,

      abstract or simple. However, the true magic of painting flowers happens when the artist

      embraces the simple techniques I will share with you in this course.


      Like abstract art, I believe we emote as floral painters by the brush marks and the intensity of

      color we leave on the canvas. I will teach you how to make the painted marks emerge as bold

      blooms, the layered strokes become simplified petals and the apply color to create vibrations of

      energy that reach beyond the surface and differentiate your work from the ordinary.

      I will guide you to paint freer and more confidently as color, composition and form transform into fluid movement across your canvas.

      About Donna Downey

      I consider myself to be on a creative journey that continues to surprise me every time I step in front of my canvas. My paintings continue to evolve in style and technique, but one thing stays constant: I am in love with painting the human figure.  I use unfinished lines and painterly strokes to express the emotional vulnerability of human existence in everyday life. The impermanence and fragility of life is the essential focus of my work.


      I love to experiment with either a monochromatic palette or an explosion of vibrant colors, depending on my mood.  The process of applying paint to canvas is an emotional experience for me and I even find it a bit sexy.  Exploring the use of shadow and light as a push and pull of interest for the viewer is a constant theme in my art.  I often start each painting with a simple concept or idea in mind then I start placing color throughout the canvas, letting the colors intuitively reveal the composition.  The paintings develop in response to the energy created between myself and the paint.  I use painting as a meditation and I deeply enjoy the never ending challenge to evoke a particular mood or emotion for the viewer. 

      What’s included

      • Workshop Tuition
      • Guest Rooms
        Guest room ammenities include Towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair dryers, in room coffeemaker, mini fridge, t.v., internet, lap desks, yoga mats
      • Welcome Reception
        Light appetizers and refreshments
      • All Meals and Snacks
        Includes 4 nights of dinner, lunch and breakfast, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer
      • Art Supplies
        If art supplies are included in the price of the retreat, it will show in the description.

      What’s not included

      • Transportation
        Taxis and rental cars available at airport
      • Optional Excusions
        See below for fun and inspiring add-on excursions
      • Art Supplies
        Your instructor will reach out with details on needed materials and supplies. if they are NOT included in the retreat price (under room pricing)
      • Travel Insurance

      Available Packages

      Single Room with Shared Bath

      A room all to myself but with a shared bathroom and at The Cardinal House, an 1800's historic Victorian adjacent to The Connecticut River Valley Inn


      This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 

      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee              $2295

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $253

      Supplies fee 

      (this goes directly to instructor)   $100

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                               $2648


      If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

      $2,648
      Deposit: $450
      Single Room with Private Bath

      A room all to myself but with a private en-suite bathroom and balcony in the Main House


      This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 

      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee              $2650

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $292

      Supplies fee 

      (this goes directly to instructor)   $100

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                               $3042


      If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

      $3,042
      Deposit: $450
      Double Room (Artist)

      Price is per person. Double Occupancy. You each have your own "sleeping nook" with fun and cozy privacy curtains and your own closet for personal items And your own bathrobe. You share an en-suite bathroom


      We assign all students  to rooms based on giving everyone a great space. All double occupancy rooms are in the main property


      This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 

      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee                    $1950

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%          $215

      Supplies fee 

      (this goes directly to instructor)        $100 

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $2265


      If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

      $2,265
      Deposit: $450
      Day Student

      For participants who don't need overnight lodging. Price is per person and includes lunch only. Doesn't include 24/7 after hours studio use after end of workshop.


      This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 6.45%. 

      Here is the breakdown:

      Single Room Retreat Fee                     $950

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 6.45         $62

      Supplies fee

      (this goes directly to instructor)         $100 

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                                          $1112


      There are no prepay discounts for the Day Student rate

      $1,112
      Deposit: $450
      Double Room (Non-Artist)

      Do you have a loved one who you want to join you but WILL NOT be taking any classes? Use this add-on. This fee includes everything that the full rate includes EXCEPT for the classroom time.


      This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 

      Here is the breakdown:

      Extra Guest                                           $1200

      Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%         $132

      TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $1332


      There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice

      $1,332
      Deposit: $450

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrival

      5pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with appetizers and refreshments.


      Room check ins begin at 3pm

      Your Organizer


      AR
      Artists Rising
      8 reviews
      I've always loved art I've always liked to create I've always liked the hosptality industry I've always loved the water I've always liked to transform spaces I've always loved gardens and gardening I am a die-hard New Englander So we bought a beautiful historic property in the center of a very historic town, Glastonbury with direct river access... Spent years rennovating... Transformed this tired property into a showpiece of Art, design and gardens... Made a home and business reflecting my design style... Have been operatin

      Reviews

      SS
      Excellent experience! Joan Fullerton’s workshop was dynamic and she is a sensitive loving person to be with. The food was delicious, the facilities luxurious and comfortable. The staff and owners very courteous and efficient. Beyond any expectation in every detail. Thank you so much! I would do it again.
      By Sonia S for Joan Fullerton 2024 on Apr 22, 2024
      A great time. Kristy is such a gentle teacher and guiding light. She knows so many tricks and techniques! The Inn was wonderful -- food, ambience, location, owner! And we were blessed with perfect fall weather. A wonderful workshop and week!
      By Nancy G for Kristy Kutch - Colored Pencil: Vivid and Versatile on Oct 21, 2023
      This was an interactive art retreat with colored pencil artist and author Kristy Kutch. We learned many techniques and new uses for colored pencils. We also explored the use of different papers. It was one of the best art retreats I have attended.
      By Tammy W for Kristy Kutch - Colored Pencil: Vivid and Versatile on Oct 14, 2023
      What an enjoyable few days. Michael is a talented, generous painter and teacher. Loved the accommodations and food. Slept great every night.
      By Claire T for Michael Solovyev - Watercolor Landscape on Aug 17, 2023
      Thank you, Claire... it was wonderful to meet you and the other students... I hope you will visit Connecticut again in the future!
      By Artists Rising on Aug 18, 2023
      AR
      This was my first experience with a watercolor workshop. It was everything I hoped for.... full days of painting in a beautiful location with generous and accommodating hospitality. Michael is an excellent instructor who offers patience and encouragement to students of every skill level. I hope to take another workshop with him in the future.
      By Ellen M for Michael Solovyev - Watercolor Landscape on Aug 08, 2023
      I am super happy that your first experience at a workshop/retreat was a positive one. I am aiming to make our workshops and retreats the ones to attend. I hope you can return in the future. Hopefully we will have our greenhouse and lap pool installed!!!
      By Artists Rising on Aug 18, 2023
      AR
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