We will be working with live animals so come prepared for some interesting moments! Besides the Cooper’s three horses we will have access to a plethora of animals, including dogs, sheep, chickens, burros and giraffes. (just kidding).

A note to our students: To ensure that the workshop will not be canceled, we kindly request that you sign up as early as possible. Please note that if the minimum number of students required is not met three (3) weeks before the first day of class, the workshop will be canceled. However, we offer a full refund in the event of a canceled workshop, so there is no monetary risk for you. Please take some time to review our cancellation policy.

About the Workshop

Skill level: Experience Beginners and above

Materials used: Oil and water-soluable oils accepted. Acrylics: Johanne recommends Open Acrylics and some type of medium. 

Here’s a special opportunity to paint an array of animals from life. Bluebird Studio is situated adjacent to their Horse Barn which gives you almost 24/7 access to their horses. Not only that but there’s a sheep farm next door and of course (!) there will be a dog or two during this 4 day workshop. We’re also searching out an additional surprise. We will immerse and surround ourselves with animals. Sounds heavenly don’t you think?

You can try your hand at all the animals or focus on a specialty. Demos will cover all subjects. If you only want to paint dogs no problem. Johanne leaves no student behind. We will have a chance to explore shapes, textures, personalities as well as basics such as value. And let us not forget the value/color relationship. Subject may change painting principles never change.

Don’t be overwhelmed by this idea. It’s easier than you think. Believability is more important than accuracy. The point is to find life in your paintings even if you go back home and paint from photographs. This instructor is well known to combine serious work disguised as fun tasks.

Some form of art has always found a place in Johanne’s life and animals of all sorts captured her attention. As a child, she was well known in her neighborhood for visiting all the neighbors dogs and cats and even collecting a few along the way. What she didn't realize was that she couldn't keep them!

Her art development was self-directed but took a complete turnaround when she discovered Richard Schmid and The Putney Painters in VT. After many years of invites to Putney Painters Days and numerous workshops she was asked by Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik to become an official member. This was life altering. Richard’s generous spirit inspired members to pass on their knowledge, and led to Johanne’s desire to teach. She had decades of experience in marketing teaching, writing and nurturing her employees so it was a natural transition.

What’s Included

Bluebird Studios offers an array of complimentary food and beverages during our workshops. Attendees can enjoy an ice breaker the evening before the first day, complimentary continental breakfast served every morning, complimentary unlimited beverages, and afternoon treats each day. We also offer catered lunches brought to the studio or the plein air site (optional for $20), and lastly, our complimentary signature lunch of Frito Chili Pie on the final day. We will spoil you!